Alright, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the newer S23 FE. I've got my engineering hat on and a cup of coffee, so let's get started.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of their specs, focusing on what they mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-10-05 | The S23 FE is a newer model, with more current software and potentially longer support lifespan. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 158 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | The S23 FE is slightly larger and thicker, which may affect one-handed use and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 177g | 209g | The S21 FE is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 FE's screen offers slightly better scratch resistance for everyday durability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.4" | Identical screen sizes - comfortable for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Identical sharpness; both offer crisp, clear visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 403 PPI | Same level of clarity and detail; good for text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Rich colors, deep blacks, and great contrast on both phones. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations, making interactions more fluid on both devices. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 0 | The S21 FE is significantly better for outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. Data is missing for S23 FE. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S23 FE's chipset is newer, potentially more energy-efficient, but might not be available in all markets |
| Antutu Score | 923,836 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE has higher performance, leading to smoother app loading and operation, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE's GPU offers improved graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | S23 FE captures more detailed photos with its higher resolution and slightly larger sensor. |
| Rear Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Comparable zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | S21 FE has a higher resolution selfie camera, while the S23 FE has larger pixels for better low light. |
| Rear Wide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | S21 FE has a marginally larger sensor, which might help slightly with image quality, but is unlikely to be a big difference |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps | S23 FE supports higher resolution video recording; both have EIS and slow-motion options for video recording. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 127 | S23 FE performs better on average in photo and video capture. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 127 | N/A | S21 FE offers good quality selfies, although no comparison to the S23 FE is possible |
| Additional Features | Night Mode, RAW, OIS | Night Mode, RAW, OIS, Dual PDAF, Dual Sight | S23 FE offers features that improves focus speed and real time effects |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery sizes; real-world battery life depends on usage patterns for both. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support similar fast charging speeds. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Same wireless charging capabilities. |
| Reverse Wireless | 4.5W | 4.4W | Both offer reverse wireless charging, useful for accessories, but very slightly different. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 16 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | S23 FE has newer software out of the box, more future upgrades. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have fast Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23 FE has a newer Bluetooth version, offering slightly more efficient connections and potentially more bandwidth. |
| Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. No expansion is possible for either. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | S23 FE has a minimum of 8GB of RAM for better multitasking |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: Significantly lighter, better screen protection, brighter screen, good selfie camera, and a barometer.
- Competitive Advantages: Its lightweight design makes it a comfortable device for prolonged use, the display is fantastic, and the screen is very durable.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset which is slightly less powerful.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Strengths: Newer chipset with higher performance, higher quality rear standard camera, 8K video recording, and an additional year of software support.
- Competitive Advantages: The newer processor will make this a better gaming and performance phone overall, especially if you are a heavy user, and the camera is very powerful.
- Trade-offs: Heavier, the screen is slightly less durable, and has less screen brightness for outdoor viewing.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable design, value a bright display for outdoor use, like taking selfies, and want a more budget-friendly option.
- Use Cases: Everyday browsing, social media, casual gaming, users who appreciate a lightweight device.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Best for: Power users who value performance, better main camera quality, and want to have a phone with the latest software version.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, professional-level photography and videography, heavy multitaskers, users who want the latest technology.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is weight and comfort? If you prioritize a lighter phone, the S21 FE is your pick.
- Do you need the best performance and camera? If so, the S23 FE's newer chip and improved camera make it a better choice.
- What about software updates? The S23 FE offers more future Android updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you are on a budget and still want a good experience, the S21 FE offers the best value for money.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiast: The S23 FE is the superior choice with higher resolution videos and better camera performance.
- Mobile Gamer: S23 FE is the winner with higher performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Despite the S21 FE being a lighter and more comfortable phone, for me, the improvements in performance and camera quality in the S23 FE are too significant to ignore. I would also like to have an extra year of Android support. As a tech journalist and someone who often pushes devices to their limits with mobile gaming and photography, the S23 FE would be the most practical tool for me. While the brighter screen on the S21 FE is compelling, it is not enough to compensate for the S23 FE's advantages.
