Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Vivo V30 Pro
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE brings flagship features at a premium price, anchored by the powerful Snapdragon 888 and impressive 1300-nit AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh. Its optical image stabilization across multiple lenses (3x telephoto, ultra-wide, main) and 4K 60fps video recording offer versatile shooting. However, the 4500 mAh battery feels modest for the 6.4-inch screen, and 25W charging is dated compared to competitors. Vivo V30 Pro counters with superior value: MediaTek Dimensity 8200 delivers comparable real-world performance, a larger 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with dramatically brighter 2800-nit peak brightness, and 8 GB RAM standard. The 50 MP quad-camera system with Sony IMX920 sensor excels in low-light conditions, though it caps at 4K 30fps. Battery advantage goes decisively to Vivo with 5000 mAh capacity and blazingly fast 80W charging versus Samsung's 15W wireless only. IP54 rating is weaker than Samsung's IP68. At $200 cheaper, Vivo V30 Pro offers better everyday performance, faster charging, superior brightness, and more practical specs. Samsung justifies premium pricing only if you prioritize telephoto zoom and 4K 60fps video; otherwise Vivo delivers stronger value.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Vivo V30 Pro if…
- →Zeiss-tuned triple 50 MP camera system
- →50 MP autofocus selfie camera is class-leading
- →Bright 2800 nit AMOLED display
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Vivo V30 Pro
Pros
- Zeiss-tuned triple 50 MP camera system
- 50 MP autofocus selfie camera is class-leading
- Bright 2800 nit AMOLED display
- Slim and lightweight design at 7.39 mm
- 80W fast charging
Cons
- No telephoto camera
- IP54 is only splash-proof
- No wireless charging
- Limited availability in some markets
- Funtouch OS has bloatware
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Vivo V30 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12, One UI 4 | Android 14, Funtouch OS 14 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 177 g | 187 g |
| Material | Polycarbonate | Aluminum frame, glass back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP54 |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 164.08 x 74.93 x 7.39 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS (Sony IMX920) |
| Front camera | 32 MP, f/2.2 | 50 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Telephoto | 8 MP 3x optical | — |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 50 MP, f/2.0 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 80W FlashCharge wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.4 inches | 6.78 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2800 x 1260 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 2800 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz + 3x3.0 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | MediaTek Dimensity 8200 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
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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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