At first look, the $450 (£399, AU$699) Galaxy A53 5G and $700 (£499, AU$1,099) Galaxy S21 FE have rather a lot in frequent. Their screens are equally sized, they every have multilens cameras and an almost an identical design. So which one’s best for you?Samsung’s Galaxy S telephones are likely to get a lot of the consideration, however the firm’s cheaper Galaxy A lineup has been a quiet success. Galaxy A gadgets accounted for 58% of Samsung’s general smartphone unit gross sales in 2021, whereas different fashions made up the remaining 42%, based on Counterpoint Research. Overall, the Galaxy A53 5G presents extra worth on your cash. It has a big display with a excessive refresh price for smoother scrolling, a good digital camera for the value and spectacular battery life. However, there are explanation why it prices $250 lower than the Galaxy S21 FE. You might need to place up with some efficiency lag on the Galaxy A53, not like the S21 FE. And Samsung’s costlier cellphone has higher cameras that may take clearer photographs from a distance. While the Galaxy S21 FE checks all of the bins for essentially the most half, it additionally feels overpriced in comparison with the Galaxy A53 5G. The Galaxy S21 FE could be a way more tempting alternative if it have been recurrently priced at $600, placing it proper smack in the midst of the $450 Galaxy A53 and $800 Galaxy S22. The excellent news is each telephones are nicely positioned to final for some time. The Galaxy A53 and S21 FE are each assured to get a minimum of 4 years of Android working system upgrades and 5 years of safety updates. They additionally assist all 5G frequencies: sub-6, C-band and millimeter wave.Here’s a more in-depth have a look at how the 2 telephones evaluate relating to design, efficiency, battery life and digital camera high quality. Similar telephones, with slight variationsThe Galaxy A53 5G.
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The Galaxy A53 5G and S21 FE primarily look the identical, however with some minor variations. Both telephones have a borderless display with a centered gap punch cutout for the selfie digital camera. The again of every system is easy with a matte end, and sadly they each acquire fingerprint smudges simply. But the Galaxy S21 FE’s brushed steel edges and heavier construct create a extra premium look than the Galaxy A53 5G. Samsung additionally took a special method with the digital camera module on every cellphone. The Galaxy S21 FE’s digital camera bump blends in with the sting of the system identical to on the Galaxy S21 and S22 sequence, whereas the Galaxy A53’s has a full define. The Galaxy S21 FE.
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The Galaxy S21 FE can also be extra sturdy than the A53 5G. It has an IP68 ranking, that means it might stand up to submersion in as much as 1.5 meters of freshwater for as much as 30 minutes. The Galaxy A53 5G’s IP67 ranking means it may be dunked in a single meter of freshwater for a similar period of time. Either method, Samsung does not advise utilizing these telephones within the pool or on the seaside. Design should not be a lot of an element when deciding between the 2 gadgets. They’re primarily the identical, apart from a couple of minor tweaks. The similar goes for show high quality; each screens are roughly the identical dimension (6.4 inches for the S21 FE versus the A53 5G’s 6.5 inches) and may every crank their refresh charges as much as 120Hz.The Galaxy S21 FE has higher efficiency, however the A53 5G excels in battery lifeThe Galaxy S21 FE.
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The Galaxy A53 5G typically feels costlier than it’s, however efficiency is one space the place its value begins to indicate. There are occasions when the Galaxy A53 5G’s Exynos 1280 processor struggles to maintain up as I’m scrolling and utilizing apps. I observed an occasional lag when closing apps and navigating between dwelling screens and settings menus, but it surely’s not frequent sufficient to wreck my expertise with the cellphone. However, I did not discover stuttering like this throughout my time with the Galaxy S21 FE, which runs on the identical Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip as final yr’s Galaxy S21.Benchmark checks that measure normal efficiency and graphics confirmed comparable outcomes, as you’ll be able to see under.
Geekbench 5 Single Core
Geekbench 5 Multicore
3DMark Wild Life Extreme
Both telephones additionally supply lengthy sufficient battery life to get you thru greater than a day of utilization, and so they every assist 25-watt quick charging. (Just bear in mind you may must buy that energy adapter individually). But the Galaxy A53 5G does not assist wi-fi charging, which doubtless is not a deal-breaker however might be price contemplating when you already personal a charging pad. The Galaxy A53 5G.
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The Galaxy A53 5G’s 5,000-mAh battery had 50% of its battery the subsequent morning after a full day, whereas the Galaxy S21 FE had 32% of its 4,500-mAh battery left after a day and a half. That’s not an apples-to-apples comparability, but it surely signifies they will final for a day after which some. The Galaxy A53 5G blew the Galaxy S21 FE out of the water throughout CNET’s battery check. It lasted for 20 hours and 35 minutes, outperforming not solely the S21 FE however your entire S22 lineup. The Galaxy S21 FE, then again, drained its battery after 15 hours and 46 minutes. For this check, I repeatedly performed native video on the system in airplane mode with the display brightness set to 50%. Both telephones additionally had the show movement smoothness setting set to excessive, which boosts the refresh price to 120Hz. The Galaxy S21 FE has a greater digital camera, however typically it is shutThe Galaxy A53 5G.
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The Galaxy S21 FE and Galaxy A53 5G every have multilens cameras, however the distinction is within the particulars. The S21 FE has a typical extensive digital camera, an ultra-wide digital camera and a telephoto digital camera, whereas the Galaxy A53 5G has a fundamental digital camera, ultra-wide digital camera, macro lens and depth digital camera. The fundamental cameras on each telephones even have optical picture stabilization. But the important thing takeaway is the Galaxy A53’s lack of a telephoto lens means you will not be capable to take nice photographs from distant. Many cellphone producers have a tendency to focus on megapixel depend as being the first metric for measuring a tool’s digital camera high quality. But parts like shutter velocity, aperture (the digital camera’s opening for taking in mild), and the dimensions of each the sensor and the pixels themselves have a much bigger influence on a digital camera’s means to take nice photographs. I’m removed from a images professional, however larger is mostly higher relating to pixel dimension. For aperture, decrease numbers are normally higher. As you’ll be able to see within the desk under, the Galaxy S21 FE’s fundamental digital camera has bigger pixels than the A53 5G’s.
Galaxy S21 FE and Galaxy A53 5G Camera Specs
Cameras
Resolution
Aperture
Pixel dimension (bigger is healthier)
Galaxy A53 5G extensive
64-megapixels
f/1.8
0.8um
Galaxy S21 FE extensive
12-megapixels
f/1.8
1.8um
Galaxy A53 5G extremely extensive
12-megapixels
f/2.2
1.12um
Galaxy S21 FE extremely extensive
12-megapixels
f/2.2
1.12um
Galaxy S21 FE telephoto
8-megapixels
f/2.4
1.0um
When it involves normal picture high quality from the principle extensive digital camera lens, the outcomes have been combined. Photos taken on the Galaxy A53 5G and S21 FE regarded very comparable in some circumstances. But in different situations, there was a transparent winner. Take the photographs of bushes under for example. The Galaxy S21 FE’s picture appears sharper and extra colourful with higher lighting. But within the second picture set, the image of my cat taken on the Galaxy A53 5G regarded crisper than the A53 5G’s. The photographs of pink-flowered bushes primarily look the identical on each telephones. However, the Galaxy S21 FE was higher at taking photos in additional particular circumstances. That consists of capturing photographs from a distance, at nighttime and in portrait mode, as proven under. Let’s be trustworthy: Neither of those photographs taken at a 10x zoom appears nice. But the Galaxy S21 FE’s picture is noticeably clearer than the A53 5G’s.I additionally most well-liked the S21 FE’s brighter portrait mode picture over the A53’s. Even with the deliberately blurred background, the S21 FE does a greater job of creating the tree stand out in opposition to the sky.My cat Buddy virtually stayed nonetheless lengthy sufficient for me to take the identical picture with each telephones. Even although the photographs are barely totally different, you’ll be able to inform the Galaxy S21 FE’s image is extra detailed.Despite picture high quality typically wanting the identical, I feel the Galaxy S21 FE’s telephoto lens and higher low mild efficiency in the end provides it the higher hand. But when you do not care about that and simply need a reasonable cellphone that takes respectable photographs, the Galaxy A53 5G will do exactly high-quality. Which one must you purchase?The Galaxy A53 5G (left) and Galaxy S21 FE (proper).
Samsung
The reply relies on your funds and priorities. The Galaxy S21 FE is a greater all-around cellphone for a number of causes. The construct high quality is barely higher, the efficiency is smoother and the digital camera takes sharper photographs in low mild and from a distance. That being mentioned, it is onerous to advocate the Galaxy S21 FE with out encouraging you to think about the Galaxy S22, which begins at $800. It has a greater digital camera and a extra refined design, though you may must compromise on battery life and show dimension. Check out our full story for extra particulars on the best way to resolve between the Galaxy S21 FE and Galaxy S22. The smartest thing in regards to the Galaxy A53 5G is its low value. At $450, it is $250 cheaper than the Galaxy S21 FE. The Galaxy A53 punches above its weight more often than not — particularly relating to battery life — making it simple to neglect how low cost it’s. But there are moments when the software program will stutter or lag. You additionally will not get the identical digital camera high quality as Samsung’s higher-end telephones, though the A53 takes good photographs for the value.Overall, the Galaxy A53 5G is the suitable alternative for these searching for a cellphone on a good funds, so long as you are keen to deal with the occasional efficiency hiccup. The Galaxy S21 FE is a stable cellphone, but it surely feels somewhat misplaced in Samsung’s lineup at $700.
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G vs. Galaxy S21 FE
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Display dimension, decision
6.5-inch AMOLED (2,400×1,080 pixels); 120 Hz
6.4-inch AMOLED; FHD Plus (2,400×1,080); 120 Hz
Pixel density
405 pixels per inch
401 pixels per inch
Dimensions (Inches)
6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in
6.13 x 2.93 x 0.31 in
Dimensions (Millimeters)
159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm
155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)
6.67 oz; 189g
6.24 oz; 177g
Mobile software program (at launch)
Android 12
Android 12
Camera
64-megapixel (extensive), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide), 5-megapixel (macro), 5-megapixel (depth)
12-megapixel (extensive), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide), 8-megapixel (telephoto)
Front-facing digital camera
32-megapixel
32-megapixel
Video seize
4K
4K
Processor
Exynos 1280
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (within the US)
Storage
128GB
128GB/6GB; 128/8GB; 256GB/8GB
RAM
6GB
6GB/8GB
Expandable storage
Up to 1TB
None
Battery
5,000 mAh (charger not included)
4,500 mAh (No bundled charger)
Fingerprint sensor
In-display
In-display
Connector
USB-C
USB-C
Headphone jack
None
None
Special options
5G-enabled (Sub-6 and mmWave); IP67 ranking; 120Hz show;helps 25W wired quick charging, lacks wi-fi charging; Samsung Pay
5G (Sub-6GHz and mmWave), 120 Hz show, IP68 ranking, 25W wired charging, 15W wi-fi charging
Price off-contract (USD)
$450
$700 (6GB/128GB); $770 (8GB/256GB)
Price (GBP)
£399
£699 (6GB/128GB); £749 (8GB/256GB)
Price (AUD)
AU$699
AU$899 (6GB/128GB); AU$999 (8GB/256GB)
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New for 2022, the Galaxy A53 will get you a plethora of Samsung options and energy at a fraction of the S sequence value. It boasts a far bigger display and extra versatile digital camera cluster than the iPhone SE, although Apple’s funds mannequin delivers snappier efficiency. Still, Samsung followers will admire what they’re getting right here contemplating the inexpensive value. The Galaxy A53 5G has an ultrawide lens for taking photographs with a broader area of view and likewise helps night-mode images. Image high quality is not pretty much as good as what you’d get on a costlier Samsung cellphone just like the Galaxy S21 FE or Galaxy S22, but it surely’s actually clear and colourful sufficient for primary pictures. Other highlights embody a long-lasting battery, 4 assured generations of Android working system updates and a microSD card slot for expandable storage.The Galaxy A53 5G is an acceptable alternative for individuals who need a big display and lengthy battery life for lower than $500. Just take note you might need to cope with some occasional lag, and the digital camera is not as superior as these discovered on pricier telephones. Read our Samsung Galaxy A53 5G evaluation.
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The first S20 FE severely impressed us with its stability of efficiency and value, and the brand new Galaxy S21 FE takes that additional with a stable triple digital camera, a vibrant show and the identical highly effective processor discovered within the flagship S21. It has a 6.5-inch display, making it a great alternative for individuals who need a cellphone that is bigger than the common Galaxy S22 with out the Galaxy S22 Plus’ excessive value. Although it is lacking a few of the Galaxy S22’s bells and whistles — like improved night time images and a more recent processor — this cellphone has a sharper front-facing digital camera for selfies and video calls.The Galaxy S21 FE faces some robust competitors from Google’s Pixel 6, however when you’re after an important general Samsung cellphone and do not wish to pay prime greenback for the flagships, then the S21 FE is nicely price contemplating.