Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S23+. We'll go beyond just the spec sheet and talk about what these numbers mean for you in your daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key differences, broken down into categories, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-02-17 | The S23+ is a newer model, potentially having more modern software and features. |
| Size | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm | The S23+ is slightly taller and wider, but thinner. The S21 FE is a bit more compact for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 177g | 196g | S21 FE 5G is significantly lighter, better for extended use and pocketability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | S23+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Both are equally sharp, suitable for HD content and everyday use. |
| PPI | 403 | 393 | Both have similar pixel density - expect sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Expect smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1750 nits | The S23+ offers better outdoor visibility on sunny days. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | S23+ has significantly faster and more power-efficient performance, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,508,732 | The S23+ is significantly faster for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | S23+ offers superior graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) Sony IMX555 | 50MP (f/1.8) Samsung GN5 | S23+ offers significantly higher resolution, more detail, and better low-light performance on the main camera. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP (f/2.0) Hynix HI-847 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) Sony IMX616 | 12MP (f/2.2) Samsung S5K3LU | S21 FE offers a higher-resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP (f/2.4) Samsung S5K3K1 | S23+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.2MP (f/2.2) Sony IMX564 | S23+ includes a dedicated ultra-wide lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP (f/2.2) Sony IMX258 | None | S21 FE includes a wide-angle/macro combination lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | The S23+ can shoot at a higher resolution for professional-looking video content. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 117 | 133 | S23+ offers a higher image quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | S23+ has a slightly larger battery for slightly longer use. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 45W fast charging | S23+ charges significantly faster reducing waiting time. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | 10W Wireless Charging | Both offer wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, the S21 FE has a higher rate. S23+ has bypass charging, minimizing heat. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 16) | Android 13 (up to 17) | S23+ has a newer version of Android, and future-proof software upgrades. |
| Storage Options | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | S23+ offers more internal storage, better for storing large media collections. |
| RAM Options | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | Both provide good performance for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | S23+ offers faster and more power-efficient data transfer with newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | L1 band | L1+L5 bands | S23+ offers better positioning accuracy with dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The S23+ offers eSIM compatibility for more carrier options. S21 FE only has physical dual-sim. |
| Audio Features | Noise Cancellation Mic | Hi-Res Audio | Both have good audio performance, with different focus (Mic for S21 FE, High-Res for S23+). |
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic biometric security provided by both devices. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The S23+ has newer and improved screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths:
- More affordable.
- Lighter and slightly more compact design.
- Higher-resolution selfie camera.
- Optical zoom for taking portrait pictures.
- Wide angle + macro camera, great for close up photos.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Excellent value for the price.
- Good all-around performance for daily use.
- A very good screen.
- Good selfie camera, for photography lovers.
- Trade-offs:
- Older processor and less power-efficient.
- Lower brightness display
- Less advanced camera system
- Older Android version
- Slower charging speed.
- Less storage options.
Samsung Galaxy S23+:
- Strengths:
- Significantly more powerful processor.
- Much brighter display, with better outdoor visibility.
- Significantly improved main camera system.
- Higher video capabilities with up to 8K recording.
- Faster charging and slightly longer battery.
- Newer software and future-proof updates.
- More internal storage capacity.
- A Telephoto lens for further photos.
- Dedicated wide angle lens.
- Dual-band GPS for better accuracy.
- eSIM support for multiple carrier support.
- Hi-res Audio.
- Newer screen protection.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Flagship-level performance and features.
- Superior display and camera quality.
- More advanced connectivity.
- Future-proof technology.
- Trade-offs:
- Significantly more expensive than the S21 FE 5G.
- Heavier and slightly larger design
- Lower res selfie camera
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best For: Users on a tighter budget, casual users who want a dependable smartphone that is compact and light for one hand use, average gamers, and photography lovers who take a lot of selfies.
- Use Cases: Daily communication, social media browsing, casual gaming, taking selfies and portraits, streaming videos, and general productivity.
- Samsung Galaxy S23+:
- Best For: Power users, gamers, content creators, professional photographers, users who want the best possible experience, and those who want the best smartphone camera.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, 8K video recording, editing multimedia content, photography, demanding apps, and extensive outdoor use, in addition to all daily uses.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Budget: How important is cost versus performance? The S21 FE is more affordable and offers a great experience for the price. The S23+ is significantly more expensive but comes with a lot of upgrades.
- Performance Needs: Do you require the fastest speeds for heavy multitasking and gaming? The S23+ has a much better processor and more RAM for heavy users.
- Camera Expectations: How important are advanced camera features and photo quality? While both have good camera, the S23+ is vastly superior and has more camera options.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If you're a general user who needs a good all-around smartphone for everyday use, the S21 FE is more than adequate and provides a good value.
- The Power User: If you need the best performance, a top-notch camera, and the newest features, the S23+ is the clear choice for those who are willing to invest a bit more.
- The Photographer: The S23+ has the most options, the better sensor, and a bigger selection of lenses that offer great flexibility and top-notch photo quality, whereas the S21 FE is a great pick for selfie lovers thanks to the high res selfie camera.
Personal Choice
If I were making the choice, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy S23+. Here is why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I need a device that can keep up with my workflow: that involves heavy multitasking, content creation, and capturing high-quality photos and videos. The S23+'s superior processing power, better camera system, improved display, and faster charging would enhance my daily work. While the price is higher, the technological advancements and future-proof features justify the investment for me, because a phone is one of my most used tools. I value having all the power I need, as well as an exceptional camera to capture high-quality photos in my daily life. While I do appreciate the value of the S21 FE, I need the most capable device, even if it is more expensive.
