1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, focusing on their practical implications for users:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-10-03 | The S24 FE is significantly newer, with updated features and software |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones, no folding or special design |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 162 x 77.3 x 8 mm | S24 FE is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands |
| Weight | 200g | 213g | S21+ 5G is lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for prolonged use |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have large screens, great for media consumption and gaming |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Negligible difference; both offer sharp, clear visuals |
| PPI | 394 | 385 | Similar pixel density; both screens are very crisp |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks for excellent display quality |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations; great for gaming and fast-paced content |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE's display is significantly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Exynos 2400e (4nm) | S24 FE's newer chipset provides significantly better performance and efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE offers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE's GPU offers better graphics performance, especially for gaming |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm | S24 FE captures much more detailed images and offers slightly better low-light performance due to the larger sensor |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.0µm | S21+ 5G offers a better dedicated telephoto zoom, but the S24 FE adds a dedicated telephoto lens, useful for moderate zoom shots. The S21+ also has dedicated Telephoto + Portrait camera |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | S24 FE has a wide angle lens, but S21+ has a Wide Angle + Macro lens for extra utility. Both offer similar wide angle performance |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Similar selfie performance. S24 FE has larger sensor, while S21+ has wider aperture for slightly better low light selfies |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | S24 FE offers higher frame rates at 4K, which is better for smoother video and slow-motion recording |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | 133 (Mobile), 136 (Photo), 125 (Video) | S24 FE has a significantly higher DxOMark score, demonstrating superior camera performance |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Night Mode 2.0, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | S24 FE offers more advanced Night Mode. S21+ offers manual focus and continuous autofocus |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4700mAh | Very similar battery capacities; both should last a full day with moderate use |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both phones charge at the same speed, which is not the fastest available but adequate |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No Charger in Box | 15W Wireless, Bypass Charging | S21+ 5G includes reverse wireless charging. S24 FE includes Bypass Charging |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: The S21+ 5G is 13 grams lighter, which makes a difference in long-term handling.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Ability to charge other devices wirelessly using the phone's battery.
- Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio experience for audiophiles with improved sound quality
- Dedicated Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Has a dedicated sensor for enhanced portrait shots and optical zoom.
- Manual Focus and Continuous Autofocus: Provides more control over the camera system.
- Slightly wider selfie aperture: Allows for more light to be captured for selfies.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The newer Exynos 2400e chipset delivers much better performance, ideal for gaming and multitasking.
- Brighter Display: 1900 nits brightness is a big advantage for outdoor use in direct sunlight.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution and larger sensor result in better photo quality overall, especially in low light.
- Newer OS and Long-Term Support: The S24 FE comes with Android 14 and likely has more software updates over the lifespan of the device.
- Improved Video Recording: Higher frame rates and overall better video processing
- Wider Range of Storage Options: 512GB model provides ample storage
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Offers faster data transfer, lower latency, improved range
- Bypass Charging: Allows the phone to bypass the battery and get power directly from the charger to reduce heat when gaming.
- Advanced night mode: S24 FE provides Night Mode 2.0, while S21+ has basic Night Mode
Trade-offs:
- S21+ 5G sacrifices performance and some camera quality for lighter build and reverse wireless charging.
- S24 FE prioritizes performance and display quality but is slightly heavier, thicker and lacks some audio features
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a reliable Samsung device with a good camera and display, but aren't chasing the latest performance.
- Audiophiles: Users who value higher quality audio playback and Dolby Atmos spatial sound.
- Casual Photographers: Users who are happy with a decent camera system and do not need a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Users who prefer lighter devices: Those who prioritize a lighter weight phone over performance
Use Cases for S21+ 5G:
- Everyday social media, calls and emails: Good for standard smartphone usage with good performance.
- Streaming media: Good screen quality, paired with good audio from the speakers or headphones.
- Occasional Photography: Suitable for general use with a good quality, versatile camera system.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Ideal User:
- Performance-Focused Users: Gamers, power users, and those who require fast, smooth performance for resource-intensive apps.
- Outdoor Users: Those who often use their phones in bright sunlight due to its higher screen brightness.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who desire a better camera and more advanced software features, especially in low-light.
- Future-Proofing: Users who want a phone that will get software updates and better performance for longer.
Use Cases for S24 FE:
- Mobile Gaming: Its high performance chipset and faster screen response is perfect for resource-intensive games.
- Professional Photography: Better camera system provides better detail, low-light performance, and video recording.
- Productivity: Good multitasking capabilities and overall performance are good for productivity.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S24 FE typically offers a higher value proposition due to its superior performance, enhanced display, and newer software at a reasonable price point. The S21+ 5G, while still a capable phone, may not offer the best price-to-performance in comparison.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider before making your choice:
- How important is performance to you? If you prioritize smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall speed, the S24 FE is the clear winner due to its newer chipset and enhanced performance. If you do not require the best performance, the S21+ will perform well for basic use.
- How often do you use your phone in bright sunlight? If you frequently use your phone outdoors, the S24 FE's significantly brighter screen will be a significant benefit. If you rarely use your phone outdoors, both phones will suffice.
- Do you value features like Dolby Atmos and reverse wireless charging? If these are a must, the S21+ is the better option. If these features are unnecessary, then the S24 FE provides an all-around better experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers and Power Users: Choose the S24 FE for its superior performance and graphics capabilities.
- For Outdoor Use: Choose the S24 FE due to its dramatically brighter screen and better camera in low-light conditions.
- For Budget-Conscious Buyers and Audiophiles: Choose the S21+ 5G if budget is the biggest priority, or you desire wireless charging or enhanced audio.
- For Casual Users with No Specific Demands: Choose the S24 FE for a more modern device with a better camera.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. While the S21+ 5G has some advantages like being lighter, it is severely outclassed by the S24 FE in almost every meaningful performance category. The significantly brighter display, much more powerful chipset, superior camera, and newer software make it a much better value overall. The S24 FE is also a more future-proof device because it is newer. While I appreciate the S21+ 5G's reverse wireless charging, Dolby Atmos, and dedicated telephoto + portrait camera lens, they don't outweigh the overall performance, camera and display benefits of the S24 FE for my needs as a mobile gamer and photographer.
