Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Vivo X500
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (2022) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, while the Vivo X500 (2026) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9600M; launch prices were $699 and $820. By overall MobileRank rating, the Vivo X500 leads — 89/100 vs 53/100 (a 36-point difference). Key differences: the Vivo X500 has the bigger battery (7500 mAh vs 4500); the main camera is 12 MP vs 50 MP; the Vivo X500 is faster in AnTuTu (3,930,719 vs 1,138,928); the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is noticeably lighter (177g vs 211g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Vivo X500
What makes Samsung Galaxy S21 FE better?
- Lighter: 177g vs 211g
- Cheaper at launch: $699 vs $820
- Better portability (74/100 vs 50/100)
What makes Vivo X500 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3930719 vs 1138928
- Better Geekbench Single: 3302 vs 1500
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10240 vs 3537
- Bigger battery: 7500 vs 4500 mAh
- Faster charging: 90W vs 25W
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 12MP
- Higher refresh rate: 144Hz vs 120Hz
- Faster wireless charging: 40W vs 15W
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 64/100)
- Better camera (87/100 vs 26/100)
- Longer battery life (84/100 vs 42/100)
- Better display (94/100 vs 80/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs the Vivo X500, the Vivo X500 scores 36 points higher (89/100 vs 53/100). In the "performance" category, the Vivo X500 leads (96/100 vs 64/100). In the "camera" category, the Vivo X500 leads (87/100 vs 26/100). In the "battery" category, the Vivo X500 leads (84/100 vs 42/100). Value score: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE — 20/100, Vivo X500 — 92/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (96/100 vs 64/100). In the "display" category, the Vivo X500 is a bit better (94/100 vs 80/100). In the "camera" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (87/100 vs 26/100). In the "battery" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (84/100 vs 42/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE notably outperforms the Vivo X500 (74/100 vs 50/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Vivo X500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | MediaTek Dimensity 9600M | |
| AnTuTu | 1138928 | 3930719 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1500 | 3302 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 3537 | 10240 | |
| Display | 6.4" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.6" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 2340x1080 | 1260x2750 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 144 Hz | |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 7500 mAh | |
| Charging | 25W | 90W | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 40W | |
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 8 MP | 64 MP | |
| Front camera | 32 MP | 50 MP | |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 17 | |
| Brightness (peak) | — | 4000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68/IP69 | |
| Dimensions | 155.7×74.5×7.9 mm | 157.0×75.0×8.2 mm | |
| Weight | 177 g | 211 g | |
| Launch price | $699 | $820 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
- Main: 12MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 8MP
- Front: 32MP
Vivo X500
- Main: 50MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 64MP
- Front: 50MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
- 6.4" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Vivo X500
- 6.6" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1260x2750
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
- 4500 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Vivo X500
- 7500 mAh
- Wired: 90W
- Wireless: 40W
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and Vivo X500, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Vivo X500 leads Samsung Galaxy S21 FE by 71.0% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $121. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE was $121 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (96/100 vs 64/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Vivo X500 is a bit better (94/100 vs 80/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (87/100 vs 26/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (84/100 vs 42/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE notably outperforms the Vivo X500 (74/100 vs 50/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE or the Vivo X500?
The Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE by 36 points (89/100 vs 53/100).
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and the Vivo X500?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has a MobileRank rating of 53/100, the Vivo X500 — 89/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE or the Vivo X500?
The Vivo X500 leads on camera score (87/100 vs 26/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE or the Vivo X500?
The Vivo X500 leads on performance (96/100 vs 64/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE over the Vivo X500?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a better fit for active users. The Vivo X500 is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, those who care about battery life, budget-conscious buyers.