Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | S21+ is slightly larger, may feel less comfortable in smaller hands; S21 FE is more compact. |
| Weight | 200g | 177g | S21 FE is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use without fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | S21+ offers slightly more screen real estate for immersive viewing, S21 FE a bit more compact for one hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp displays with negligible real-world difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 403 | Similar pixel density; both displays are sharp and clear. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant and deep blacks; excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer fluid scrolling and animations for smoother user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Excellent visibility under bright sunlight on both devices |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | S21 FE (Snapdragon) generally offers slightly better performance and efficiency, especially in gaming; the performance difference is noticeable. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 923,836 | S21 FE is noticeably faster in day-to-day use, smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Snapdragon 888 (Adreno 660) tends to handle graphics-intensive tasks better, beneficial for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ may have slightly better battery life; however, real world differences may not be substantial due to other factors. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both phones charge at the same speed; a full charge may take around an hour. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse | 15W Wireless, Reverse | Both offer convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging features. No in-box charger for either device |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.8 | Both perform similarly for standard shots. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21+ offers higher resolution and more detail in zoomed-in photos; S21 FE’s images may be sufficient for general use. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE has a significantly higher resolution selfie camera, offering more detailed and sharp selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE has slightly higher resolution, but S21+ has a slightly larger sensor. Both produce similar wide-angle images. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ supports higher 8K video recording, suitable for professional video capture. S21 FE is suitable for most video needs. |
| DxOMark | 111 (Mobile) | 117 (Mobile), 127 (Selfie) | S21 FE has slightly better overall camera performance, especially for video and selfies. |
| Features | 8K Video, OIS, Digital zoom | 4K Video, OIS, Digital zoom | The S21+ has support for 8K video while both have OIS for stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable) | Android 12 (upgradable) | S21 FE ships with a newer Android version, ensuring more updated software out of the box; S21+ will receive updates, but the FE is newer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, MIMO | Both support fast WiFi standards; S21 FE has MIMO support for enhanced WiFi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both phones support all of the Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS | S21+ offers dual-frequency GPS for more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ supports eSIM for added flexibility for switching carriers and international travel. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer sufficient storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both provide adequate RAM, but the 8GB on the S21+ ensures better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Both have good audio quality with stereo speakers; S21+ offers Hi-Res audio for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both devices use a basic fingerprint sensor for security purposes. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones use the same screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Both phones have similar comprehensive sensor suites. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption.
- Higher Resolution Telephoto Camera: Better for capturing detailed zoomed-in photos.
- 8K Video Recording: Supports higher resolution videos, suitable for professional-grade use
- Dual-Frequency GPS: Provides more accurate location tracking for navigation and fitness apps
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio fidelity for audiophiles.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility for multiple carrier usage
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- Newer Chipset (Snapdragon 888): Offers improved processing power, better efficiency, and superior gaming performance.
- Significantly Lighter: More comfortable for extended use.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Captures sharper and more detailed selfies.
- Newer Android OS: Starts with a more recent version of Android, ensuring more updated software.
- Better Camera Performance (DxOMark): Better overall camera performance, especially for selfies and video.
- WiFi MIMO: Offers enhanced WiFi performance for better connectivity
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Larger size and heavier build. Exynos chipset has somewhat lower performance than the S21 FE's Snapdragon counterpart, especially for gaming.
- S21 FE: Smaller display. Telephoto camera has much lower resolution compared to the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Individuals who prioritize a larger display for media consumption and those who enjoy photography and video. Also good for users that value precise location tracking or are audiophiles who want hi-res audio.
- Use Cases:
- Frequent video and movie watchers.
- Users who need high quality video recording
- Users who need accurate GPS for navigation or fitness tracking.
- Users who require more versatility with dual SIM capabilities and use the eSIM.
- Users that use Hi-Res audio.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, users who prefer a lighter, more compact phone, and those who prioritize selfie quality and smoother performance.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who need smoother performance and better thermal management.
- Frequent selfie takers who value high resolution.
- Users who prefer a more pocketable device and prioritize comfort for longer usage.
- Users who want a newer version of Android and the latest software features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize performance and a more compact design or a larger display and more detailed zoom capabilities? (S21 FE excels in performance & portability; S21+ has a larger screen and higher zoom resolution).
- Is the front camera quality or detailed zoom photography a bigger priority? (S21 FE has a vastly superior front camera; S21+ has a higher resolution telephoto camera)
- Do you plan to use the device for intensive gaming? (S21 FE's Snapdragon chipset and thermal management are slightly better for gaming).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers and Performance Enthusiasts: The S21 FE is the better choice due to its Snapdragon 888 chipset and slightly better thermal management.
- For Media Consumption and Photography Enthusiasts: The S21+ might be preferable with its larger screen, higher zoom resolution, and 8K video.
- For Users Seeking Portability and the Latest Software: The S21 FE is the better pick as it's lighter and comes with a more recent Android version and overall has the better camera for general use.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Although the S21+ offers benefits such as a bigger display and higher zoom capabilities, the performance edge that the S21 FE has with the Snapdragon 888 would make for a better experience overall. The S21 FE's front camera is also significantly better, and for me, the weight difference is also something to consider. Also, having a newer version of android makes the S21 FE better for long-term use. While the slightly smaller screen is a slight downgrade, it's not substantial enough to outweigh the S21 FE's overall advantages.
