Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the ZTE Blade V60 Design. These two phones occupy very different spaces in the market, and understanding those differences is key to choosing the right one.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at the key specs and what they mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | ZTE Blade V60 Design | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-06-01 | The ZTE is significantly newer, but that doesn't always mean "better." |
| Size | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 164.2 × 75.3 × 8.6 mm | The S21 FE is more compact and slightly thinner, making it a bit easier to handle. The V60 is notably taller and thicker. |
| Weight | 177g | 198g | The S21 FE is lighter, which you'll notice during longer periods of use; less strain. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | V60 has a slightly larger screen for content consumption, but it comes with compromises below. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1612 | The S21 FE’s higher resolution means much sharper, clearer text and images. More detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 267 | S21 FE has noticeably sharper visuals, making small details and text much clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE's AMOLED provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, plus power savings in dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21 FE's 120Hz screen offers smoother scrolling and animation, for a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE is significantly better in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | The S21 FE's chipset is significantly more powerful for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 240,000 | The S21 FE is vastly superior in performance, translating to faster app loading and smoother overall usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21 FE’s Adreno 660 GPU is much better for graphics-intensive tasks, especially mobile gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.8) | V60 boasts higher resolution, but sensor quality and processing matter more than just MP count. S21FE has a known good sensor. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP (f/2.0, 1.0µm) | None | S21 FE provides optical zoom capabilities with its telephoto lens, providing more versatility for zoom shots. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | None | S21 FE allows you to capture more of the scene in one shot, and doubles as a macro camera. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | V60 has a dedicated depth camera, but this is less impactful than the lens options on the S21 FE. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 0.8µm) | 8MP | The S21 FE provides much higher resolution for selfies, making for more detailed pictures. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | S21 FE offers vastly superior video recording with higher resolution, frame rate, HDR, and stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 117 / Selfie: 127 | N/A | S21 FE has been rigorously tested and reviewed for excellent camera quality and selfie performance. |
| Camera Features | Advanced options like OIS, RAW, and Night Mode | Basic options like autofocus and HDR | S21 FE provides more control and flexibility for camera enthusiasts. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The V60 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but optimization varies widely by phone. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 22.5W fast charging | The S21 FE charges slightly faster. |
| Charging Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging, no charger | Basic | S21 FE offers more flexibility and convenience with wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 13 | The S21 FE is confirmed to get more updates, potentially extending its lifespan. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MiMO | WiFi 5 | The S21 FE supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, Advanced Profiles | 5.0 LE, Basic Profiles | S21 FE has more advanced audio features and broader Bluetooth compatibility. |
| GPS | Full Suite | Full Suite | Similar positioning capabilities on both. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM usage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | Both have 256 GB options, but only S21 FE comes in 128 GB. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6 GB | The S21 FE can have more RAM, which will help in smooth multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage, a drawback for heavy media consumers. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, Noise cancelling microphone | DTS/DTS X | S21 FE provides immersive audio and better voice quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Side-mounted sensors are generally more convenient and faster to access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 FE has far superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Comprehensive | Basic suite | S21 FE has more advanced sensor options, for better performance with some apps. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with Adreno 660 GPU offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Stunning Display: The AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate, high brightness, and high pixel density provides an excellent viewing experience for media consumption and daily usage.
- Versatile Camera System: The triple-lens system with telephoto, wide-angle, and high-resolution selfie camera provides much better versatility and image quality. It also includes a lot more video options and features like OIS.
- Premium Features: The inclusion of wireless charging, reverse charging, water and dust resistance, and advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and more Bluetooth profiles makes it a very complete device.
ZTE Blade V60 Design: Strengths
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may provide longer battery life for users.
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer Android version out of the box.
- More Affordable: Likely available at a lower price point, making it more accessible for budget-conscious users.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Easier access than the traditional fingerprint sensor.
Key Trade-offs
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Sacrifices some battery capacity, but makes it up with charging and optimizations. Older model.
- ZTE Blade V60 Design: Significantly weaker performance, lower-quality display, and a much less versatile camera system.
- Both: Lack of expandable storage is a big issue if you have large amounts of media.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Best for power users, gamers, content creators, and those who value a premium display and versatile camera capabilities. This phone is suited for individuals who need reliable performance and a rich feature set.
ZTE Blade V60 Design: Best for users looking for a basic, budget-friendly device for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication. It's a decent option for light users who prioritize battery life and don't need top-tier performance or camera quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Consider these questions before making your decision:
- How important is raw performance and gaming to you? If you're a heavy user who demands fast app loading and smooth graphics, the S21 FE is the clear winner. If you're more casual, the ZTE might be fine.
- How much do you value a high-quality display and camera? If you frequently watch videos, browse social media, and take pictures, the S21 FE's superior display and camera will make a big difference.
- What is your budget? The Blade V60 will be more affordable, but know that you’ll be sacrificing a lot in terms of performance, display, and camera quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget User: If price is the top priority and you just need a phone for basic tasks, the ZTE Blade V60 is an economical choice.
Power User: If you want top-tier performance, a great display, and a versatile camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is the better option.
Casual User: If you want a balance of performance and cost-effectiveness, the Galaxy S21 FE is still the recommended choice, if you can find it at a good price. The ZTE might be OK, but you'll have to accept the sacrifices.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would definitely pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Even though it's an older model, its superior display, performance, camera, and overall feature set make it a much more satisfying device for daily use. As a tech journalist and someone who values a seamless and capable mobile experience, I'm willing to pay extra for the added performance, quality display, and excellent camera system. The ZTE Blade V60 is fine as a very basic device, but there's a massive drop in quality and features, which for me, makes it a hard choice to justify when the S21 FE exists.
