Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the newer Galaxy S24. I'll be breaking down the specs with a focus on what they actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-01-24 | S24 is significantly newer, with advancements in hardware and software. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm, 177g | 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm, 167g | S24 is more compact and lighter, potentially more comfortable in hand and pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.2" | S21 FE has a slightly larger screen, good for media consumption; S24 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Both offer a crisp, sharp display; identical pixel count. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 416 | Both have very similar pixel density, providing similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | S21 FE has an AMOLED display which is known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The S24 display is still excellent but its technology is unknown. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2600 nits | S24 offers significantly better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | S24 has a much newer and faster processor, resulting in better app performance and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,639,695 | S24 is significantly more powerful and suitable for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | S24 provides improved graphics processing, enhancing gaming and other graphic-intensive apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4000 mAh | S21 FE has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both support 25W fast charging, but S24 has Bypass Charging which can reduce heat when gaming while plugged in. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Bypass Charging | S21 FE offers both wireless and reverse wireless charging, the S24 has Bypass Charging |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | S24 has a higher resolution sensor and larger sensor size resulting in detailed photos. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4 | S24 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.2MP f/2.2 | S24 offers a dedicated ultrawide lens for wide perspective shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP | None | S21 FE has a dedicated wide angle lens with macro functionality. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE has a higher resolution front camera. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S24 offers higher resolution video recording, offering more detail. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (up to 16) | Android 14 (up to 21) | S24 launches with a newer OS and promises more years of software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24 offers faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S24 supports a newer version of Bluetooth for better performance. |
| GPS | Standard | L1/L5 bands | S24 provides more accurate location data using dual-band GPS. |
| SIM Support | Dual SIM | Dual SIM/eSIM | S24 supports eSIM functionality, offering more flexibility for users. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | S24 offers a higher storage option, catering to users with larger media libraries. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | S24 provides more RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; consider storage needs before purchasing. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | None | S21 FE Offers Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio. |
| Security | |||
| Sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones utilize a standard fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 offers a more robust glass for enhanced screen durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 FE additionally includes a finger print sensor compared to the S24. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.4-inch screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption.
- Larger Battery: The 4500 mAh battery has a 500mAh advantage on paper, which can mean more endurance in everyday tasks.
- More Comprehensive Camera System: The S21 FE offers wide + macro and telephoto + portrait sensors for more versatility.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos support.
- Wireless Charging: Has wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and is an older phone that is cheaper.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers significantly faster performance.
- Brighter Display: With 2600 nits peak brightness, the S24 is far more viewable outdoors.
- Better Main Camera: The 50MP main camera sensor provides superior detail and clarity.
- Newer Technology: It features Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and dual-band GPS for better connectivity.
- More Software Support: The Android 14 OS ensures more years of future software updates.
- Better build quality: The S24 has Gorilla Glass Victus 2 which is more scratch resistant.
Trade-offs:
- S21 FE: The older processor makes it less future-proof compared to the S24, and has less efficient screen technology.
- S24: The battery capacity is smaller and lacks wireless charging; the screen is also slightly smaller.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a capable Samsung phone at a lower price.
- Multimedia Consumers: Great for video watchers and gamers who value a large screen.
- Users Who Value Wireless Charging: A plus for those who use wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Power Users: Ideal for users who want the best possible performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The better camera system and 8K video capabilities are great for content creators.
- Outdoor Users: The incredibly bright screen makes it usable in bright sunlight.
- Users who Value Longevity: The S24 will receive Android updates for much longer than the S21 FE.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself when deciding between these phones:
- How important is raw processing power? If you’re a gamer, or heavily multitask, the S24’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a major step up.
- How often do you use your phone in bright sunlight? The S24’s much brighter display makes a huge difference in outdoor visibility.
- How important is having wireless charging, a bigger screen, and multiple camera sensors? If these are important to you, the S21 FE may be the better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you browse social media, watch videos occasionally, and need a reliable phone, the S21 FE offers great value.
- For the Power User: If you play graphics-intensive games, edit photos, or need to use your phone in bright sunlight, the S24 is the better option.
- For the Photography Lover: If having a wider range of camera sensors is vital, the S21 FE may suit you better. If high quality and a single excellent telephoto lens is more important, go with the S24.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy S24. While the S21 FE presents good value with a larger screen, larger battery and more versatile camera system, the S24 wins me over with its cutting-edge performance, superior display visibility, significantly better main camera, faster connectivity, and longer software support. As someone who values a smooth and responsive experience, coupled with the ability to capture high-quality photos, the S24 would be my pick, despite the higher price point. Its longevity and performance boost will make it a better device in the long term. The trade-offs in battery size and wireless charging aren't deal-breakers for me given what I would gain in other areas.
