Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy A23 5G. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and break down these devices for you, focusing on what these specs mean for your daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison of the key specifications, presented in a way that makes sense for real-world usage.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | S21 FE is more compact; A23 5G is taller, wider, and thicker. S21 FE is easier to hold in one hand and fits in pockets better. |
| Weight | 177g | 197g | S21 FE is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | A23 5G offers a slightly larger screen for content consumption, while S21 FE remains compact and more manageable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2408 | Both have sharp displays; S21 FE has a slight edge for detail. |
| PPI | 403 | 400 | Very similar pixel density, both look crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21 FE's AMOLED screen delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, making it superior for viewing media and outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE is vastly brighter, making it much better for outdoor use in sunlight. The A23 5G will be hard to see in bright conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | S21 FE's chip is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 418,000 | S21 FE is over twice as fast, making a huge difference in performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | S21 FE has a more powerful GPU for demanding graphics tasks like gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A23 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering better battery life for those who need to go all day without charging. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Both support fast charging. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless Charging, No Charger | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | S21 FE offers wireless charging, and reverse wireless for other devices; A23 has bypass charging to power the phone directly while plugged in for gaming sessions |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | A23 5G has a higher-resolution sensor, while S21 FE has a larger sensor that captures more light, often better in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto for better zoom and portrait photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 FE has a much higher-resolution selfie camera for better detail. The aperture on the A23 5G is slightly wider for low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE has a dedicated wide-angle lens which also doubles as a Macro. The A23 has a standalone wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait/Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 5G has a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 5G has a dedicated Macro sensor. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | 1080p 30fps | S21 FE shoots higher-resolution and smoother videos with more options. |
| DxOMark Scores | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | N/A | S21 FE's camera performance is ranked by DxOMark with scores indicating great photo and video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 16) | Android 12 (up to 14) | S21 FE is expected to receive more OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 FE has newer Wi-Fi, meaning faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | A23 5G has a newer version of bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A23 has support for QZSS for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | S21 FE supports Dual SIMs for more flexibility with multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 0 GB | S21 FE offers substantial onboard storage. The A23 does not have details of storage options |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 0 GB | S21 FE offers good amounts of ram |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion with SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 FE provides a much more immersive audio experience with its stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | A23 has a more convenient and modern side mounted sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 FE has the superior Gorilla Glass Victus, offering better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Compass, Hall | Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor | Both phones come with useful sets of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits of brightness is a huge advantage. It offers better viewing quality, especially in sunlight.
- Blazing Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset ensures incredibly smooth and fast performance, perfect for demanding apps and gaming.
- Enhanced Camera System: The camera setup, with dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, along with a high-resolution selfie camera, produces superior photos and videos.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and better audio quality with Dolby Atmos make it a more premium device.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior performance, display, and camera quality, offering a high-end experience.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: No expandable storage, smaller battery capacity compared to the A23 5G.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery is great for all-day power without worrying about a charge.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 is a slight upgrade over the 5.0 on the S21 FE.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: Modern convenience.
- Competitive Advantages: Larger Battery
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Inferior display, performance, and camera compared to the S21 FE, does not have good brightness, less OS updates than the S21 FE.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize performance and speed, especially for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Those who value a high-quality display for media consumption.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system.
- Users who want a more premium experience with advanced features like wireless charging.
- Use Cases: High-performance mobile gaming, video editing, high-quality photo and video capture, content creation, and smooth user experience for all applications.
- Ideal For:
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Ideal For:
- Users who need long battery life for extended periods without charging.
- Budget-conscious individuals who want a decent 5G phone with some useful camera features.
- Those who don’t need high-end performance or a top-tier display.
- Use Cases: Daily casual use, social media browsing, long hours of battery life with moderate use.
- Ideal For:
4. Buying Decision Framework
Consider these three questions to help make your decision:
How important is performance to you? If you're a gamer or heavy user, the S21 FE is the clear winner. If you need something basic for casual use, the A23 5G can handle that.
What is your budget? The S21 FE offers a superior experience but typically comes at a higher price. The A23 is more budget-friendly.
Do you prioritize display quality and camera performance? If you watch videos or take photos regularly, the S21 FE's superior display and camera system is a better investment. If not, the A23 can take good photos in good lighting conditions.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
The Power User: If you're someone who wants the best possible performance and don't mind spending a bit extra, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better option.
The Battery-Conscious User: If battery life is your biggest priority, the Galaxy A23 5G might serve you well. However, be aware of the drop in other areas of the phone.
The Casual User: If you need a decent, well-rounded smartphone for daily tasks and aren't looking for bleeding-edge performance, the Galaxy A23 5G can do the job.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I'd pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst who loves to explore the capabilities of phones, I need performance, a high-quality display, and a versatile camera. The Snapdragon 888 chipset, combined with the stunning AMOLED screen, provides a fantastic experience for both daily use and more demanding tasks like video editing and mobile gaming.
While the A23 5G has a larger battery, the sacrifices in display quality, performance, and camera are too significant for my needs. As someone who values top performance and overall experience, the S21 FE simply fits the bill. The wireless charging, better audio, and superior camera capabilities are added bonuses that I find essential for my day-to-day use.
