Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Sony Xperia 1 IV. These are two very different beasts, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. I'll be breaking down the specs, focusing on what they actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm, 177g | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm, 185g | S21 FE is shorter and wider, lighter. Xperia 1 IV is taller, narrower, and slightly heavier. Handle and pocketability differ. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus Front, Plastic Back | Gorilla Glass Victus Front and Back | Better durability on Sony's side as both front and back is protected. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Very similar screen size. Difference is negligible for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1644 x 3840 | Xperia 1 IV has a much sharper display, text and images will look clearer |
| Pixel Density | 403 ppi | 643 ppi | Xperia 1 IV has a noticeably sharper display. More detail and clarity for visual content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both phones have vibrant screens, but Sony's screen technology is slightly superior in color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE will be much easier to see in bright sunlight. Sony display brightness is unknown, may have issues in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Xperia 1 IV has a newer, more powerful, and more efficient chip. Faster processing and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV has a higher benchmark score, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV has a more powerful GPU, offering better graphics for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm, Sony IMX555 | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm, Sony Exmor RS | Sony Xperia has a slightly wider aperture and an advanced sensor, better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm, Hynix HI-847 | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", 1.0µm, Sony IMX650 | Sony Xperia 1 IV has a more versatile telephoto lens. |
| Ultrawide/Macro | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm, Sony IMX258 | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony Exmor RS | Sony Xperia 1 IV offers better ultrawide photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm, Sony IMX616 | 12MP, f/2.0, | Samsung S21 FE has a higher resolution selfie camera with smaller pixel size, but Sony has a wider aperture. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia 1 IV has more advanced video recording, including higher frame rates and additional features such as "Ultra stable video" |
| DxOMark Mobile | 117 (Photo: 119, Video: 107) | 105 (Photo: 107, Video: 92) | S21 FE scores higher in both photo and video tests, indicating better image quality and video recording compared to Sony Xperia 1 IV. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 127 (Photo: 126, Video: 130) | Not Tested | S21 FE takes far better selfie photos and videos. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, HDR, Night Mode | OIS, PDAF, HDR, Ultra Stable Video | Each device offers a variety of camera features, with some differences like night mode for Samsung and ultra stable video for Sony |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Xperia 1 IV has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xperia 1 IV has slightly faster charging. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging | S21 FE has Wireless charging features. Xperia 1 IV has Bypass charging for minimal heating while gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 16) | Android 12 (Up to 13) | Samsung provides more major Android updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both provide high-speed Wi-Fi; Samsung provides MiMO for better performance and stability on Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Xperia 1 IV has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially with better audio. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Sony Xperia 1 IV additionally offers eSIM for flexibility in choosing mobile network providers and services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Xperia 1 IV offers more internal storage, beneficial for users who need to store a lot of files. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 12/16GB | Xperia 1 IV has significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer high-quality audio; S21 FE has Noise cancellation microphone, Xperia 1 IV has Hi-Res Audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Sony's side-mounted sensor is slightly more convenient in some situations. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Both offer essential sensor packages; Samsung also offers a Geomagnetic sensor for a wide array of applications. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The S21 FE's 1300-nit display is significantly brighter, making it much more usable outdoors under direct sunlight.
- Better Camera Performance: Superior camera performance with a higher DxOMark score for both main and selfie cameras, making it a better choice for those who prioritize photo and video quality.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- More Software Updates: Samsung promises more major Android OS upgrades, which means it will be supported for longer.
- Geomagnetic sensor: Offers a wide range of uses including orientation and navigation.
Competitive Advantages: The S21 FE excels in display brightness, camera performance, and the convenience of wireless charging. It also offers more software updates.
Trade-offs: Older chipset compared to the Sony, and it misses out on the higher resolution screen.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
Strengths:
- Sharper Display: Its 4K OLED display with a 643 ppi is incredibly sharp and detailed.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and 12-16GB of RAM provide superior performance for demanding tasks.
- Camera Versatility: The telephoto lens, coupled with video recording capability makes it versatile for both photography and videography
- Battery Life: Slightly larger battery for extended use and faster charging.
- Premium Build: Features a premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus front and back.
- Connectivity: Has more advanced features in terms of Bluetooth version and GPS satellite support.
Competitive Advantages: The Xperia 1 IV stands out with its sharper display, faster performance, better build and its flexible camera system.
Trade-offs: Camera performance isn't as good as the S21 FE, and it lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal for:
- Outdoor Users: The brighter display is perfect for those who spend a lot of time outdoors or in bright conditions.
- Camera Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality photos and videos for social media.
- Wireless Charging Fans: Those who appreciate the convenience of wireless charging.
- Budget Conscious : The S21 FE generally offers better value, being significantly cheaper.
- Use Cases:
- Taking photos/videos on the go.
- Watching content in bright environments.
- Making video calls regularly.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal for:
- Content Creators: Users who demand excellent display quality for editing and viewing photos and videos.
- Power Users: Those who need the maximum performance for multitasking, gaming, and video editing.
- Premium Mobile Photography: Those who value versatile telephoto and ultrawide options.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the latest hardware specifications and cutting-edge technology.
- Use Cases:
- Creating and editing content on the go.
- Playing graphics-intensive games and using demanding apps.
- Demanding tasks requiring heavy multitasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize camera quality or display clarity? If top-notch camera performance is crucial, the S21 FE is better. If you want the sharpest, most detailed display, the Xperia 1 IV is the clear winner.
- How important is wireless charging and software updates? If you prefer wireless charging and longer software support, choose the S21 FE. If you don't care much for wireless charging and need cutting edge hardware, the Xperia 1 IV is better for you.
- Do you need a premium build with cutting edge performance? If you need a sturdy, elegant design with top-tier performance, the Xperia 1 IV is the best option. If you're more interested in value, the S21 FE is the more cost effective device.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Social Media Influencer - The Samsung S21 FE wins as a better all round camera phone, its also far cheaper making it a sensible choice.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer - The Sony Xperia 1 IV wins with its significantly better GPU, RAM, and cooling while gaming, but it falls behind in the camera department.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor enthusiast - The Samsung S21 FE excels with its brighter display that performs well in sunlight.
- Scenario 4: Professional Content Creator - The Sony Xperia 1 IV comes out on top with its superior display and video capturing capabilities.
What Would I Choose?
If I had to pick one, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. For me, the combination of the high-resolution display, the superior processing power, and the advanced connectivity features is more compelling. As someone who values high-quality displays for content consumption and powerful performance for my tech journalism work, it edges out the S21 FE. I also value the premium build quality. While I would be giving up wireless charging and some camera performance, the trade-offs are worth it for me personally. However, this is a very personal choice, as it depends on individual needs and priorities. The S21 FE is an excellent value option, and if you value a brighter screen, better selfie photos and wireless charging, it would be an easy pick.
