Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the S23 Ultra. It's a classic battle of a "Fan Edition" versus a top-tier flagship, and the spec sheet reveals some pretty clear differences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key specifications, along with real-world implications for daily use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm | S21 FE is more compact; S23 Ultra is larger and bulkier, may be less comfortable in hand and pockets |
| Weight | 177g | 234g | S21 FE is significantly lighter, better for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.8" | S23 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience with its larger screen |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3088 | S23 Ultra has a noticeably sharper display with finer details |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 500 | S23 Ultra screen is sharper and clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer buttery-smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1750 nits | S23 Ultra has far better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | S23 Ultra has a much faster and more power-efficient chip; smoother and faster performance for everything. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra has a 65% higher benchmark score, which translates to snappier performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | S23 Ultra offers superior graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | S23 Ultra offers a longer battery life; fewer mid-day charges |
| Charging | 25W | 45W | S23 Ultra charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Bypass Charging | S21 FE offer wireless charging, S23 Ultra offers "bypass charging" for cooler gaming while plugged-in. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 200MP, f/1.7 | S23 Ultra captures much higher detail with a larger sensor and better low light performance |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.4 | S23 Ultra offers improved zooming capabilities with a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE offers higher resolution selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/4.9 | S23 Ultra offers superior zoom capabilities with a dedicated telephoto lens |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | S23 Ultra can capture wide views |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 FE is capable of capturing macro shots |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps | S23 Ultra has higher-resolution video recording and stereo audio. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 117 | 140 | S23 Ultra has better overall camera performance in terms of score. S21 FE has better scores in photo and video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | S23 Ultra has a more recent Android version out of the box. |
| Max OS Version | 16 | 17 | S23 Ultra will receive longer software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer fast wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23 Ultra uses a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced | S23 Ultra offers more precise location tracking with dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual Nano-SIM + eSIM | S23 Ultra has more flexibility for travelers with the eSIM support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | S23 Ultra provides much more storage for photos, videos, and apps; no expandable storage on either phone |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | S23 Ultra excels in multitasking and running heavy apps. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio | S23 Ultra offers higher quality audio reproduction. |
| Microphones | 1 | 2 | S23 Ultra captures voice with more clarity using multiple microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Basic | Both utilize the basic fingerprint sensor technology |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer good protection from scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity | S23 Ultra has a wider range of sensors suitable for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Strengths and Competitive Advantages
- Lighter and More Compact: Its smaller size and lighter weight make it more comfortable for one-handed use and pocketability.
- Competent Performance: The Snapdragon 888 still offers excellent performance for most tasks.
- Good Camera: While not as advanced as the S23 Ultra, it has a capable camera system with a versatile triple-lens setup.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: A convenient feature for charging other devices on the go.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Strengths and Competitive Advantages
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers significantly faster performance, better graphics, and improved power efficiency.
- Incredible Display: Larger, higher resolution display with better brightness for vibrant visuals and visibility under sunlight.
- Next-Level Camera: The 200MP main sensor with additional telephoto lenses captures incredible detail, offers superior zoom capabilities, and excels in low-light scenarios.
- Longer Battery Life and Faster Charging: Larger battery and faster charging keeps you going longer with less down time.
- Latest Software: The S23 Ultra ships with a newer version of Android and is likely to receive more software updates.
- eSIM Support: Adds flexibility, especially for international travelers.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res audio, 2 mics for crisper sound.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- S21 FE: The Snapdragon 888, while still powerful, is a generation behind, the camera is good but not excellent, and the screen isn't as bright as the S23 Ultra.
- S23 Ultra: It's significantly heavier and bulkier, making it less comfortable for some users. Also, the price is considerably higher than the S21 FE.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Casual user, someone who wants a capable phone without breaking the bank.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, light gaming, photography in good lighting.
- Value: Offers excellent value for the price. It’s ideal for users who want a good smartphone experience at a more affordable price point.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Power users, photography enthusiasts, gamers, professionals who need top-tier performance.
- Use Cases: Demanding apps, high-end gaming, professional-level photography and videography, heavy multitasking.
- Value: Worth the investment if you need the best of everything.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Budget: Is price a major concern? If so, the S21 FE is a significantly more budget-friendly option.
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-of-the-line performance for demanding tasks? The S23 Ultra is the clear winner here.
- Camera Importance: Is having the best possible camera a high priority? The S23 Ultra excels in this area, with much more powerful optics and superior post processing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User
- If you need a solid smartphone for daily tasks and don't want to spend a lot, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Photographer
- If you prioritize camera quality and need the best imaging, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the way to go. Its high-resolution sensor and advanced features are unmatched.
- Scenario 3: Gaming Enthusiast
- For gaming, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and advanced GPU make it the ultimate choice.
- Scenario 4: Casual User
- If you're more interested in social media, and don't want a large, heavy phone, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a great option, and far less expensive.
- Scenario 5: "I want the BEST!"
- If you want the ultimate performance and cutting-edge features without price limitations, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. As a tech journalist and analyst, I prioritize having the best possible performance, screen, and camera to fully explore and test the capabilities of new technology. I would be taking full advantage of the S23 Ultra's camera system for high quality photos and videos, using the larger screen for media consumption, and pushing the chipset to its limits. The improved battery life and faster charging are also compelling. Although it is much larger, for my needs the benefits far outweigh the cons.
The S21 FE 5G is a great mid-range device, but in terms of my needs and preferences, the S23 Ultra simply offers more compelling technology. It is a device that offers a tangible, real-world performance advantage with incredible performance. It also features better long term software support.
