Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the newer Galaxy S24 FE. We'll be looking beyond the spec sheet to understand what these differences mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, coupled with what they mean for your daily experience:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | S24 FE is slightly larger and may feel more substantial in hand. S21 FE is a bit more compact. |
| Weight | 177g | 213g | S21 FE is noticeably lighter, easier for prolonged use with less hand fatigue. S24 FE is heavier, may feel more premium, but less comfortable for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | S24 FE offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience with a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. S21 FE is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Both are sharp, detailed screens. No visible difference in clarity on a day to day basis |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 385 PPI | Very similar pixel density, both screens are very sharp. S21 FE is marginally sharper |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays will have vibrant colors, deep blacks and excellent contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a very smooth, fluid experience, especially when scrolling, gaming and using animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE is significantly brighter, offering far better visibility in direct sunlight. S21 FE is good, but less optimal outdoors |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | S24 FE's chip is newer, offering superior processing power and efficiency, resulting in faster app loading and smoother multitasking, S21 FE is still very capable |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE scores much higher, indicating much better performance in demanding tasks such as gaming and heavy multi-tasking. S21 FE will be more budget friendly |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE will offer noticeably better graphics performance, especially in games with complex graphics and effects. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | S24 FE has a slightly larger battery, suggesting slightly longer battery life on a day to day use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Both charge at 25W, with polymer and ion being a slight difference with little to no impact. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W, No charger in-box | Reverse Charging, 15W Wireless, Bypass Charging | Both offer reverse charging and 15W wireless. S21 FE has wireless reverse. S24 FE provides bypass charging, which is convenient for gamers. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.8, Samsung GN3 | S24 FE has a much higher resolution sensor, for more detailed and sharper photos. S24 FE has larger sensor resulting in better low light photography |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, Hynix HI-847 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed images. S24 FE lacks this dedicated camera. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX616 | 10.8MP, f/2.4, Samsung S5K3J1 | S21 FE has higher resolution sensor. S24 FE has larger pixels. S21 FE may capture more detail in good lighting, S24 FE is better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4, Omnivision OV08A10 | S24 FE offers a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom, and better portraits. S21 FE has this in a different camera setup. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5K3L6 | S24 FE offers a wide-angle lens, allowing you to capture more of the scene in your shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX258 | None | S21 FE has a wide angle and Macro camera allowing for capturing wide shots and upclose macro photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 30fps | S24 FE supports higher resolution and frame rates for video recording, offering professional grade videos. |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | 117 | 133 | S24 FE offers significantly improved photo and video quality, as shown by a 16 point difference in the DxoMark score. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 16) | Android 14 | S24 FE ships with a more recent version of Android, and likely will have more future OS upgrades |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24 FE supports the newer 6E standard, with better speeds and lower latency |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S24 FE features a more recent version with a slightly better performance and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | S24 FE offers more accurate positioning due to additional systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM + Nano/eSIM) | S24 FE offers eSIM support in addition to two nano-SIM slots, allowing easier carrier changes |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | S24 FE offers a larger storage option, with up to 512GB |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | S24 FE always includes 8GB of RAM, better for multitasking and future proofing |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support external storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | S21 FE comes with Dolby Atmos, giving better audio separation and immersion |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both have a basic fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE offers slightly better scratch and impact resistance due to the newer version of gorilla glass |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 FE features a fingerprint sensor, S24 FE provides an ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry around all day
- Competitive Price Point: The older model typically has a lower price, making it a good budget-friendly option.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Offers slightly better spatial audio experience than S24 FE.
- Dedicated Telephoto Camera and Macro: It has a dedicated Telephoto + Portrait Camera and a Wide Angle + Macro camera.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Strengths:
- Superior Performance: Newer chipset with a substantial leap in processing power.
- Brighter Display: Much better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Enhanced Camera System: Larger sensor in the main camera and an additional telephoto camera, better photo and video quality.
- eSIM Support: More flexible dual-SIM functionality with eSIM
- Newer Android Version: Ships with a more recent version of the OS.
- Larger Storage Option: Has a 512GB storage option.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6E for superior wireless speeds.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- S21 FE: Slower chipset and lower screen brightness, its camera system is also not as good as S24 FE.
- S24 FE: Heavier than S21 FE, more expensive, does not include dolby atmos
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for a capable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Users who value compactness: People who prefer a smaller, lighter phone.
- Casual Photographers: People who take some pictures and videos and are satisfied with mid range performance.
- Audio Lovers: Users who desire dolby atmos in their mobile phone
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is ideal for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers, power users, and those who need fast, reliable performance for multitasking.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a bright display for viewing in direct sunlight.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a better camera with excellent photo and video capabilities.
- Future Proof Users: People who want a device with the latest features and long term software updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you choose:
- How important is performance?
- If you need top-tier speed, smoother multitasking, and better gaming, go for the S24 FE.
- If you’re okay with good, but not top-of-the-line, performance and want to save money, the S21 FE is an option.
- Do you need a brighter display for outdoor use?
- If yes, the S24 FE’s 1900 nits will make a significant difference for you.
- If you mostly use your phone indoors, then the S21 FE display should be sufficient.
- How much do you value the camera system?
- If you're an enthusiast or enjoy taking photos or videos on your smartphone, the S24 FE's camera will offer a superior experience.
- If your main focus is social media content, then the S21 FE is likely sufficient for your needs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Shopper: If you prioritize value and can manage with last generation hardware, the S21 FE can be a great choice.
- Gaming & Power User: The S24 FE is better suited for heavy tasks with its new chipset, brighter screen, and better GPU.
- Everyday User: Consider the S24 FE if you value the latest features, bright screen, and camera, if it is within your budget. Otherwise, the S21 FE is a more affordable option that still provides a good experience.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between the two, I'd personally go for the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. The performance jump with the Exynos 2400e is too significant to ignore for a tech enthusiast like myself. The camera improvements are notable, and I often find myself needing a brighter screen when taking photos or working outdoors. While the S21 FE is a great value, the improvements in the S24 FE are substantial and worth the extra cost, if my budget allows. The slightly larger size and weight are a compromise I'm willing to accept for the improved user experience.
