Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. We've got two very different approaches to the smartphone experience here, and it's all about understanding where their strengths lie. I'll break it down for you like I'm explaining it to a friend, focusing on what really matters in everyday use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of their specs, focusing on the real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm | S21 FE is noticeably more compact and pocketable, Z50S Pro feels larger and more substantial |
| Weight | 177g | 228g | S21 FE is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.8" | Z50S Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience with its larger display |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1260 x 2800 | Z50S Pro is noticeably sharper; clearer text and more detail when viewing images and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 403 ppi | 452 ppi | Z50S Pro has a slightly sharper display, but the difference is less noticeable in practice |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide buttery-smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | Z50S Pro is better for use in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4nm) | Z50S Pro boasts significantly faster processing and graphics capabilities, better performance for demanding tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,579,720 | Z50S Pro has a much higher score, indicating substantially better real-world performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | Z50S Pro's GPU ensures smoother gaming experiences with higher frame rates |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 54MP (f/1.6, 1/1.49") | Z50S Pro's main camera offers more detail and performs better in low light, thanks to larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.4) | S21 FE has a slightly wider aperture on its telephoto camera, which may give it a slight edge |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | 16MP (f/2.5, 1/3.06") | S21 FE has higher resolution and a slightly wider aperture for its selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06") | 50MP (f/2.0, 1/2.88") | Z50S Pro has a dedicated ultrawide camera lens and better details and wider angle, S21 FE does not have a standalone one. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | Z50S Pro offers higher resolution video recording with its 8K mode. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 (Photo:119, Video:107) | Not Available | The Samsung S21 FE has a decent camera with good results |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 127 (Photo:126, Video:130) | Not Available | S21 FE selfies should be very good due to high score by DXOMark |
| Camera features | OIS, EIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | OIS, EIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode, Flicker sensor, Gimbal | The ZTE offers some more video and focus features that might benefit the user |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5100mAh | Z50S Pro has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast, 15W wireless | 80W fast | Z50S Pro charges much faster than the S21 FE, which may come handy if you are always on the go. |
| Other Features | Reverse/Wireless Charging | No other charging features | The S21 FE is very flexible, allowing you to charge other devices wirelessly or via reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 13 | Z50S Pro has a newer Android version out-of-the-box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Z50S Pro offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Z50S Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for better efficiency |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Enhanced GPS | Z50S Pro has superior GPS connectivity and location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256GB/1024GB | Z50S Pro offers much larger storage options if you need them. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Z50S Pro offers more RAM for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage option |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X | Samsung offers a wider range of high-end audio functionality and immersive audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic and similar fingerprint sensor technology |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE is built with tougher glass and screen protection. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Barometer | Ultrasonic proximity | S21 FE offers a broader sensor suite, including for environmental data. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: This phone is a well-rounded package. It’s designed to provide a smooth, user-friendly experience with a focus on Samsung's ecosystem. Its strengths lie in its compact design, decent camera setup (especially the selfie cam and video), and additional features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. It's a good pick for users who value a balance of features, compactness, and a familiar interface. However, the charging is quite slow, and the processor is a generation behind.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro: This phone is a powerhouse, prioritizing raw performance and multimedia capabilities. It boasts a much more powerful processor, a higher resolution display, a superior main camera, and a much faster charging rate. Its larger size and weight are trade-offs for the larger display, more robust battery, and top-tier performance. It also has a wide angle lens, while the S21 FE lacks a dedicated wide angle camera. However, there are some areas, such as the screen protection and selfie camera, where the S21 FE fares better. It is a better pick for power users, gamers, and anyone who wants top-tier performance from their phone.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal for: General users who value a blend of features, a sleek design, and a user-friendly interface within the Samsung ecosystem. Users who prioritize selfie quality, and like to use wireless charging.
- Use cases: Daily social media use, casual photography, video calls, entertainment, light gaming. The device is designed to be compact and fits easily in your hand.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for a solid, all-around smartphone experience.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro:
- Ideal for: Power users, gamers, and multimedia enthusiasts who need top-tier performance, fast charging, large storage, and superior display. Users that prioritize main camera quality and fast charging.
- Use cases: Heavy gaming, video editing, photography, and for use in bright environments.
- Price-to-Value: A high-end device offering flagship level performance. It offers great value for those who prioritize raw performance and advanced features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when deciding between these two phones:
- What's your priority – Raw Power or well rounded Experience?: If you're all about maximum performance, fast charging and a better main camera and multimedia capabilities, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the way to go. If you value a balance of user-friendly experience, compactness, and versatility, the Samsung S21 FE would be the wiser choice.
- Do you often use reverse wireless charging and other charging features?: If you find yourself in situations where you need to charge other devices wirelessly, or if you enjoy the convenience of wireless charging, the Samsung S21 FE is better. The ZTE offers no charging convenience, other than fast charging.
- Do you like bigger screens or smaller ones?: If you prefer a more compact design, the S21 FE will be the better option, while if you are fine with a larger phone, the Z50S Pro would work.
Scenario Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: If you are a casual user that does not use their phone for heavy work or gaming, and just want a decent phone for social media and calls, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G will be a better choice.
- Scenario 2: Gamer/Power User: If you're a heavy gamer, video editor or a power user looking for max performance and the best possible main camera, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is a better match.
- Scenario 3: On-the-Go Creator: If you value the ability to produce high quality video using your phone and appreciate a more robust battery that can last the day, ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the better choice.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I'm always drawn to devices that push the boundaries of performance and innovation. The Z50S Pro's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset, combined with its faster charging, larger battery, and superior main camera, is simply too compelling. The higher resolution display makes a big difference when viewing high quality photos and videos, and the larger screen improves the overall viewing experience. It represents a leap forward in mobile technology that appeals to my need for cutting-edge tech. While the S21 FE has its merits, the Z50S Pro is a device that I would find more interesting to use and explore on a daily basis. It's a powerhouse that would allow me to tackle anything I want to do with my phone.
Let me know if you have any more questions or scenarios you want me to explore!
