Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs iPhone 12

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, represent two distinct approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While the Galaxy S21 FE operates on the Android ecosystem, offering a customizable interface, the iPhone 12 runs on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined user experience. Key differentiators include their display refresh rates and camera system configurations.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support play a significant role.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 12, released in late 2020, typically receives major iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its launch, with compatibility extending to iOS 26 in 2025. The Galaxy S21 FE, launched in early 2022, benefits from Samsung's commitment to providing four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates, likely extending its major OS support until Android 16.
• Physical Durability: Both devices carry an IP68 rating, indicating resistance to dust and water immersion. The iPhone 12 features a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed for enhanced drop performance, alongside an aluminum frame and glass back. The Galaxy S21 FE utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for its display protection, paired with an aluminum frame and a plastic back, which can offer a different feel in hand.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Both phones are built to offer several years of reliable performance. The iPhone 12's earlier release means it will reach its end-of-software-support sooner than the Galaxy S21 FE, though both remain capable devices for daily use.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating apps to engaging in demanding activities like gaming.

• Processing Capabilities: The iPhone 12 is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, ensuring a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S21 FE features a current-generation processor that also delivers robust performance, making it well-suited for intensive gaming and seamless multitasking. Both devices offer efficient performance for everyday use and more intensive tasks.
• System Responsiveness: Users can expect fluid navigation and quick app loading times on both phones. The iPhone 12's operating system is optimized to work efficiently with its hardware, providing consistent responsiveness. The Galaxy S21 FE, running on Android, also offers a smooth experience, with its processor capable of managing multiple applications without significant slowdowns.
• Storage Options: The iPhone 12 is available with 64 GB, 128 GB, or 256 GB of internal storage. The Galaxy S21 FE offers similar configurations, typically starting from 128 GB with options for 256 GB, often paired with varying amounts of RAM. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S21 FE and iPhone 12 offer high-quality viewing experiences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature OLED displays, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 12's Super Retina XDR display is a 6.1-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, resulting in a sharp 460 pixels per inch. The Galaxy S21 FE boasts a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, offering a clear viewing experience.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 12 offers a typical brightness of 625 nits, peaking at 1200 nits for HDR content, and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 FE features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, and can reach up to 1200 nits peak brightness. This higher refresh rate can be particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content consumption.
• Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the Galaxy S21 FE offers a more expansive canvas for media consumption and multitasking, while the iPhone 12's slightly smaller display provides a compact form factor. Both displays support HDR content, enhancing the visual quality of compatible videos and images.

Photography and videography capabilities are often a deciding factor for many users, and both devices offer competent camera systems.

• Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 12 features a dual 12MP camera setup, including a wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an ultra-wide lens with a 120° field of view. The Galaxy S21 FE offers a triple camera system: a 12MP wide-angle lens with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide lens (123° FoV), and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The addition of a dedicated telephoto lens on the S21 FE provides greater versatility for zoomed-in shots.
• Photography Performance: Both phones excel in good lighting conditions, producing detailed and color-accurate images. The iPhone 12 includes features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3 for improved low-light performance and dynamic range. The Galaxy S21 FE also offers a capable Night mode, with AI multi-frame processing, and features like Scene Optimizer.
• Video Recording and Audio: The iPhone 12 supports 4K video recording up to 60fps and features HDR video with Dolby Vision, offering enhanced color and contrast. The Galaxy S21 FE also records 4K video at 30/60fps and includes features like Director's View, allowing users to switch between lenses while recording. Both devices provide stereo speakers for media consumption, with the iPhone 12 generally praised for its audio output.