Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Realme GT Neo 3. I'll break down the specs, analyze their real-world implications, and provide recommendations to help you choose the right phone for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a head-to-head comparison of the two devices, highlighting the practical impact of their technical specifications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Realme GT Neo 3 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 163.3 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm | S21 FE 5G is more compact, while GT Neo 3 is larger and might feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 177g | 188g | S21 FE 5G is lighter, likely more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | GT Neo 3 offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2412 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals; differences negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 394 PPI | Similar sharpness and clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, excellent contrast on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | S21 FE 5G offers better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Dimensity 8100 | Snapdragon 888 offers marginally higher raw power, great for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 855,842 | S21 FE 5G scores higher, indicating better overall performance, but the real-world difference is minor. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Both handle graphically intensive tasks, but optimization differs between games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.88) | GT Neo 3 has a higher-resolution sensor which results in more detailed images, while the S21 FE 5G has slightly better low light performance due to a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP (f/2.0) | None | S21 FE 5G has a dedicated zoom lens, which offers better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP (f/2.2) | None | S21 FE 5G offers a wide angle and macro lens combo. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (f/2.25) | Realme has a dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Realme has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.45) | S21 FE 5G captures more detailed selfies, performs better in low light. |
| Video | 4K @ 60fps, EIS | 4K @ 60fps, EIS | Both offer 4k video with electronic stabilization for smooth videos. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 117 | Not Available | S21 FE 5G has a camera that is proven with high performance in its class. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 127 | Not Available | S21 FE 5G has a selfie camera that is proven with high performance in its class. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | GT Neo 3 is expected to last slightly longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | GT Neo 3 charges much faster, offering less time plugged into a charger. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | In-box 80W charger | S21 FE 5G offers versatile charging, GT Neo 3 has a much faster charger but no wireless charging and no reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Max version 16 | Android 12, Max version 13 | S21 FE 5G is expected to have longer support with newer Android versions. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMo | Wi-Fi 6 | S21 FE 5G has a minor connectivity edge with Wi-Fi MiMo. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | GT Neo 3 has a newer Bluetooth version for better range and performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | GT Neo 3 provides a better location experience by using additional satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | GT Neo 3 offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB, 8GB or 12GB | GT Neo 3 offers more RAM for better multitasking and gaming. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | GT Neo 3 has a slight edge in audio features offering enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 FE 5G offers more durable protection against drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 FE 5G provides more sensor data for advanced functions. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Better Screen Brightness: 1300 nits vs 1000 nits, making it much more legible under direct sunlight.
- Proven Camera Performance: With DXOMark scores, the S21 FE 5G offers verified high-performance cameras in its class, including selfie and mobile photography.
- Versatile Charging Options: It includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and reverse wired charging features.
- More Durable Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection against scratches and drops.
- Longer Software Support: Samsung is expected to have longer software support for the S21 FE 5G.
- Additional Sensors: Features additional sensors such as a compass and barometer that could be useful for some users.
- Dedicated Telephoto/Portrait Lens and Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Offers versatility in photography with dedicated lenses.
- Slightly Better Raw Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides slightly better raw performance than the Dimensity 8100, according to the Antutu benchmarks.
Realme GT Neo 3 Strengths:
- Faster Charging: 80W charging is substantially quicker than the 25W on the S21 FE 5G.
- Bigger Battery: The 5000mAh battery, combined with a very efficient chip, generally offers slightly better battery life than the S21 FE 5G's 4500mAh.
- More RAM and Storage Options: GT Neo 3 has the option to have up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
- Newer Bluetooth: Features Bluetooth 5.3 for better performance and range.
- More Satellite Systems: It uses more satellite systems for GPS, which will be useful if you need accurate location.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Lens: Offers versatility in photography with dedicated lenses.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers enhanced audio fidelity.
- Better Audio Experience: Features dual microphones for clearer calls, enhanced spatial audio, better audio separation, and immersion.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G trades charging speed and battery capacity for wireless charging versatility and a more premium screen protection.
- The Realme GT Neo 3 offers cutting-edge charging and more RAM for heavier users, but lacks wireless charging. It also uses a lower-tier screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User & Gamers: The Realme GT Neo 3 is the better choice due to its 80W super-fast charging, more RAM, more storage, slightly better battery life and better audio experience.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: While both phones have capable cameras, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better option due to its DXOMark scores and dedicated telephoto and wide-angle + macro lenses. Also, the high-performance selfie camera will be better for selfies and vlogging.
- For the Average User: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a well-rounded option, providing a good mix of performance, camera, and versatility, along with the convenience of wireless charging.
- For Heavy Multimedia Consumers: The Realme GT Neo 3 might be better due to its larger screen, longer battery life, faster charging, and Hi-Res Audio quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
- How important is charging speed to you? If you hate waiting for your phone to charge, the Realme GT Neo 3 is the better choice with its 80W super-fast charging.
- Do you use wireless charging? If yes, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the way to go since it's the only phone out of the two to offer this feature.
- Which is more important: Raw performance or battery life? If you need the most raw performance possible, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is slightly faster. If you want a phone that will last longer, the Realme GT Neo 3 has a bigger battery, and is very efficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Traveler/On-the-Go: The Realme GT Neo 3 is ideal with its fast charging and larger battery, ensuring you're always powered up.
- Content Creator: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is better due to its high-quality camera, selfie camera, verified high performance, and wireless charging.
- Casual User: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the most versatile with its good performance, good camera, and great set of features.
- Media Consumption: The Realme GT Neo 3 is a better fit thanks to its larger display, dual microphones, and Hi-Res audio.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Here's why:
I value the convenience and the versatility of having wireless charging, which is something the Realme lacks. The camera performance is very important to me, and the fact that the Samsung has been tested and has proven itself to be a high-performance camera is very reassuring, especially when combined with the versatility of the lenses, which is very useful in all different scenarios. Finally, the screen is more durable, and as someone who is prone to dropping phones, I prefer that extra layer of protection. While the Realme has great performance for gamers and it has great features, for my current needs, the S21 FE is a better match.
