Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy Z Fold5. These two phones occupy very different spaces in the mobile market, so it's less about a direct head-to-head and more about understanding which device fits your specific needs. Here’s my detailed take:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Fold5 offers a tablet-like experience when unfolded, while the S21 FE is a traditional smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm (unfolded) | Z Fold5 is much wider when unfolded; S21 FE is thinner and more compact for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 177g | 253g | S21 FE is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. Z Fold5 feels substantial and requires a two handed approach. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 7.6" (unfolded) | Z Fold5 offers a significantly larger display for media consumption, multitasking, and enhanced productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1812x2176 | Z Fold5 has noticeably sharper visuals due to higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 373 | S21 FE has slightly higher pixel density, which might result in a slightly sharper image on a smaller screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | missing | S21 FE uses superior AMOLED technology for vibrant colours, better contrast and better power consumption for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer fluid scrolling and animations; great for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE has better outdoor visibility, making it suitable for bright sunlight. The Z Fold 5's brightness information is missing, this is a major disadvantage for Z Fold 5. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | Z Fold5's newer chip provides significantly better processing power, faster app loading, and improved energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,538,914 | Z Fold5 benchmarks significantly higher, leading to smoother performance in demanding tasks, particularly gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | Z Fold5's GPU offers better graphics rendering for gaming and resource-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm) | Z Fold5 has a higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor, capturing more detail. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP (f/2.0, 1.0µm) | 10MP (f/2.4, 1.0µm) | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto sensor. Z Fold5's telephoto will offer similar optical zoom. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | 12MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | Z Fold5 has a dedicated wide angle sensor. S21 FE has a wide angle+macro sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm) | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm) | S21 FE has a higher resolution front camera. Z Fold5 has a larger pixel size, resulting in better low light selfies. |
| Video | 4K up to 60fps | 8K up to 30fps | Z Fold5 offers 8K video recording, a major advantage for professional-grade video content. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main 117 | Main 128 | Z Fold5 has slightly better camera system overall. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Main 127 | not tested | S21 FE has great selfie capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4400 mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, suggesting comparable endurance, dependent on usage scenarios. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support similar fast charging speeds. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No in-box charger | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, Bypass charging | Both support wireless and reverse wireless charging; the Z Fold5 has bypass charging which can be beneficial during gaming for battery health. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 16 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | Z Fold5 has a more up-to-date OS and will receive one additional OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Z Fold5 supports Wi-Fi 7, resulting in potentially faster speeds, lower latency and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Z Fold5 has newer Bluetooth version, resulting in a more reliable and efficient connection with accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Fold5 has higher GPS frequency support for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Z Fold5 has eSIM support for digital carrier switching. S21 FE has dual nano SIM support for utilizing two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB or 1024 GB | Z Fold5 offers significantly more storage space, for large media and documents. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB | Z Fold5's higher RAM allows for smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which may be a limitation for heavy users. |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 FE offers a noise cancellation microphone for better call quality. |
| Security | basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Z Fold5 features a more advanced side-mounted sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: The S21 FE shines in its balance of performance and cost. It offers a vibrant AMOLED display with high brightness, a capable camera setup, and solid all-around performance suitable for most daily tasks. Its lighter weight and compact form factor make it comfortable for everyday carry.
- Competitive Advantages: The main advantage of the S21 FE is its value. It provides a near-flagship experience at a more accessible price point. It also has better display brightness and a slightly better selfie camera.
- Trade-offs: Its chipset is a generation older, and it lacks the cutting-edge features and superior performance of the Z Fold5.
- Limitations: No expandable storage.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5:
- Strengths: The Z Fold5 is all about the foldable form factor. It offers a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded, making it ideal for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity. It boasts a far more powerful chipset and better overall performance in benchmarks.
- Competitive Advantages: Its larger display, superior processing power, and support for 8K video recording set it apart from traditional smartphones.
- Trade-offs: It's significantly more expensive, heavier, and bulkier, and its display brightness data is missing.
- Limitations: It is more fragile due to its foldable form factor and is much more expensive.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal User:
- Individuals seeking a well-rounded smartphone with a great display and reliable performance, without the premium price.
- Users who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable device for daily use.
- Those who enjoy photography and want a versatile camera system.
- Casual gamers and consumers of media content.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and communications.
- Photography and videography for casual use.
- Enjoying media content on a vibrant screen.
- Playing games.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5:
- Ideal User:
- Tech enthusiasts who want the latest and greatest in mobile technology.
- Professionals who need enhanced multitasking and productivity on the go.
- Users who consume a lot of media and want a larger screen experience.
- Gamers who want a premium experience with powerful performance.
- Those who are willing to pay a higher price for a premium, and unique device.
- Use Cases:
- Multitasking with several apps side-by-side.
- Professional productivity tasks like document editing, email, etc.
- High-fidelity gaming and media consumption.
- On the go video editing and creation.
- Using it as a small tablet.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you value portability and comfort, or a larger display and enhanced productivity? If portability is key, the S21 FE wins. If you want a tablet-like experience, go for the Z Fold5.
- What's your budget? The S21 FE is more budget-friendly, while the Z Fold5 is a high-end device with a premium price tag.
- What do you use your phone for the most? If it's mainly for everyday tasks and casual use, the S21 FE is more than enough. If you need a powerful device for professional use, multitasking and media consumption, the Z Fold5 is your best option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you prioritize value and performance without breaking the bank, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a wise choice.
- Tech Enthusiast: If you are passionate about innovative technology and willing to pay a premium price, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is a must-have gadget.
- Productivity Professional: If you need a device for multitasking and productivity, the Z Fold5, with its large screen, can streamline your workflow.
- Media Consumer: The Z Fold5's large display is amazing for watching videos and movies, but the S21 FE is also capable in this area.
My Choice:
If I were to choose, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, despite the drawbacks. As a tech journalist and someone who is always testing and evaluating new technologies, the foldable form factor is simply too interesting to pass up. While the S21 FE is a fantastic device at its price point, the Z Fold5's ability to transform into a tablet makes it the more compelling device for my workflow. The significant performance gains in processing power and overall higher spec hardware are valuable for my daily usage patterns. Although the Z Fold5's brightness and fragility are valid concerns, the Z Fold5 offers a unique and powerful experience that is unmatched by traditional smartphones.
Hopefully, this helps clarify the differences between these two very different phones!
