Okay, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy M35. We'll get into the nitty-gritty and translate these specs into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two Samsung phones stack up, with a focus on what these numbers mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-05-24 | M35 is newer, potentially longer software support |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm | M35 is noticeably larger & bulkier in hand & pocket |
| Weight | 177g | 222g | S21 FE is significantly lighter for easier all-day use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | M35 provides a slightly larger viewing area, marginally more immersive |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 | Both offer crisp, clear visuals on the display |
| PPI | 403 | 390 | Both have sharp displays for detailed content |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vivid colors and deep blacks on both screens |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE is much better for outdoor visibility in bright conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Exynos 1380 | S21 FE has a flagship-level chip for faster overall performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 578,500 | S21 FE provides much faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | S21 FE better for graphics-intensive tasks |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | M35 has a significantly larger battery for potentially longer usage between charges |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both offer fast charging capabilities |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 FE offers greater versatility with wireless charging and reverse charging |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" Sony LYT-600 | M35 offers higher resolution; S21 FE boasts larger sensor for better low-light performance |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE offers telephoto zoom for flexible photos |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX616 | 13MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE captures more detailed selfies |
| Wide Angle | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | M35 provides an ultrawide angle lens for wider shots |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M35 offers a macro lens for close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 FE offers a dedicated wide angle + macro lens |
| Video | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | S21 FE offers better high speed video options |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | Not Available | S21 FE has a tested camera performance edge |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom | OIS, AI Engine | Both have OIS; S21 FE has optical zoom & M35 has AI enhanced features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 14 | M35 has a newer base Android version out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | M35 has the newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M35 supports more satellite systems for improved accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer good storage options, no expandable storage |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both offer solid RAM options |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | M35 offers Hi-Res audio; S21 FE has noise cancellation |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | M35 offers a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for easier use |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer excellent screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Compass, Barometer | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21 FE includes additional environmental sensors; M35 offers virtual proximity sensor |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset is significantly more powerful, providing a smoother experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Display: While similar, the higher brightness is essential for comfortable outdoor viewing.
- Camera System: The S21 FE has a more versatile camera setup with a dedicated telephoto lens, better high speed video options, larger standard camera sensor and superior selfie quality, alongside an excellent DxOMark score.
- Features: It offers wireless charging, reverse charging, and a more comprehensive sensor suite including a barometer and compass.
- Premium Feel: Its lighter build makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Trade-offs:
- Battery Life: The smaller battery means potentially shorter usage time compared to the M35.
- Age: It’s an older model, potentially with a shorter lifespan for software updates.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Strengths:
- Battery Life: The 6000mAh battery is a standout feature, promising significantly longer use between charges.
- Newer: It benefits from a newer design, potentially longer Android update support, and has a more modern Bluetooth connection.
- Camera Versatility: The M35 includes an ultra-wide angle and macro lens for versatile shooting scenarios.
- Trade-offs:
- Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset isn't as powerful as the S21 FE's Snapdragon, impacting overall smoothness and gaming performance.
- Display Brightness: The lack of a quoted brightness figure could mean readability issues outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Camera: While it has more megapixels, its overall camera system isn't as feature-rich and proven as the S21 FE.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best for: Users who prioritize performance, a top-tier camera experience, and a premium feel without paying top dollar for a flagship. Excellent for mobile gamers, content creators, and those who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks smoothly.
- Use Cases: Gaming, capturing high-quality photos and videos, and seamless multitasking on apps.
- Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Best for: Users who prioritize battery life above all else. A good option for users who want a reliable device that can last a full day without needing frequent charging. Suitable for daily use, media consumption, and casual photography.
- Use Cases: Extended browsing, watching videos, and basic productivity tasks all day without worrying about the battery, social media, casual photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How much do you value raw performance? If you need a phone that can handle demanding games and intensive tasks, the S21 FE's Snapdragon 888 is the way to go.
- How critical is battery life to you? If you prioritize longevity between charges, the M35’s 6000mAh battery is a clear winner.
- Which camera experience do you prefer? If you value a more versatile camera system with better all-round performance, including a telephoto lens, better high speed video and superior selfie capability alongside a proven DxOMark performance, the S21 FE is the better choice. If you want an ultra-wide angle lens and a macro lens, the M35 has the edge.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you need the best possible performance for gaming, intensive apps and smooth multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the superior choice.
- For the Battery Champion: If you need a phone that can last throughout the day, and even two days with moderate use, without worrying about charging, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the clear winner.
- For the Mobile Photographer: If you're a photography enthusiast who wants a versatile and capable camera system, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the superior choice.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the M35's massive battery is tempting, my personal use case leans heavily towards performance, the better high speed video and selfie cameras and a much brighter display and more versatile camera system, especially that telephoto lens. I also prefer a more portable, lighter design. The S21 FE’s Snapdragon 888 chipset is still a beast, ensuring smooth multitasking, excellent gaming performance, and a consistently snappy user experience. The higher brightness is a game-changer for outdoor use, and I know from past experience the S21 FE's camera performance is excellent. The trade off in battery life is one I would be willing to accept in favour of a better all-round experience. The wireless charging capability and reverse charging is also something I would use regularly.
Ultimately, both are solid phones, but the S21 FE's combination of performance, display, camera, and premium feel fits my needs and I find that more appealing. The M35 is a great phone for different user needs.
