Smartphone Comparison: vivo V21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-05-06 | 2023-10-05 | The S23 FE is significantly newer, implying potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 158 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | The V21 5G is taller and slimmer, while the S23 FE is wider and thicker. The S23 FE has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 176g | 209g | The V21 5G is noticeably lighter, which might be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.4" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar sharpness; difference is not noticeable in everyday use. |
| PPI | 409 | 403 | Both offer similar pixel density, leading to indistinguishable clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The S23 FE has a smoother visual experience, especially noticeable in scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data missing, cannot compare; performance may vary. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International | The S23 FE has a significantly more powerful and efficient chipset, leading to better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 1,188,176 | The S23 FE provides dramatically better performance in demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Xclipse 920 - International | The S23 FE offers superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP (f/1.79) | 50MP (f/1.8) | V21 5G has a higher resolution, but S23 FE's larger sensor size often leads to better low light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | N/A | 1/1.57" (Samsung GN3) | S23 FE's larger sensor generally means better light sensitivity and image quality. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | S23 FE's larger pixels usually capture more light for improved low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | No | 8MP (f/2.0) | The S23 FE has an extra telephoto camera for better zoomed shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP (f/2.0) | 10.8MP (f/2.4) | The V21 5G has higher resolution, but the S23 FE has larger pixels. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | No | V21 5G has dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | No | V21 5G has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 13MP (f/2.2) | S23 FE has a combined wide angle/macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, OIS | Up to 8K@24fps, OIS | The S23 FE supports higher quality video recording, and offers 4K@60fps. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Tested | Mobile 127 (Photo 124, Video 131) | S23 FE has been tested by DXOMark with good photo and video capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | S23 FE has larger battery for longer usage time between charges. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | V21 5G charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W Wireless Charging | S23 FE has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | S23 FE offers more up-to-date software and longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | S23 FE has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S23 FE has a newer Bluetooth version with enhanced connectivity. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer similar internal storage options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S23 FE provides a superior audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S23 FE offers much better protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Geomagnetic | S23 FE includes geomagnetic sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: Easier to handle and carry for users who prefer lightweight phones.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging provides a quicker top-up compared to S23 FE's 25W.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 44MP for detailed selfie shots, appealing to social media enthusiasts.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Lens: Offers more flexibility in close-up and wide-angle photography
- Front Flash: For taking selfies in low light.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Chipset: The Exynos 2200 offers a major leap in performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Newer Software: Android 13 vs Android 11, providing the S23 FE with much longer software support.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz provides a smoother and more fluid visual experience.
- Larger Battery: 4500mAh offers extended battery life for heavier usage.
- Telephoto Camera: Allows for better zoomed photos without digital distortion.
- Superior Video Recording: Supports higher 8K resolution and more features.
- Wireless Charging: Supports convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for other devices.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos offer a richer audio experience.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides excellent protection from scratches and drops.
- More Advanced Bluetooth: 5.3 version vs 5.1 for better connectivity.
Trade-offs:
- V21 5G: Faster charging and higher resolution selfie camera comes at the cost of significantly lower overall performance and a basic audio experience.
- S23 FE: Is heavier and charges slightly slower in exchange for a much more powerful processor, better display, and superior features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for vivo V21 5G:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight phone and faster charging.
- Social media users who enjoy taking high-resolution selfies.
- Users with a lower budget who do not need demanding performance.
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing and basic photo sharing.
- Quickly topping up the phone's battery while on the go.
- Casual use with focus on portability and front-facing camera.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Users who prioritize high performance for gaming and intensive apps.
- Users who need a reliable phone with modern software and long-term support.
- Users who value display quality and smooth visual experiences.
- Users who want the convenience of wireless charging.
- Users who prioritize camera versatility with telephoto and wide-angle options and a good video capture system.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, high-performance apps and video editing.
- Taking professional-looking photos and videos with different lenses.
- Enjoying rich audio and watching multimedia content.
- Users who want a premium feature set without top-tier pricing.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The V21 5G provides good value if you only prioritize basic usage, light weight and quick charging.
- The S23 FE provides a much better price to value ratio in its category, offering much more features and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: How important is smooth performance for gaming and demanding applications?
- Camera Preferences: Do you need telephoto zoom and advanced video capabilities, or is selfie resolution more important?
- Battery and Charging Habits: Do you prioritize wireless charging, longer battery life, or faster wired charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If budget is the primary concern and performance is secondary, and a lighter build and higher resolution selfies is the goal, then the V21 5G is a decent option.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Oriented User: If performance, long software support and future-proofing is key, the S23 FE is the clear choice despite being heavier and charging slightly slower.
- Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast: If versatile photography with a telephoto zoom and high-quality video is important, the S23 FE is the better option.
- Scenario 4: Casual Daily User: If an user needs a great all around phone with great performance and features, but doesn't need top of the line specs, the S23 FE is the perfect choice.
My Choice and Why
Given the analysis, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Here's why:
- Future-Proof Performance: The Exynos 2200 chipset offers significantly superior performance, ensuring the phone will remain smooth and responsive for years to come. This is crucial for demanding applications and mobile gaming.
- Modern Features: The S23 FE comes with features such as 120Hz refresh rate, wireless charging, and a versatile camera system. These significantly enhance the user experience.
- Superior Audio Experience: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos contribute greatly to multimedia consumption, which is something I often prioritize.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides excellent protection, which is always a plus.
- Longer Software Support: The newer software version (Android 13 and upgradable) ensures longer support and new features.
- Versatile Camera System: While the V21 5G has a higher-resolution selfie camera, the S23 FE's telephoto lens and better video capabilities are more useful for my usage patterns.
- Better all around experience: While the V21 has its strenghts, the S23 FE provides a much better, more premium experience in all categories.
While the vivo V21 5G offers the advantage of lighter weight and faster charging, these are not my primary concerns. I value the overall performance, software support, and the enhanced feature set of the S23 FE, making it the better choice for my needs and preferences.
