Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the vivo X100. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and give you the practical implications so you can make an informed decision.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key technical specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | vivo X100 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-11-21 | The vivo X100 is a much newer phone, benefiting from more recent tech advancements. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 164.1 × 75.2 × 8.5 mm | S21 FE is more compact and slightly lighter, making it more pocketable. The X100 is taller and thicker. |
| Weight | 177g | 202g | The S21 FE is notably lighter, offering better comfort for extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | vivo X100 has a larger display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1260x2800 | vivo X100 has higher resolution, resulting in sharper, clearer visuals. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 452 | vivo X100 offers moderately sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays offer excellent contrast and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 3000 nits | vivo X100 is significantly brighter, ensuring great outdoor visibility. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | vivo X100's newer chip provides a significant performance leap. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,881,325 | vivo X100 offers over twice the performance, which means faster everything. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | vivo X100's GPU is much more powerful, leading to better gaming. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | vivo X100 has a larger battery, likely giving you longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 120W | vivo X100 charges much faster, getting you back to full power quickly. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | No wireless charging, No reverse charging | S21 FE offers more charging flexibility |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.57 | vivo X100’s larger sensor and better aperture allow for better low-light performance and detail. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 64MP, f/2.6 | vivo X100 has dedicated telephoto lens camera while S21 FE has a Telephoto + portrait lens |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.0 | vivo X100 has dedicated wide angle lens camera while S21 FE has a Wide Angle + Macro lens |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.0 | vivo X100 has a slightly wider aperture, allowing for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 4K video, EIS | Both offer good stabilization and high quality video. S21 FE features a wider range of video recording modes and resolutions |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | Main: 117, Photo: 119, Video: 107 | Not Available | S21 FE has been rated in DxOMark, vivo X100 has not been tested. |
| DxoMark (Selfie) | Main: 127, Photo: 126, Video: 130 | Not Available | S21 FE has been rated in DxOMark, vivo X100 has not been tested. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 16) | Android 14 | vivo X100 runs a newer OS, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | vivo X100 supports the newest Wi-Fi standard, offering potentially faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | vivo X100 has a newer Bluetooth standard, offering more reliable connections. |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced | vivo X100 offers superior accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | vivo X100 offers more options for storage capacity. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | vivo X100 has more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Both phones support Dolby Atmos. S21 FE offers noise cancelling, vivo X100 offers Hi-Res Audio |
| SECURITY | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both phones have basic fingerprint sensors for security. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE uses stronger screen protection. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Barometer | Gravity | Both include: Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope. S21 FE has additional sensors |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Strengths:
- Compact Design: Lighter and more pocketable, which is ideal for those who prefer smaller devices.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience.
- Established Camera Performance The dxomark scores give a good look into the quality of the cameras on this device.
- Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Additional Sensors: Offers environmental sensors like barometer.
- Competitive Advantages:
- More mature software experience, less experimental UI.
- Well-rounded feature set that caters to general usage.
- Good performance, suitable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
vivo X100
- Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Dimensity 9300 chipset and Immortalis-G720 GPU deliver top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Stunning Display: Larger, higher resolution, and significantly brighter screen.
- Superior Camera: Better main sensor, dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging gets you back to full power much quicker.
- Future Proof Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure the fastest wireless connections.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Cutting-edge technology and premium performance.
- Ideal for photography enthusiasts and gamers.
- Longer battery life and faster charging, providing all-day usability.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- S21 FE: Lacks the performance of the latest chips, and its camera system is not as versatile or powerful as the vivo.
- vivo X100: Larger, heavier, and may not be as comfortable for users who prefer smaller devices. Doesn't have wireless charging and reverse charging.
- Both do not support expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Users who value a compact and lightweight design.
- Those who appreciate wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- General users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
- Users who are more familiar with the software experience of Samsung devices.
vivo X100 is best for:
- Power users, gamers, and those who demand the highest performance.
- Photography enthusiasts seeking advanced camera features and top-tier image quality.
- Users who prioritize a large, high-quality display with excellent brightness.
- Anyone wanting fast charging speeds, ensuring they're always powered up.
- Those wanting the latest technology in a phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
What's my priority: performance or size and comfort?
- If performance is crucial, go for the vivo X100. If you prefer a more compact and lighter phone, choose the S21 FE.
How important is the camera and photography?
- If you're a serious photographer or want better photo and video capabilities, the vivo X100 is superior. If you need a good camera but don't necessarily need the best, S21 FE will suffice.
What's your charging preference?
- If faster charging is important, the 120W of the vivo X100 can't be beaten. if you prefer the flexibility of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, the S21 FE is for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User:
- Scenario: You need a reliable phone for browsing, social media, and some light gaming.
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a balanced experience with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- The Power User:
- Scenario: You need top-tier performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Recommendation: The vivo X100 is the clear choice with its superior chipset, display, and fast charging.
- The Photography Lover:
- Scenario: You want a great camera experience for both everyday shots and creative photography.
- Recommendation: The vivo X100 delivers significantly better camera hardware and features.
What I would choose and why
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally lean towards the vivo X100. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I value cutting-edge technology, superior performance, and a great camera experience. The vivo X100 offers a massive leap in performance with its Dimensity 9300 chipset, and the significantly upgraded camera system is something I'd absolutely appreciate. I'm also not someone who values wireless charging so that doesn't bother me. While the S21 FE is a solid phone, the X100 is so much more impressive in terms of what's going on under the hood, not to mention the display is fantastic. The slightly larger size doesn't bother me, and the increased weight is a reasonable trade-off for the performance and features it delivers.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities, but the vivo X100 is the clear winner for anyone seeking the best of what mobile technology currently offers.
