Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-10-05 | S23 FE is significantly newer, potentially offering longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | S21 Ultra is taller and thicker, S23 FE is wider, leading to a different hand feel. S23 FE is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 209g | S23 FE is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.4" | S21 Ultra offers a larger screen for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | S21 Ultra provides significantly sharper visuals with finer details. |
| PPI | 515 | 403 | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images, noticeable to discerning eyes. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, similar viewing experiences. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has significantly higher brightness making it much more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S23 FE has a newer, more efficient chip. S23 FE might be better for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE offers significantly better performance in benchmarks, translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE's GPU provides enhanced graphics performance, better for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | S21 Ultra has higher resolution; S23 FE larger pixel size potentially better in low light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 Ultra has higher resolution; S23 FE might be slightly better in low-light situations due to wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens Camera | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra has an additional telephoto lens for increased zoom versatility. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | S21 Ultra has significantly higher resolution for detailed selfies; S21 Ultra has wider aperture for better low-light shots. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | S23 FE has slightly higher resolution, S21 Ultra has larger sensor for better light capture. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer high-resolution video recording with similar features. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 115 | 127 | S23 FE has a higher overall camera score, particularly in video performance. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a well-rated selfie camera, though S23 FE is not tested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | S21 Ultra has a larger battery for potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 25W | Both support 25W fast charging. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both offer 15W wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 9W | 4.4W | S21 Ultra has faster reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | S23 FE ships with a newer OS and will receive updates for longer. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | S21 Ultra has an additional storage option. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 8GB | S21 Ultra offers a significantly larger RAM for improved multitasking and performance |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S23 FE has a newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21 Ultra provides more advanced GPS features |
| Other | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | S21 Ultra offers enhanced audio quality |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer | No | S21 Ultra offers additional environmental sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: Higher resolution and larger screen size offer a more immersive viewing experience.
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher brightness for better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Higher RAM Options: Available in 12 GB or 16 GB variants compared to the 8GB of the S23 FE, offering superior multitasking capabilities.
- More Telephoto Zoom: Dedicated telephoto lens provides greater zoom versatility.
- Additional Storage: Available with up to 512GB of storage compared to the max 256GB of the S23 FE
- Superior Audio Quality: Offers features like Hi-Res audio.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch and shatter resistance.
- More Advanced GPS: Supports additional satellite systems for more accurate positioning
- Additional Sensors: Includes a barometer for enhanced environmental sensing.
- Faster Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers a faster 9W reverse wireless charging rate
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: More efficient and faster processor for better overall performance and future-proofing.
- Significantly Better Benchmarks: Scores significantly higher in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading and gaming.
- Lighter and More Compact: More pocketable and comfortable to hold for extended use.
- Better Mobile Camera DxOMark Score: Better overall camera performance in DxOMark, with significant improvement in video recording.
- Newer Software: Ships with a more recent version of Android and will receive longer software support.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Features the newer Bluetooth 5.3 for better connectivity.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra sacrifices some performance and portability for a larger, sharper display and more versatile cameras.
- The S23 FE compromises on display resolution and size, some camera features and battery size but gains overall performance and better support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is Ideal For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a large, high-resolution display for watching videos, browsing photos, and reading content.
- Photography Buffs: Users who want the most zoom versatility from the camera.
- Power Users: Individuals who need maximum RAM, large storage, and advanced features.
- Outdoor users: Benefit from the higher display brightness.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality audio features like Hi-Res playback
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on a large, high-resolution screen.
- Editing photos and videos.
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Using the phone in bright sunlight.
- Capture detailed photos in low light.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously.
- Enjoying high-quality audio from speakers or headphones.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is Ideal For:
- Performance-Focused Users: Individuals who prioritize smooth, fast performance, and gaming.
- General Users: Everyday users who want a reliable phone that excels at daily tasks.
- Video recording enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high quality video recordings.
- Users who prefer lighter and more compact phones: The S23 FE is easier to carry and handle.
- Users seeking longer software support: The S23 FE will receive OS updates for a longer time.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily tasks like browsing social media, sending emails, and using productivity apps.
- Playing games with high graphics settings.
- Capturing good quality photos and videos.
- Carrying and using a smartphone for prolonged periods.
- Those seeking long term software and security updates.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra, being an older flagship, may offer better value for users who value display quality and camera zoom if found at a discounted price.
- The S23 FE, as a newer "Fan Edition" phone, provides a good balance of performance and features at a competitive price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers to Consider:
- Do I prioritize display quality and size over portability and the latest chip? If yes, the S21 Ultra might be more suitable.
- Do I need the best possible performance and longest software support? If yes, the S23 FE is the better option.
- What is more important to me, zooming capabilities or overall camera performance? If you need more zooming capabilities, S21 Ultra is more suitable. If overall camera performance is the primary concern, the S23 FE is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media consumption and outdoor use: If you primarily watch videos on your phone and use it often outdoors, the larger, brighter display of the S21 Ultra is more beneficial despite the older chipset.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and heavy multitasking: If you are a gamer or heavy multitasker and need the fastest performance, the S23 FE is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced usage and longevity: If you want a phone that offers a good balance of performance, features, and future-proofing, the S23 FE provides better value with its new chipset and longer software support.
- Scenario 4: Prioritize overall camera quality: If you are looking for the best overall mobile camera performance, the S23 FE is a better pick based on the DxOMark scores.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally select the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. My primary reasons are:
- Performance: The newer chipset and superior benchmark scores of the S23 FE indicate a noticeable difference in daily use. This translates to smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and a better gaming experience, which are crucial for my use case.
- Software Support: The S23 FE's more recent OS and longer update commitment mean I get to enjoy newer features, security patches, and optimizations for a longer period.
- Overall Camera Quality: The significantly better video recording quality based on the DxOMark scores, coupled with the good overall camera performance, makes the S23 FE a better choice for my use case.
- Comfort and Portability: The lighter weight and slightly smaller form factor of the S23 FE are more comfortable for prolonged use, especially when commuting and on the go.
While the S21 Ultra has advantages in its screen size, resolution, higher RAM configurations, zoom capabilities and brightness, the performance, software support, and camera enhancements of the S23 FE are ultimately more important to me in terms of my personal use case. The S23 FE provides a more refined experience in terms of daily performance and long term support, which outweighs the benefits of a larger display in this context.
