Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S23. As a tech journalist with a fondness for real-world performance, I'll break down these specs into something that makes sense for everyday users, not just engineers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key specs, focusing on how they translate to user experience:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm, 177g | 146.3 × 70.9 × 7.6 mm, 168g | S23 is noticeably smaller and lighter, better for one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.1" | S21 FE has a larger screen for media consumption; S23 is more compact for portability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Both sharp and detailed for daily use, no visible differences in clarity. |
| PPI | 403 | 425 | S23 has slightly sharper text and images, though subtle in everyday usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks; both offer excellent visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both; very fluid experience for games and browsing. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1750 nits | S23 is much brighter, significantly better for viewing under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 is significantly faster; better for demanding apps, gaming, and long-term performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,456,671 | S23 is much more performant, offering a smoother experience for heavy tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | S23 handles graphically intense games and tasks much more efficiently. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 3900mAh | S21 FE has a larger battery, which could potentially offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | Both charge relatively fast, but S23 has a slightly better battery optimization. |
| Features | 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | 10W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless, Bypass Charging | S21 FE has a faster wireless charging. The S23 offers bypass charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm) | S23 captures more detail and has superior low-light performance due to larger sensor. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 8MP (f/2.0, 1.0µm) | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for portraits. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm) | 12MP (f/2.2) | S21 FE has higher selfie resolution, but S23 focuses on image quality over megapixel count. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP (f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.0µm) | S23 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm) | S23 captures much better wide-angle shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm) | None | S21 FE has a dedicated Wide Angle + Macro, which enables you to capture close-up subjects and wide scenes |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps, EIS | Up to 8K 30fps, EIS | S23 has superior video recording quality with 8k resolution and excellent stabilization. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 117 | 133 | S23 demonstrates better overall camera performance based on DXOMark scores. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 127 | None | S21 FE has a capable front-facing camera, especially for video and portraits. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 16) | Android 13 (upgradeable to 17) | S23 has a newer OS version with potential for longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the same WiFi generation for fast connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23 has a newer version; more efficient and stable wireless connections to accessories. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | S23 offers superior location accuracy with dual-frequency GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano / eSIM) | S23 supports eSIM for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | S23 offers more storage for users who want to keep large files on their phone. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | S23 offers better multi-tasking performance for apps that consume more memory. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support additional storage, so choose the right option at purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | S21 FE has Dolby Atmos, which gives the audio slightly better spatial quality and enhances audio immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security via fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both offer strong screen protection, however the S23 is slightly more resistant to damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Suite | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Both offer a comprehensive suite of sensors suitable for advanced use cases. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Strengths
- Larger Display: The 6.4-inch screen is great for media and gaming, appealing to users who prefer a bigger screen.
- Larger Battery: The 4500mAh battery might provide a bit more runtime, which is essential for power users.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro Lens: Having a dedicated macro lens allows users to capture more detail in a wide variety of scenarios.
- Selfie Camera: The 32MP camera will appeal to users who want higher resolution photos for social media and selfies.
- Dolby Atmos: Provides a slightly better audio experience compared to the S23.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Trade-Offs
- Older Chipset: The Snapdragon 888 is a generation behind, leading to slower performance.
- Less Bright Display: The 1300 nits brightness is less ideal for sunny conditions compared to the S23.
- No eSIM Support: Users who travel frequently will miss the extra flexibility of having eSIM.
- Lacks the 8K Video: Does not have the capability to record videos in 8K resolution.
Samsung Galaxy S23: Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is a significant leap in speed and efficiency.
- Brighter Display: The 1750 nits brightness makes outdoor viewing much better.
- Better Main Camera: The 50MP sensor offers better overall image quality and low-light performance.
- Better Zoom Capabilities: The dedicated Telephoto lens allows for better zoom quality, compared to the S21 FE.
- Wider Angle Lens: Having a dedicated wide-angle lens allows users to take high quality wide-angle pictures.
- Newer Software: The Android 13 OS and potential for longer updates make the phone future-proof.
- eSIM Support: Ideal for those who want more carrier flexibility.
- 8K Video: For users who want to capture high-resolution video footage.
- Bypass Charging: Allows users to directly charge the phone via the power adapter instead of via the battery.
Samsung Galaxy S23: Trade-Offs
- Smaller Display: The 6.1-inch screen may be less enjoyable for heavy media consumers or users who prefer large displays.
- Smaller Battery: The 3900mAh battery might not last as long as the S21 FE for all users.
- Does Not Have a Macro Lens: Users that want to capture more details up-close may prefer the S21 FE.
- Selfie Camera: The 12MP selfie camera produces high quality images, but users who want more resolution may prefer the S21 FE.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Great for users looking for a larger screen and overall good performance without the flagship price.
- Media Enthusiasts: The bigger display is beneficial for watching videos, reading, and browsing.
- Users Who Value Longer Battery Life For people who need a phone that can last the entire day without needing a recharge.
- Users who want a dedicated macro camera. For people who want to take many close-up photos.
- Users who want higher resolution selfies. For those who heavily use the front-facing camera for social media and portraits.
Samsung Galaxy S23:
- Performance Seekers: Ideal for users who want a fast, responsive phone for demanding tasks and games.
- Photography Lovers: The 50MP camera, along with the dedicated telephoto and wide angle lenses, offers better overall camera quality.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter screen makes the phone easy to use in sunlight, which is great for outdoor activities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: It's a newer device with better specs, newer software, and extra features like eSIM.
- Travelers: The eSIM support is useful for switching carriers when traveling.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- Do you prioritize a large screen and potential longer battery life, or a more compact device with superior performance?
- Is a brighter display and top-tier camera quality a must, or is a capable camera sufficient for your needs?
- Are you looking for the latest software and features, or is an older phone with a more budget-friendly price point acceptable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for social media, web browsing, and occasional photos, and you want a larger screen size, the S21 FE is a good choice.
- For the Mobile Gamer: If you play graphically intense games, you’ll appreciate the superior performance of the S23 and it's better cooling system.
- For the Photographer: The S23's 50MP camera and better telephoto and wide-angle lens, make it better for capturing high quality images.
- For the Power User: If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and are ok with a slightly smaller screen size, the S23 will provide a smoother and faster experience.
My Choice:
For me, it would be the Samsung Galaxy S23. While the larger screen and potential longer battery life of the S21 FE are tempting, the superior performance of the S23 is more compelling. The speed gains from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is a considerable advantage, especially when dealing with heavy multi-tasking and demanding games. Additionally, the improved camera system, particularly the 50MP sensor, combined with the telephoto and wide angle lens, provides much higher quality photos. This, coupled with the brighter screen for outdoor use, makes it the more compelling choice for my daily needs.
Ultimately, the choice between these two phones comes down to personal preference and specific use cases. Both are capable devices that offer a smooth experience, but the S23 is the clear winner for those who prioritize top-tier performance and a better camera system, while the S21 FE is still a great choice for those that want a slightly larger screen size, better selfie camera, and want a more affordable option.
