OnePlus Nord CE 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
The Verdict
OnePlus Nord CE 4 delivers superior value at $299 versus the Galaxy S21 FE's $699.99 price tag. The Nord CE 4 boasts a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 2100 nits brightness and 120Hz refresh rate, compared to the S21 FE's 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X at 1300 nits. Battery capacity favors OnePlus decisively with 5500 mAh and blazing 100W charging versus Samsung's 4500 mAh with only 25W wired charging. Camera specifications show the Nord CE 4's 50 MP main sensor with OIS and Sony LYT-600 excels over the S21 FE's aging 12 MP shooter, though Samsung provides a telephoto lens and higher resolution front camera at 32 MP. Performance differs noticeably: the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the Nord CE 4 represents newer architecture than the S21 FE's older Snapdragon 888, though real-world gap remains narrow. The S21 FE offers IP68 water resistance missing entirely on the Nord CE 4, and includes wireless charging. For most users prioritizing battery longevity, charging speed, and display quality without water resistance needs, OnePlus Nord CE 4 represents dramatically better value. Samsung remains the choice only for those requiring IP68 rating and wireless charging.
Who Should Buy
Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 4 if…
- →100W SUPERVOOC fast charging fills the battery in about 30 minutes
- →Large 5500 mAh battery provides excellent multi-day endurance
- →Bright 2100-nit AMOLED display is outstanding for the price
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE if…
- →Flagship Snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price
- →Excellent 32 MP selfie camera
- →Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 177 g
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
OnePlus Nord CE 4
Pros
- 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging fills the battery in about 30 minutes
- Large 5500 mAh battery provides excellent multi-day endurance
- Bright 2100-nit AMOLED display is outstanding for the price
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 handles games and multitasking well
- Lightweight and slim design at just 184 g
Cons
- No official IP rating for water or dust resistance
- Plastic build quality feels cheaper than metal-framed competitors
- 8 MP ultrawide camera is low resolution
- No wireless charging support
- Video recording capped at 4K@30fps
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Pros
- Flagship Snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price
- Excellent 32 MP selfie camera
- Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 177 g
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Wireless charging included
Cons
- Only 6 GB RAM in the base model
- Snapdragon 888 runs warmer than newer chips
- Slow 25W wired charging
- Main camera sensor is just 12 MP despite the price
Full Specifications
| Spec | OnePlus Nord CE 4 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 (OxygenOS 14) | Android 12, One UI 4 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 184 g | 177 g |
| Material | Plastic frame and back | Polycarbonate |
| IP rating | None | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 75.6 x 7.7 mm | 155.7 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF, OIS, Sony LYT-600 | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.4 | 32 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 8 MP 3x optical |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5500 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 100W SUPERVOOC | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2412 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2100 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.63 GHz + 3x2.4 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 720 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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