Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Sony Xperia 1 V. We'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Sony Xperia 1 V | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.3 mm | S21 FE is slightly more compact and wider; Xperia 1 V is taller and thinner, overall Xperia larger. |
| Weight | 177g | 187g | S21 FE is a bit lighter, which might be preferable for extended one-handed use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus front | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front | Both have durable builds, though Victus 2 is newer and more impact-resistant. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Nearly identical screen sizes, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1644 x 3840 | Xperia 1 V is significantly sharper, providing a clearer and more detailed image. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 643 PPI | Xperia 1 V has a markedly sharper image due to much higher pixel density; makes a visible difference with text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but OLED branding is typically used by Sony. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE is much brighter, which is vital for outdoor visibility. The Xperia 1 V listed 0, which is likely an error and would not be the case. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Xperia 1 V’s newer chip is faster and more power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,365,441 | Xperia 1 V shows a substantial performance advantage with higher benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | Xperia 1 V’s newer GPU handles intensive graphics much better for gaming and video processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 48MP (f/1.9, 1/1.4") | Xperia 1 V has a higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance, and more detail. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.0) | 12MP (f/2.3) | Xperia 1 V has a telephoto lens; S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens, but no telephoto with the main sensor. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.2) | 12.2MP (f/2.2) | Xperia 1 V has a wide-angle lens, S21 FE has a wide angle lens and Macro camera in one sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | 12MP (f/2.0, 1/2.93") | S21 FE has higher resolution but the Xperia has larger individual pixels and a wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance, likely more important. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia 1 V can record in higher quality, especially with 120fps for slow-motion. Both phones record with EIS, but the Xperia 1V offers OIS, too. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | N/A | S21 FE has well-rated cameras, but there's no data for the Xperia 1 V in this dataset. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 V has a larger battery, likely better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Xperia 1 V has slightly faster wired charging; both have reverse charging. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charger in-box | Bypass charging, Reverse Wireless charging | S21 FE offers 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging, Xperia 1 V has bypass charging for extended use. Both do not include a charger in the box. |
| Software & Storage | |||
| OS | Android 12, max 16 | Android 13, max 14 | Xperia 1 V has a newer Android version out of the box, but likely to only get one more update than S21 FE. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Xperia 1 V offers more storage, with the base model having 256GB and going up to 512 GB vs the S21 FE which starts with 128GB and goes up to 256GB. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 12GB | Xperia 1 V has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | WiFi 6 | Both have the same Wifi standards, with Samsung having Wi-Fi display and MiMo |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Sony has the latest Bluetooth version, with more audio features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | Sony has more GPS options |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Sony has the benefit of eSIM, which is beneficial for travel. |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos | S21 FE has a noise-canceling mic. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is much more convenient. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Pedometer | Sony has the benefit of a Pedometer sensor, whereas Samsung has Geomagnetic. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The significantly brighter screen is a huge advantage for outdoor use, especially on sunny days.
- Solid Camera Performance: With good DXOMark scores and a versatile triple-lens system, it captures great photos and videos.
- More Affordable: Generally, the S21 FE is the more budget-friendly option, offering a strong value proposition.
- Wireless Charging S21 FE offers 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging, which is great for a charging ecosystem.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Chipset: The Snapdragon 888 is still capable, but not as efficient or powerful as the newer chip in the Sony.
- Lower Resolution Display: Not as sharp or detailed as the Xperia 1 V, making reading text slightly less crisp.
- Less RAM Only comes with 6 or 8 GB of RAM, as opposed to the 12GB on the Xperia 1 V
- Battery Life Battery life may not be as long-lasting compared to the Xperia 1V due to a smaller capacity.
- Lacks eSIM The Samsung does not have eSIM capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Value-Focused: Balances good performance with a reasonable price tag.
- Outdoor Visibility: Display is the superior choice for those spending lots of time in bright environments.
- Established Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Samsung devices and services.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Allows you to charge other compatible devices like wireless earbuds.
Sony Xperia 1 V:
- Strengths:
- Superior Display: The incredibly sharp and detailed display provides an amazing viewing experience.
- Top-Tier Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers best-in-class speed for demanding tasks and future-proofing.
- Better Camera Hardware: Higher resolution sensor and newer features for capturing detailed shots, especially in low light, plus a telephoto lens which the Samsung lacks.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Offers enhanced audio performance.
- eSIM The Sony has the benefit of eSIM, which can be a game changer for travel.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Delivers better battery performance along with a small charging benefit.
- Trade-offs:
- Much More Expensive: This is a premium phone with a premium price.
- Potentially Lower Outdoor Visibility The brightness is not specified and may be lower.
- No Wireless Charging No Wireless Charging capabilities, may have issues charging in some scenarios.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Has the latest chipset and display tech.
- Pro Camera Capabilities: Designed for more demanding photographers and videographers.
- More RAM & Storage Comes with more storage and RAM.
- Future-Proofed: More likely to stay competitive in the long run thanks to its more powerful chipset and more features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Everyday users, students, and those who want a versatile phone that balances performance and affordability, and like wireless charging.
- Use Cases:
- Social media browsing and content creation.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- A solid experience across different apps and tasks, with a long battery life, even in direct sunlight.
- Recommendations:
- Great for those who prioritize a bright display and want the best bang for their buck.
Sony Xperia 1 V:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, content creators, and users who demand top-tier performance and the best camera quality.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Photography and videography in professional or challenging situations.
- Heavy multitasking and media creation.
- For individuals who want the most updated tech
- Recommendations:
- The best option for users willing to invest in the best display, camera, and performance available.
- Good for those who want top tier video performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What do I value more: Display sharpness or brightness? The Xperia 1 V has superior sharpness but we don't have the brightness data, while the S21 FE offers a much brighter display for outdoor use.
- How important is top-tier performance for me? If you need the latest chip for demanding games and apps, go with the Xperia 1 V; otherwise, the S21 FE is very capable.
- What is my budget? The S21 FE is more affordable, whereas the Xperia 1 V is a premium purchase.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its great value and excellent overall performance.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the superior option for its brighter display, ensuring visibility in sunny conditions.
- Mobile Photographer: The Sony Xperia 1 V offers superior camera hardware and video capabilities.
- Gaming Enthusiast: The Sony Xperia 1 V, with its high-end chipset and larger RAM, would provide a better gaming experience.
- Power User: The Sony Xperia 1 V delivers the best multitasking performance due to a faster chip and more RAM, and eSIM is a great benefit for travelers.
My Choice
If it were my money, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 1 V. Here's why:
While I appreciate a bright display, my daily use tends to be split between indoors and outdoors. The superior display sharpness, cutting-edge chipset, and better camera tech of the Xperia 1 V are more compelling to me, especially with more RAM and storage for better multitasking, and the added eSIM benefit. The potential lower outdoor brightness is a small trade-off that I'm willing to make for the other gains. Additionally, given the nature of my work, having the absolute best video and camera features is a significant benefit. The Xperia 1V feels like the more future proof choice.
Ultimately, the "best" choice depends on the user's priorities and budget. Both are great phones, but they appeal to slightly different needs.
