Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy A24 4G. We'll get past the spec sheets and talk about what these differences mean for your daily life. I'll do this in a way that hopefully makes sense, even if you don’t have an engineering degree.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table breaking down the key specs, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 162.1 × 77.6 × 8.3 mm | S21 FE is more compact, the A24 is noticeably larger and may be less comfortable in the hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 195g | S21 FE is lighter, feels less bulky for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Minimal difference, both offer similar screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Both are sharp and clear for daily use, with no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 396 PPI | Negligible difference, both are sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 FE has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | S21 FE offers better screen visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm) | S21 FE is significantly faster for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 411,900 | S21 FE provides a much more responsive and fluid experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 FE is superior for graphically demanding tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" IMX555, 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | A24 has higher resolution, potentially more detail but S21 FE has larger sensor pixels for better light capture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE offers better zoom and portrait photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE captures sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.2 | A24 can capture wider scenes |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A24 can take close-up photos |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 FE is more versatile in varied shot compositions. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, slow-motion 960 fps | 1080p@30fps with EIS, slow-motion 120fps | S21 FE records much higher quality video with more advanced features. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 117 | N/A | S21 FE is the only phone with a full professional DxOmark test. |
| DxOMark Score (Selfie) | 127 | N/A | S21 FE is the only phone with a full professional DxOmark test. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode | Basic features | S21 FE has more pro features for photography enthusiasts. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A24 will likely last longer, but battery life depends on real-world usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both charge relatively quickly. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Basic features | S21 FE offers extra charging flexibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Upgradable to 16 | Android 13, Upgradable to 17 | A24 has the latest OS version and will likely receive software support for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 FE will have faster WiFi speeds where supported. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | A24 has more efficient and improved connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A24 supports more satellite systems for location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB | S21 FE offers an option for more onboard storage. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB or 6GB or 8GB | Both offer multiple RAM options for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither allows additional storage space. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | Basic Features | S21 FE provides a richer audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A24 provides a faster and more accurate security experience |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE is more durable and resistant to scratches |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Light sensor, Hall, Proximity, Motion | Proximity, Motion | S21 FE has more environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: This phone is all about performance. The Snapdragon 888 chipset is a powerhouse, making it ideal for gaming and heavy app usage. Its 120Hz display is buttery smooth, and the brighter screen makes it a joy to use outdoors. The camera system, while not the highest megapixel count, is very versatile with a telephoto lens.
- Competitive Advantages: The S21 FE excels in performance, display quality, and camera versatility. The addition of wireless charging is a nice plus.
- Trade-offs: It has a smaller battery and lacks expandable storage.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G:
- Strengths: The A24 shines with a much larger battery and comes with the latest OS out of the box. While its performance is not a flagship level, it offers a dependable experience for everyday tasks and basic gaming. The inclusion of a wide-angle and macro lens offers a versatility that the S21 FE misses.
- Competitive Advantages: The A24 stands out with its longer battery life and newer operating system.
- Trade-offs: It lacks the performance and high-end features of the S21 FE. Its camera is also less versatile and lacks some key features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Gamers and Power Users: The Snapdragon 888 is built for intensive tasks.
- Photo Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system, telephoto zoom, and advanced features make this great for mobile photographers.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter display is easily visible in sunlight.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is best for:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize battery life and a smooth user experience for everyday tasks.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Offers good value for the price and does the job without needing high-end performance.
- Users that prefer simplicity: Offers a familiar phone experience with minimal high-end features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you need top-tier performance? If you game or use demanding apps, the S21 FE is a clear choice. If not, the A24 will work fine.
- Is battery life your primary concern? The A24’s bigger battery means fewer charges and longer usage.
- Do you take a lot of photos/videos? The S21 FE is more versatile, but the A24 can take wider and macro pictures.
- Scenario 1: Need raw power, no budget limitation: the S21 FE will deliver.
- Scenario 2: Budget constraints, you need something dependable: the A24 will deliver a solid experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here's why:
- Performance Matters: As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including editing photos and some gaming, the Snapdragon 888 chipset is a big deal for me. The smoothness of the 120Hz display and the overall responsiveness would significantly enhance my daily use.
- Camera Versatility: While I appreciate the larger pixel count of the A24's main camera and the additional lenses, having a telephoto lens and more advanced video features on the S21 FE is far more valuable.
- Overall Experience: For me, the slightly smaller form factor, brighter display, and wireless charging capabilities all add up to a more premium experience. While the battery isn't as big as the A24, I am more than willing to tradeoff that for performance.
While the A24 is a solid device, the S21 FE has the features I value most, even if it means a slightly higher price point and a smaller battery. I'd carry a power bank if I needed to, but I can't upgrade the processing power after buying the phone.
