Alright, let's dive deep into this head-to-head between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the vivo V29. I'm going to break down these phones piece by piece to see how they stack up in the real world.
Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones compare, focusing on what matters most to users:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | vivo V29 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-09-01 | vivo V29 is the newer model, potentially with more up-to-date features and design. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 164.2 x 74.4 x 7.5 mm | vivo V29 is taller and thinner, while the S21 FE is a bit more compact and thicker. |
| Weight | 177g | 186g | S21 FE is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable over extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE has known, strong screen protection, V29 is unknown. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | vivo V29's larger screen enhances media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1260x2800 | vivo V29 offers a noticeably sharper, more detailed display. |
| PPI | 403 | 453 | vivo V29's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both offer high brightness for good visibility in various lighting conditions. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | S21 FE's flagship chipset ensures faster app loading and smoother performance for games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 617,100 | S21 FE demonstrates significantly higher raw performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | S21 FE has the edge in graphics performance for demanding games. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.89 | vivo V29 has much higher resolution for detailed photos but S21 FE has slightly better aperture and sensor size |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.0 | Not Available | S21 FE offers a dedicated zoom camera for closer shots. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 50MP, f/2.0 | vivo V29 has a higher resolution selfie camera, while S21 FE has a slightly smaller sensor. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | vivo V29 adds a dedicated wide lens for group shots and landscapes. |
| Macro | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | vivo V29 has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 FE has superior video recording capabilities (60fps) and more. |
| Camera Scores | 117 Mobile, 127 Selfie (DXOMARK) | N/A | S21 FE's has known, validated higher scores in camera performance over the vivo V29 (untested) |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4600mAh | Both have similar battery sizes for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 80W | vivo V29 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W & 4.5W Reverse | N/A | S21 FE supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 16) | Android 13 (up to 16) | vivo V29 has a more recent Android version out of the box. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 FE supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, providing faster and more reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | vivo V29 has a more recent Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | vivo V29 has additional GPS support for higher precision. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | vivo V29 offers an additional 512 GB storage variant. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | vivo V29 has higher RAM options for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 FE offers enhanced audio features. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Basic | Both offer basic fingerprint sensor. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Barometer | N/A | S21 FE has additional environmental sensors for more accurate data readings. |
| --- |
Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Strengths:
- Raw Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset delivers top-tier performance, making it excellent for gaming and demanding applications.
- Camera Quality: While the megapixel count is lower, the DXOMARK scores and additional lens choices indicate a solid photography experience, also including an optical zoom, and night mode.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are significant advantages for users with compatible devices.
- Audio Quality: The stereo speakers, noise cancelling microphone and Dolby Atmos support provide better quality audio.
- Build Quality Known to have Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, unlike the unknown vivo screen protection.
- Environmental Sensors: Contains additional environmental sensors which enhance the phone's versatility.
- Video Recording: Offers superior video recording capabilities, including 4k@60fps.
Trade-offs:
- Older chip: the chip is not the most recent, thus battery consumption may be higher.
- Slightly thicker and heavier than the V29.
- Slower charging speed.
vivo V29
Strengths:
- Display: The larger, higher-resolution display is perfect for media consumption and provides a sharper visual experience.
- Charging Speed: The 80W fast charging dramatically reduces the time needed to top up the battery.
- Selfie Camera: 50MP Front camera which provides highly detailed pictures.
- Higher Ram: The 12GB option would be better for heavy multitasking.
- Expandable Storage: The 512 GB is ideal for storing a larger number of files.
- Design: The vivo V29 is newer, lighter and thinner than the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
- GPS: The vivo V29 supports additional satellite systems for more accurate location.
Trade-offs:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 778G chipset isn't as powerful as the S21 FE's Snapdragon 888.
- No Wireless Charging: Lacks wireless charging, which is a downside for users who prefer this method.
- Basic Audio: The audio features aren't as comprehensive as the S21 FE's.
User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and Adreno 660 GPU make it perfect for smooth, high-performance gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system with telephoto lens and superior video recording capabilities caters to users who value camera features and video quality.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate flagship performance and features like wireless charging will find this phone appealing.
vivo V29
- Media Consumers: The large, high-resolution display is ideal for watching videos and enjoying visual content.
- Frequent Chargers: The 80W fast charging is perfect for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
- Selfie Lovers: The high-resolution selfie camera ensures detailed and sharp self-portraits.
- Everyday Users: Those seeking a well-rounded phone with a modern design, a large display, and efficient fast charging will find this a suitable choice.
Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself to make the right choice:
How important is raw performance for you?
- If you're a gamer or need top-tier performance, the S21 FE is the better option. If you only need adequate day-to-day performance, the V29 is more than capable.
Do you prioritize a larger display and fast charging?
- If those are high on your list, the vivo V29 is the winner. If not, the S21 FE provides other useful features.
How much do features like wireless charging and advanced audio matter?
- If these are crucial, the S21 FE is the way to go. Otherwise, the V29 offers a strong baseline experience without them.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For Gamers: The S21 FE offers better gaming performance, enhanced audio and video recording.
- For Media Consumption: The V29's larger and sharper display wins.
- For All-Day Users: The V29's rapid charging is a key advantage, while the S21 FE offers wireless charging.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: The S21 FE is superior due to DXOMARK camera scores and additional lens.
- For Budget-Conscious Users: The V29 likely offers more bang for the buck, given its focus on a quality display and a recent build.
My Pick
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Here's why:
While the vivo V29 offers a larger screen and much faster charging, the Samsung S21 FE's blend of raw performance, excellent camera capabilities (verified with DXOmark scores), wireless charging, and additional features such as a barometer make it a more versatile option for me as a tech journalist. I often run demanding apps, take pictures/videos for different projects and value features like wireless charging, and this is where the S21 FE shines. While the chipset is older, the performance boost over the V29 is significant, and for my daily use, the trade off in charging speed and screen size is worth it. The added environmental sensors also contribute to its versatility.
Ultimately, the "better" phone depends on your specific needs. If you value a large, crisp display and lightning-fast charging, the vivo V29 is a fantastic choice. But if you need raw power, camera versatility, and extra features like wireless charging and barometer, the S21 FE remains a strong contender, even with its older chipset.
