Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. We'll look beyond the spec sheets and consider how these differences impact your daily experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-08-11 | Z Flip5 is a significantly newer model, implying updated technologies. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | S21 FE is a traditional smartphone, while Z Flip5 offers a compact, folding design. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | Z Flip5 is taller and thinner, but the S21 FE has a larger overall volume, and wider profile in hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 187g | S21 FE is slightly lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Z Flip5 has a slightly larger display, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2640 | Z Flip5 has higher resolution (12.8% more pixels) resulting in slightly crisper text and sharper images. |
| Pixel Density | 403 ppi | 425 ppi | Z Flip5 offers slightly sharper details due to higher pixel density, though not significantly noticeable in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | S21 FE offers superior display technology (AMOLED) offering deeper blacks, better contrast, superior power efficiency for dark themes, more vibrant colors. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer the same smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1750 nits | Z Flip5 is significantly brighter, offering superior outdoor visibility, especially in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | Z Flip5 has a newer, more powerful and efficient chip resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,531,700 | Z Flip5 demonstrates substantially superior overall performance, especially in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | Z Flip5's GPU will handle demanding games and graphics-intensive apps more efficiently. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 3700mAh | S21 FE boasts a larger battery, which should translate to longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W | 25W | Both support 25W fast charging. |
| Features | Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 4.5W, No Charger In Box | Bypass Charging, Fast charging 25W, 50% in 30 min, Fast wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Z Flip5 offers bypass charging which allows the phone to draw power directly from the charging source and not the battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.8µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.8µm | Both have a similar primary camera sensor, providing comparable image quality. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | N/A | S21 FE includes a telephoto lens, offering optical zoom capability which is useful for portrait photography. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | 12MP, f/2.2 | Z Flip 5 has an ultra-wide angle camera, for a more expansive view in photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 10MP, f/2.4, 1.22µm | S21 FE has a higher resolution front camera, though Z Flip 5 has larger pixel size for potentially better low-light performance and sharpness. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Both phones offer similar high quality video capabilities. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 117 | 127 | Z Flip5 has a better score in DxoMark tests. |
| DxoMark Photo Score | 119 | 132 | Z Flip5 has a better score in DxoMark tests. |
| DxoMark Video Score | 107 | 128 | Z Flip5 has a better score in DxoMark tests. |
| DxoMark Selfie Score | 127 | N/A | S21 FE has a better selfie score in DxoMark tests. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Z Flip5 ships with a more recent version of Android, though both are supported for a number of years with OS upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar modern WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Z Flip5 has a newer version of Bluetooth for potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| GPS | Standard Support | Enhanced Support | Z Flip5 features more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Z Flip5 offers the flexibility of eSIMs, while S21 FE supports two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Z Flip5 has higher base storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | S21 FE has slightly superior audio capabilities with Dolby Atmos and a noise-cancelling microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Z Flip5 offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both provide similar durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental, Gravity | Z Flip 5 has the additional feature of a gravity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Traditional Form Factor: A classic smartphone design provides familiarity and avoids the learning curve of a foldable device.
- Larger Battery: The 4500mAh battery should offer longer endurance, which is critical for users who are often away from a power outlet.
- Telephoto Lens: It has a dedicated telephoto lens, which is better for portrait shots with optical zoom.
- Advanced Audio Capabilities: Better spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion with Dolby Atmos and noise-cancelling microphone.
- Selfie Camera: A significantly higher resolution selfie camera for sharper pictures.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Strengths:
- Foldable Design: Unique form factor provides greater portability and a distinct user experience.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip offers significantly better speed and efficiency for all tasks.
- Brighter Display: With 1750 nits brightness, it performs significantly better in bright outdoor conditions.
- Newer Technology: Newer OS and Bluetooth for future compatibility.
- Better Camera System: Higher score in DxoMark tests.
- Better Connectivity: More precise location tracking.
Trade-offs
- S21 FE: The older processor and standard design can feel a bit dated compared to the Z Flip5's modern features.
- Z Flip5: The smaller battery may require more frequent charging, and the foldable design may have durability concerns.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- The Pragmatist: Someone who values reliability, battery life, and a traditional smartphone experience.
- The Photographer on a Budget: Users who want good camera capabilities (including telephoto) without the high price tag of a premium foldable.
- The Value-Seeker: Individuals looking for high performance without the cost of a flagship phone, and who do not need to use their device in very bright light scenarios.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
- The Trendsetter: Someone who desires cutting-edge technology, a unique design, and is willing to pay a premium.
- The Mobile Media Consumer: Users who appreciate the larger, brighter display and benefit from its powerful performance for media consumption and gaming.
- The Compactness Enthusiast: Those who prioritize a pocketable device and want the flexibility of a foldable screen.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help decide between these phones:
- Do I need a phone that will easily last a full day without needing a charge?
- If yes, the S21 FE is a better choice due to its larger battery.
- Is a unique form factor and compact size important to me?
- If yes, then the Z Flip5 is the obvious choice.
- How important is the most cutting-edge performance and outdoor display visibility to me?
- If these are crucial, the Z Flip5 is the better option, although it comes at a higher cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario: You are a busy professional who needs a phone that will reliably get through the day with heavy use, and you often take pictures at family events.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a good bet with the larger battery, and a dedicated telephoto camera, all within a reliable, traditional form factor.
- Scenario: You prioritize having the latest and greatest technology, and you spend time gaming or watching videos on your phone, and you do not mind charging your phone more frequently.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, due to its faster processor and brighter display.
- Scenario: You want an affordable and simple phone, with all the necessary functionality that can also take great selfies.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G due to the high resolution front-facing camera and low price tag.
My Choice and Why
If it were my money on the line, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. Here's why:
While I appreciate the S21 FE's traditional approach and bigger battery, the performance difference is really significant for me. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Z Flip5 is a leap forward. I also value the innovation of the foldable design, and I think it offers a more unique experience. As someone who uses my phone for a lot of mobile gaming, and media consumption, the increased brightness and improved performance outweigh the smaller battery for me personally. I'm also not one to shy away from new experiences, so I’m drawn to the innovative technology behind it.
The Z Flip5 represents a clear step forward in technology and usability. It’s the kind of device that makes me excited about the possibilities of modern mobile engineering.
