Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs OnePlus 10 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Fan Edition), released in January 2022, and the OnePlus 10 Pro, launched globally in March 2022, are both Android smartphones that offered compelling features at their respective introductions. While both devices run on the Android operating system, they cater to slightly different user preferences through their distinct approaches to display technology, camera systems, and overall user experience.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the OnePlus 10 Pro were released in early 2022, making them similar in age. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched in January 2022, while the OnePlus 10 Pro saw its global release in March 2022.
• OS Support Duration: Samsung generally provides a robust update policy for its devices. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is expected to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches from its release. This means it has received updates up to Android 16 and will continue to get security patches until early 2027. The OnePlus 10 Pro, while initially having a shorter promise, has also received four major Android updates, reaching Android 16, and is expected to receive security patches until 2027.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a plastic back and an aluminum frame, with Gorilla Glass Victus protecting the front. The OnePlus 10 Pro uses glass on both the front (Gorilla Glass Victus) and back (Gorilla Glass 5) with an aluminum frame. Repairability for both devices is considered moderate, with the OnePlus 10 Pro notably showing structural weaknesses in bend tests, where it could snap in half.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games and multitasking.

• Processor Capabilities: Both devices are equipped with powerful processors from their generation, enabling them to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically features a current-generation processor, either the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, depending on the region. The OnePlus 10 Pro is powered by a current-generation processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Users generally report that both phones offer a responsive experience for everyday use.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery. Some users have reported that its battery life can be disappointing for heavy use, often requiring a charge before the end of a full day, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled. The OnePlus 10 Pro comes with a larger 5000 mAh battery. While some early reviews noted it just about lasted a day with moderate usage, others found it could last longer, especially with its adaptive refresh rate display. Both support fast charging, with the OnePlus 10 Pro offering significantly faster wired charging speeds.
• Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM. The OnePlus 10 Pro offers more options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage variants, with 8GB or 12GB of RAM. More RAM in the OnePlus 10 Pro can contribute to smoother multitasking and app retention in memory.

The visual experience is a primary interaction point for users, and both phones offer high-quality displays with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This provides vibrant colors and deep blacks. The OnePlus 10 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch LTPO2 Fluid AMOLED display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3216 pixels. The LTPO2 technology allows for a more dynamic refresh rate.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both displays offer good brightness levels suitable for outdoor use. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's display is described as vibrant with satisfying brightness. The OnePlus 10 Pro's screen is also noted for being bright enough for sunny conditions.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth scrolling and viewing experience. However, it lacks an adaptive refresh rate, meaning it consistently runs at 120Hz unless manually changed, which can impact battery life. The OnePlus 10 Pro's LTPO2 display offers an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing smoothness while conserving battery power.

For many users, camera performance is a deciding factor, and both smartphones offer capable camera systems with different strengths.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple camera setup: a 12 MP main wide lens, an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is 32 MP. The OnePlus 10 Pro also has a triple camera system, co-developed with Hasselblad, consisting of a 48 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide lens with a wide 150˚ field of view, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3.3x optical zoom. It also has a 32 MP front camera.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is praised for producing quality photos in daytime conditions with vibrant colors and good dynamic range. Its telephoto lens offers clear zoomed shots up to 10x. However, its low-light performance for both photos and videos can show noise. The OnePlus 10 Pro's main camera takes bright and colorful photos with good detail. Its ultrawide camera is notable for its expansive field of view. Some users have noted inconsistencies in color reproduction across its multiple lenses and that low-light performance, while good from the main camera, can be weaker on secondary cameras.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at 30/60fps. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also supports 1080p at 240fps and 720p at 960fps. The OnePlus 10 Pro can record 4K video at up to 120fps and 8K video at 24fps, offering more options for high-resolution video capture. Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption.