Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-10-05 | S23 FE is significantly newer (almost 3 years), likely has longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | S21+ is taller but slimmer, S23 FE is more compact but slightly thicker, may affect pocketability and handling. |
| Weight | 200g | 209g | S21+ is lighter, may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | S21+ offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and better multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer similar sharpness; slight difference likely unnoticeable to the naked eye. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 403 | Practically identical sharpness, individual pixels will be very difficult to distinguish. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays will exhibit vibrant colors, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is dramatically better in bright outdoor conditions, with significantly higher peak brightness. S23 FE brightness data is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S23 FE has a newer and more efficient chipset (4nm vs 5nm), indicating better performance and slightly better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE offers a significant performance boost, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE's GPU is significantly more powerful, resulting in better graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, which could translate to slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | Charging speeds are similar, though battery tech is slightly different. |
| Features | 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse | 15W wireless, 4.4W reverse | Wireless and reverse wireless charging available on both, minor difference in reverse charging. Neither includes a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm | S23 FE has higher resolution sensor, but slightly smaller pixels which might mean better daylight shots but worse low light performance than S21+. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | S21+ has much higher resolution telephoto camera for zoomed shots with more detail, might be better for zooming. S23 FE has bigger pixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | S21+ has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. S23 FE has bigger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | S23 FE has slightly higher resolution. S21+ has bigger sensor, might be slightly better in low light. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer high-resolution video capture for professional-grade footage. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111 | Mobile: 127 | S23 FE shows noticeable improvement in overall camera performance, including photo and video. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, etc. | OIS, Dual PDAF, etc. | S23 FE adds additional focusing technology (Dual PDAF) and features like ultra-stable video for better overall camera experience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 13 (up to 17) | S23 FE has a newer OS with longer update support, which means more features and security updates in the long run. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band, MiMO | Both have Wi-Fi 6. S23 FE has MiMO for potentially better Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23 FE has a newer version of Bluetooth, offering more stable and efficient connections with peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, Galileo | S21+ has slightly better GPS capabilities due to dual-band GPS which is better for accuracy in challenging locations. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ provides the option for using an eSIM, useful for travelers or those needing multiple carrier plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options, but without expandable storage so choose carefully. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both offer the same amount of RAM which is good for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | S21+ offers Hi-Res Audio support, which caters to audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Similar fingerprint sensor performance, providing basic biometric security on both phones. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ has better screen protection, offering more scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, etc. | Basic set | S21+ offers a wider range of sensors, beneficial for gaming and more precise environmental readings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher peak brightness (1300 nits) which is great for outdoor visibility in sunlight.
- Slightly Larger Screen: Provides a bit more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio output for audiophiles
- Better GPS: More satellite systems supported which leads to better accuracy.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch and drop protection than Gorilla Glass 5 on the S23 FE.
- More Sensors: Includes Barometer and Hall sensor, which are helpful for gamers and environment tracking
- eSIM support: Ability to use dual SIMs with one being an eSIM.
- Slightly Larger Battery: 300mAh more.
Practical Implications: The S21+ excels in outdoor visibility, audio fidelity and has a larger display for media and multitasking. It also has slightly better location services and greater drop protection.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: More powerful and efficient Exynos 2200 processor (4nm vs 5nm) resulting in better performance and better battery life.
- Higher Benchmark Scores: Significantly better performance in benchmarks, indicating faster app loading and smoother gaming.
- Superior Camera Performance: Higher DXOMark score for both photos and video.
- Newer Bluetooth: Uses newer Bluetooth standard for more stable and efficient connectivity.
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer version of Android, offering a longer period of software updates.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Despite lower pixel size, the S23 FE boasts a larger main sensor, which may lead to better image quality and low-light performance
- Better Telephoto Camera Pixels: Even though the resolution is much lower, the telephoto camera has bigger pixel sizes.
Practical Implications: The S23 FE has better all-round performance, including more processing power, better camera and longer software support.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S23 FE trades a bit of screen size, brightness and battery capacity for better performance.
- The S21+ has better screen protection, but slightly inferior overall performance.
- S21+ has Hi-Res audio, better GPS, and a few more sensors but is much older.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who need a bright display for outdoor use and also good GPS accuracy.
- Audio Lovers: Users that are interested in Hi-Res Audio
- eSIM Users: Users that need to be able to switch between carriers easily.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: May be available at a lower price point due to its age.
- Users that prioritize better screen protection: Users that want more scratch and drop protection.
Use Cases:
- Outdoor photography in bright sunlight.
- Navigation in remote areas with demanding GPS.
- Listening to high fidelity audio.
- Traveling and switching between carrier plans using eSIM.
- Users prone to dropping their phones.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize speed and smooth performance for apps and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want good camera quality and the latest features.
- Long-Term Users: Those who want more software update support.
- Everyday Multitaskers: Users who frequently switch between apps.
- Gamers: Those who require more powerful graphics performance.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Running several apps simultaneously.
- Users who want the latest software for longer.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The S23 FE, while newer, likely has a higher price. The S21+ is older but will likely be cheaper offering a better value for budget-conscious buyers, provided that the user does not need the latest features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and software support? If you need the latest performance and software updates, the S23 FE is the better choice.
- Do you often use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight? If so, the S21+ has a much brighter screen.
- What is your budget and are you looking for the best value? The older S21+ may offer better value for the price but with compromises.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User, Occasional Use:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The lower price point will appeal and the performance will be adequate for basic use.
- Scenario 2: Performance Gamer/Photographer:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. The newer chipset and camera system provide a better overall experience.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The brighter display will make all the difference.
- Scenario 4: Long Term User:
* **Recommendation:** Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. The newer phone will get more software updates which results in more support.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given my needs and preferences, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. While the S21+ has some advantages, especially in display brightness, better GPS and audio capabilities, the newer chipset and significantly higher performance of the S23 FE are more important for me. The better performance, combined with a superior camera setup and longer software support, will result in a more enjoyable experience over the lifespan of the device. Although the S21+ has some niche advantages, the improvements in performance and camera quality of the S23 FE are what I value most, especially when I do a lot of tasks at once and I want to be able to capture good photos and videos. The better video capabilities and significantly better benchmark scores mean that the S23 FE would have a much better overall experience.
