Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the iPhone 11 Pro, launched in September 2019, are both capable smartphones that cater to different user preferences. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on the Android ecosystem, while the iPhone 11 Pro runs on iOS. Key differentiators between these two devices include their release timelines, software ecosystems, display technologies, and connectivity options.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release dates and software support policies are important factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a newer device, having been released in January 2022, making it over two years newer than the iPhone 11 Pro, which launched in September 2019. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support and expected practical lifespan.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive up to four major Android OS updates, potentially reaching Android 16, with security updates extending for five years. The iPhone 11 Pro, released with iOS 13, is still supported with iOS 26 as of early 2026, and typically receives major iOS updates for 5-7 years, with security patches potentially continuing for a longer period. However, the iPhone 11 Pro was added to Apple's vintage list in September 2025, which may limit repair options.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and an aluminum frame with a plastic back, while the iPhone 11 Pro features a glass front and back with a stainless steel frame.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily use, encompassing everything from app responsiveness to multitasking capabilities.

• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 11 Pro offers more varied storage configurations, including 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for most users, though heavy usage might necessitate a charge by the end of the day. The iPhone 11 Pro, with its 3046 mAh battery, was noted for its good battery life at the time of its release, often lasting a full day or more with moderate use.
• Processing Power and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a newer generation processor that delivers snappy performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 11 Pro, while featuring an older generation processor, still offers excellent performance for everyday tasks and mobile gaming, though newer devices have surpassed its raw processing power. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, while the iPhone 11 Pro has 4GB of RAM, which can impact the number of applications that can be kept active in the background.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct viewing experiences.

• Display Technology: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 11 Pro utilizes a Super Retina XDR OLED display, also providing excellent contrast and color accuracy.
• Size and Resolution: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a larger 6.4-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The iPhone 11 Pro offers a more compact 5.8-inch display with a resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels. Both displays offer sharp and clear visuals for typical viewing distances.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices can achieve high peak brightness levels, reaching up to 1200 nits, which is beneficial for HDR content and outdoor visibility. A notable difference is the refresh rate: the Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, while the iPhone 11 Pro has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, though with some differences in their configurations and capabilities.

• Rear Camera Systems: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 11 Pro feature a triple-camera setup on the rear. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 11 Pro comes with three 12MP lenses: a main, an ultrawide, and a telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is capable of producing images rich in detail and color across various lighting conditions. The iPhone 11 Pro was praised for significant improvements in camera quality at its release, particularly its Night Mode for enhanced low-light photography.
• Video and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a higher resolution 32MP front-facing camera, while the iPhone 11 Pro has a 12MP front camera.