Alright, let's dive deep into the specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy Z Fold4. I'll break down what these numbers mean for you, the user, and help you decide which phone is the right fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at the specs, organized by key areas, with a focus on what they mean in the real world:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | S21 FE 5G: Traditional pocketable phone. Z Fold4: Unique, larger screen when unfolded, bulkier when folded. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm (unfolded) | S21 FE 5G: Slim and easy to handle. Z Fold4: Much wider when unfolded, thinner profile, larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 177g | 263g | S21 FE 5G: Significantly lighter, comfortable for prolonged use. Z Fold4: Noticeably heavier, can feel substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 7.6" (unfolded) | S21 FE 5G: Good for single-handed use. Z Fold4: Much more immersive, great for multitasking and media. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1812 x 2176 | S21 FE 5G: Sharp, detailed screen. Z Fold4: Significantly sharper, more pixels for a better viewing experience. |
| PPI | 403 | 373 | S21 FE 5G: Slightly crisper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | (Not Specified) | S21 FE 5G: Superior blacks, contrast, and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both: Very smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE 5G: Much better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | S21 FE 5G: Very capable, but an older generation. Z Fold4: Newer, more powerful, and energy-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,232,800 | S21 FE 5G: Smooth for most tasks. Z Fold4: Noticeably faster in everyday use, games and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | S21 FE 5G: Can handle most games, but not as smooth. Z Fold4: Superior graphics performance, better for gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4400mAh | Both: Should last a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 25W Fast | Both: Decent charging speeds, but not the fastest on the market. |
| Battery Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No charger in box | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless, Bypass Charging | S21 FE 5G: More modest reverse wireless charging. Z Fold4: Faster reverse wireless, plus bypass charging for gaming while plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | S21 FE 5G: Solid images in good lighting. Z Fold4: Better detail and low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.0 | 10MP, f/2.4 | S21 FE 5G: Dedicated telephoto camera. Z Fold4: Dedicated telephoto lens |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | S21 FE 5G: Dedicated wide-angle camera. Z Fold4: Dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | S21 FE 5G: Higher resolution, great for selfies. Z Fold4: Better pixel size, but lower resolution. |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps | S21 FE 5G: High-quality 4K video recording. Z Fold4: Ability to record higher quality video (8K). |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 124 | S21 FE 5G: Reliable for general photos & video. Z Fold4: Higher-quality results and video |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 127 | Not Tested | S21 FE 5G: High-quality results, no data for Z Fold4 |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 16) | Android 12 (upgradeable to 16) | Both: Similar Android experience and long-term software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both: Latest standard for fast and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Both: Solid for wireless connectivity. Z Fold4: Newer, slightly more efficient version. |
| GPS | Standard | More Accurate | Both: Accurate location tracking. Z Fold4: More detailed and accurate GPS system. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Both: Support for two SIMs. Z Fold4: Can use eSIM for easier carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | S21 FE 5G: Solid storage options. Z Fold4: Significantly more capacity, catering to power users. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12 GB | S21 FE 5G: Enough for most uses. Z Fold4: Multitasking and demanding apps run more smoothly. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both: Cannot add additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos | S21 FE 5G: Slightly better audio quality due to noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Scanner | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Z Fold4: Faster and more convenient side-mounted scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Both: Advanced screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Standard | Gravity | Z Fold4: Additional gravity sensor |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths:
- Value: Offers flagship-level features at a more accessible price point.
- Comfort: Lighter, thinner, and easier to handle, especially with one hand.
- Display: Excellent AMOLED display with vibrant colors, higher pixel density and brightness.
- Camera: Capable camera system with a good selfie camera and 4K video.
- Audio: Better audio quality thanks to the noise cancellation microphone.
- Competitive Advantage: Balances premium features with affordability.
- Trade-offs: Older processor, not as powerful as the latest flagships and no expandable storage.
- Limitations: No telephoto lens like the Z Fold4, and lacks a more modern fingerprint scanner.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Strengths:
- Innovation: Foldable design with a unique, large display that makes it a tablet in your pocket.
- Performance: Latest processor, more RAM, and better overall performance.
- Camera: Versatile camera system with better image quality, telephoto, wide-angle and 8K video.
- Storage: Significantly more internal storage options.
- Competitive Advantage: Top-tier performance and cutting-edge design.
- Trade-offs: Much higher price, heavier, and more bulky compared to a standard phone.
- Limitations: Less bright screen, lower selfie camera resolution, and significantly higher cost.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking flagship features at a more affordable price.
- Everyday Users: People who need a capable phone for daily tasks, social media, and casual photography.
- Comfort-Minded Users: Individuals who prioritize a lightweight, easy-to-handle design and the best selfie camera.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is best for:
- Power Users: Professionals who need maximum performance and multitasking capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest technology, innovative design, and a large display for media consumption.
- Creative Professionals: Those who need a versatile camera system with 8K video and the ability to use the screen as a large preview for editing on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What’s your budget? If you're cost-conscious, the S21 FE is the clear choice. The Z Fold4 is a major investment.
- What do you prioritize: Portability or Screen Size? If you want a lightweight, pocketable device that’s easy to handle, the S21 FE is superior. If you want a big immersive display, the Z Fold4 wins by a mile.
- How important is top-tier performance and innovative design to you? If you’re a power user that wants the absolute latest tech, the Z Fold4's performance and foldable form factor make it the winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget and Simplicity
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It offers excellent everyday performance, a great display, and a capable camera at a lower cost.
- Scenario 2: Demanding Work and Media
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. The large screen is excellent for multitasking, and the latest processor and ample storage make it ideal for professionals who need the highest performance and storage capacity.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, because of its selfie camera and better quality audio recording features. The Z Fold4 is great for landscapes and still photos, but can struggle in low-light with selfies.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
Why?
While the S21 FE is an excellent phone that offers great value, the Z Fold4's innovative design and power are too tempting to pass up. As a tech journalist, I constantly push the limits of what a phone can do, and the Z Fold4’s expansive screen and performance make it an ideal companion for my work. The ability to multitask on a large display and have a pocket-sized tablet is game-changing for productivity. I also value the camera quality and additional storage that are ideal for documenting and sharing my work on the go.
I do appreciate that the S21 FE is more practical for many users with its better display brightness and comfort for one-handed use, however for my personal workflow, the Z Fold4 aligns more with my needs. I wouldn't mind the extra bulk for all of its additional capabilities!
