Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. These two devices represent different approaches to the modern smartphone, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to making the right choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Flip4 offers a unique, compact design when folded; the S21 FE 5G is a traditional slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | Z Flip4 is taller but narrower and thinner when unfolded; S21 FE 5G is more compact overall. |
| Weight | 177g | 187g | The S21 FE 5G is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Z Flip4 has a slightly larger display, but the difference isn't massive. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2640 | Z Flip4 has a slightly sharper display due to a higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 403 ppi | 426 ppi | Both are very sharp, but Z Flip4 has a bit more clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | - | S21 FE 5G boasts superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors due to its AMOLED display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 FE 5G has better outdoor visibility due to higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Z Flip4 is significantly faster and more efficient in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,050,371 | Z Flip4 has a noticeable advantage in raw performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Z Flip4 provides a smoother and more graphically powerful gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55" sensor | S21 FE 5G has a larger sensor that may capture more light and detail in standard photography |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE 5G offers more flexible zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, 1/3.06" sensor | Both have similar wide-angle cameras |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" sensor | S21 FE 5G captures higher-resolution selfies with wider aperture and a larger sensor. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 4K@60fps, HDR | Both provide excellent video recording, with image stabilization. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 117 | 112 | S21 FE 5G slightly edges out in overall mobile camera performance, Z Flip4 excels in photo and video performance |
| DxOMark Selfie | 127 | Not Available | S21 FE 5G offers better selfie quality overall. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 3700mAh | S21 FE 5G has a significantly larger battery for better all-day usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both offer fast charging, but the Z Flip4 charges to 50% in 30 mins. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both offer wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | 4.5W | 4.5W | Both can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12, up to 16 | Android 12, up to 14 | S21 FE 5G has more OS update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Z Flip4 has slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Flip4 has more accurate GPS with more satellite system support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Z Flip4 offers eSIM for added flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB | Z Flip4 offers a 512 GB storage option for those needing more space. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | Both have enough RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Stereo Speakers | S21 FE 5G offers more enhanced spatial and clearer call audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Z Flip4 has a more advanced fingerprint sensor, providing a faster unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer great scratch protection |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths:
- Better Battery Life: The larger battery provides better endurance for all-day use.
- Superior Display: AMOLED tech and higher brightness offer a more vibrant and viewable screen.
- Stronger Camera System: Versatile triple camera setup with better selfie performance and a telephoto lens.
- Audio Experience: Enhanced spatial audio and better call audio due to noise cancellation microphone.
- More OS Support: Likely to receive more updates for a longer duration.
- Trade-offs:
- Older chipset compared to the Z Flip4.
- Standard design; lacks the unique folding experience.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4:
- Strengths:
- Unique Foldable Design: Compact, pocketable form factor when folded.
- Superior Performance: Cutting-edge Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 for blazing-fast performance.
- Advanced Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for faster unlocking.
- More Storage Options: Available in a 512 GB variant for users needing maximum storage.
- More Accurate GPS: Support for more satellite systems.
- Trade-offs:
- Smaller battery, resulting in potentially shorter battery life.
- More expensive than the S21 FE 5G.
- Camera system isn't as versatile as the S21 FE 5G.
- Less OS Support: Might not get as many system updates.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is ideal for:
- Practical users: Value a solid, all-around smartphone experience with a focus on longevity.
- Photography enthusiasts: Appreciate a versatile camera system with telephoto capabilities and better selfies.
- Users who need reliable battery life: Prioritize all-day battery performance.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Looking for a flagship experience at a lower price point.
- Audio Lovers: Enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation microphone
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is ideal for:
- Tech enthusiasts: Value a cutting-edge, unique design.
- Users wanting a compact phone: Want something pocketable when folded.
- Performance-focused users: Need top-tier speed for gaming and demanding applications.
- Fashion-conscious individuals: Appreciate the Z Flip4’s stylish aesthetic.
- Users needing more internal storage: Desire higher storage capacity and eSIM flexibility.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
What do you value more: cutting-edge design or all-day battery life?
- If you prioritize a unique form factor and top-tier performance, go for the Z Flip4.
- If you need a reliable battery that lasts all day, the S21 FE 5G is the better pick.
How important is a versatile camera system to you?
- If you need a telephoto lens and better selfies, the S21 FE 5G has a slight advantage.
- If you're fine with a simpler camera setup and more emphasis on performance, the Z Flip4 will do.
What's your budget and do you need the latest tech?
- If budget is a big concern, the S21 FE 5G is more economical.
- If you're willing to invest more for a unique design and top performance, choose the Z Flip4.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: All-Day User – You need a phone that can handle a long day of work, meetings, and media consumption without needing a recharge.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Its larger battery will serve you better.
Scenario 2: On-the-Go Creator - You love capturing high-quality photos and videos, and often use your smartphone for social media content creation.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Its camera system, with telephoto and better selfie performance, and better audio will be beneficial.
Scenario 3: Performance Gamer – You want a phone that can handle graphics-intensive games with smooth performance and fast responsiveness.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. Its superior chipset will offer a much smoother gaming experience.
Scenario 4: Tech Trendsetter – You want a phone that is compact, unique, and a bit of a conversation starter, reflecting your style.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. Its foldable design makes it the standout option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here's why:
While the Z Flip4 has a cool form factor and a powerful chip, the S21 FE 5G hits my sweet spot for a well-rounded experience. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I often use my phone for research, writing, capturing photos, and consuming content. The S21 FE 5G’s superior battery life is a significant advantage, as I don’t like to worry about finding a charger during a busy day. The AMOLED screen is fantastic for everything from reading articles to watching videos, and it is very visible outdoors, which is ideal for me as I work while on the go sometimes.
Moreover, I do enjoy photography, and the S21 FE 5G's camera setup is more flexible and reliable with its telephoto and better selfie capabilities. While I appreciate innovation, for my everyday needs, a reliable, solid phone with a focus on battery, display, and camera performance is more beneficial. And, the extra year or so of software updates helps with device longevity.
Ultimately, both are great phones, but for me, the S21 FE 5G's balance of features, battery, and a slightly better price point makes it the more practical choice.
