iQOO 7 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw speed and incredibly fast charging, the iQOO 7 is the clear winner. However, the Galaxy S21 FE’s more refined software, broader availability, and potentially better camera processing make it a compelling choice for those valuing a complete ecosystem and consistent experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo iQOO 7 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - India | 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat19 1600/200 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China | 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 11 | 2022, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 15 | Available. Released 2022, January 07 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm (6.13 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209.5 g (7.41 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (~394 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.62 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version 1Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version 2 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - Version 1Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - Version 2 |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 - Version 1Mali-G78 MP14 - Version 2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 (International), OriginOS 1.0 (China) | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide) | - |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm |
| Triple | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 76mm (telephoto), 1/4.5", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | 32-bit/384kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| - | Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) Samsung DeX (desktop experience support) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, 100% in 15 min (China) 66W wired (International) | 25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, White, Legend | White, Graphite, Lavender, Olive |
| Models | V2049A, I2009 | SM-G990B, SM-G990B/DS, SM-G990U, SM-G990U1, SM-G990W, SM-G990E, SM-G9900, SM-G990B2, SM-G990U2, SM-G990W2, SM-G990U3 |
| Price | About 480 EUR | € 199.00 / $ 143.95 / £ 154.99 / ₹ 29,990 |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.95 W/kg (head) 1.48 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 92h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -26.9 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 566529 (v8), 719696 (v9) GeekBench: 3049 (v5.1) GFXBench: 56fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo iQOO 7
- Incredibly fast charging (120W/66W)
- Potentially optimized thermal management for gaming
- Snapdragon 888 provides flagship-level performance
- Limited information on camera specs
- Software experience may be less refined than Samsung’s One UI
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Polished and feature-rich One UI software
- Versatile camera system with Samsung’s image processing
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging
- Slower charging speed (25W)
- Exynos variant may exhibit more thermal throttling
Display Comparison
The Galaxy S21 FE boasts a measured peak brightness of 792 nits, providing excellent visibility in direct sunlight. While the iQOO 7’s display specifications aren’t detailed, it’s likely comparable in brightness. Both phones likely utilize AMOLED panels for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S21 FE’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) is typical of AMOLED technology. The iQOO 7’s display tech is unknown, but a high refresh rate is expected given its gaming focus. The S21 FE’s display is a known quantity, offering a reliable and visually pleasing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but details are limited to 'Photo / Video' for both. The iQOO 7’s camera specs are unknown, but its gaming-focused branding suggests a prioritization of fast capture speeds. The S21 FE likely benefits from Samsung’s advanced image processing algorithms, potentially delivering more consistent and visually appealing results. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is expected on both, but sensor sizes and lens apertures are crucial details missing from the provided data. The S21 FE’s camera is likely more versatile due to Samsung’s software features and potentially a wider range of shooting modes.
Performance
Both phones can be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm). However, the S21 FE also has a version with the Exynos 2100 (5nm). The Snapdragon 888’s Cortex-X1 prime core, coupled with A78 performance cores, delivers exceptional performance in both devices. The S21 FE’s Exynos variant may exhibit slightly different thermal characteristics, potentially leading to more throttling under sustained load. Both CPUs share the same core configuration (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78, 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55), but the S21 FE’s Exynos version has a slightly higher clocked X1 core at 2.9 GHz and A78 cores at 2.80 GHz, and faster A55 cores at 2.2 GHz. The iQOO 7’s focus on gaming suggests optimized thermal management to sustain peak performance for longer durations.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S21 FE has an endurance rating of 92 hours, indicating solid battery life. The iQOO 7’s battery capacity is not specified, but its 120W (China) or 66W (International) wired charging is a significant advantage. The S21 FE takes 30 minutes to reach 50% charge with its 25W charger, while the iQOO 7 can fully charge in just 15 minutes (China) or a still-impressive time with the 66W version. The S21 FE also offers 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, features absent on the iQOO 7. The iQOO 7’s charging speed dramatically reduces downtime, making it ideal for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO 7 if you absolutely need the fastest charging available (120W in China, 66W internationally) and prioritize maximizing gaming performance without concern for software customization. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G if you prefer a polished, feature-rich software experience, a more versatile camera system, and the convenience of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, even if it means sacrificing some charging speed.