Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 16 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, launched in September 2024, represent different generations of flagship smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both offer premium mobile experiences, the iPhone 16 Pro introduces advancements in processing power, camera technology, and display capabilities due to its more recent release. The Galaxy S21 5G operates on the Android platform, offering extensive customization, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro runs on iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and user-friendly interface.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support play a significant role.

• Software Support: The iPhone 16 Pro, being a newer device, benefits from a longer period of guaranteed iOS updates, typically extending for several years beyond its release. The Galaxy S21 5G, launched in 2021, has received several major Android updates since its debut, but its software support window is naturally shorter compared to the iPhone 16 Pro.
• Repairability: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G generally received a favorable repairability score, often around 7.5 out of 10, indicating that it is relatively straightforward to disassemble and replace many components. [6, 15, 24, 36] The iPhone 16 Pro marks a significant improvement in Apple's repairability efforts, achieving a score of 7 out of 10, making it one of the most repair-friendly iPhones in years. [19, 29, 31, 33, 35] This is partly due to design changes allowing for easier access to internal components from both the front and back. [29, 31, 35]
• Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built with durable materials and are designed for extended use. The iPhone 16 Pro's newer hardware and longer software support suggest a potentially longer practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest features and security updates. However, a well-maintained Galaxy S21 5G can still offer a reliable experience, especially as a quality-assured refurbished option.

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect the technological advancements over their respective release periods.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 16 Pro features a significantly newer and more powerful processor, which translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced performance in demanding applications and graphics-intensive games. The Galaxy S21 5G, powered by its processor from 2021, still handles everyday tasks efficiently and provides a responsive user experience for most applications. [23]
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer ample RAM for effective multitasking. The iPhone 16 Pro's newer architecture and optimized iOS environment contribute to a highly fluid and responsive overall system, particularly noticeable when switching between numerous applications or engaging in intensive tasks. The Galaxy S21 5G provides a smooth experience for typical daily usage, though it may show its age when running the most demanding contemporary applications side-by-side with the iPhone 16 Pro.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 16 Pro features a larger battery capacity than its predecessor and benefits from a more power-efficient processor, leading to extended battery life that can comfortably last through a full day of heavy use. [16, 30, 32] The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, which was considered robust at its release and generally provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate use. [23]

Both the Galaxy S21 5G and the iPhone 16 Pro offer high-quality displays, though with some distinctions in their technology and capabilities.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature vibrant OLED displays, providing deep blacks and excellent contrast. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in sharp visuals. [7, 21] The iPhone 16 Pro boasts a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a higher resolution of 2622 x 1206 pixels, offering slightly greater clarity and detail. [1, 4, 9, 10]
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. [7, 9, 21] The iPhone 16 Pro offers higher peak brightness levels, reaching up to 2000 nits for outdoor use, which enhances visibility in bright sunlight. [2, 4, 12] The Galaxy S21 5G also provides strong brightness, with a peak of 1300 nits. [7, 21]
• Viewing Experience: The iPhone 16 Pro's display is protected by Ceramic Shield, offering enhanced durability. [1, 2] Both displays deliver an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and general use, with the iPhone 16 Pro having a slight edge in overall brightness and pixel density.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 16 Pro reflect different approaches and advancements in mobile photography.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12 MP wide lens, a 64 MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. [7, 23] It is capable of recording 8K video at 24fps. [7, 18] The iPhone 16 Pro comes with an advanced Pro camera system, featuring a 48 MP main camera, an upgraded 48 MP ultrawide camera for improved low-light performance, and a telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, a feature previously exclusive to larger Pro Max models. [3, 5, 8, 9, 20]
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 5G delivers strong everyday photography with good detail and color balance, and its software features like Director's View enhance video recording flexibility. [18, 44, 45, 46] The iPhone 16 Pro offers significant improvements in low-light photography and optical zoom capabilities, providing greater versatility for capturing distant subjects. [3, 5, 8, 20] Its ability to record 4K video at 120fps also offers more options for high-quality video content. [3, 5]
• Front Camera and Audio: Both devices feature capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 10 MP front camera. [7, 23] The iPhone 16 Pro includes a 12 MP TrueDepth camera. [1] For audio, both offer stereo speakers for media consumption, and their microphones are designed for clear call quality and recording.