Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, are both premium smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs on the Android operating system, the iPhone 12 Pro operates on iOS, leading to fundamental differences in interface and ecosystem. Key differentiators between these two devices include their display technology, camera capabilities, and overall design philosophy.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and repairability.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro was released in October 2020, making it older than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, which launched in January 2022. This difference in release date impacts their remaining software support windows.
• OS Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is expected to receive four years of OS updates and five years of security updates from its release, extending its software life further into the future. The iPhone 12 Pro, typically receives 5-6 years of major iOS updates from its launch.
• Repairability: The iPhone 12 Pro received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, noting that many components are modular and easy to replace, though proprietary screws and increased waterproofing can complicate repairs. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has been noted to be fairly easy to repair, with many components secured by Philips screws, though the battery is tightly glued.

Both smartphones offer robust performance for daily tasks, but their underlying architectures lead to different strengths in handling demanding applications and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 12 Pro features a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and graphics-intensive games smoothly, providing a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a capable processor that ensures snappy performance for everyday use and can manage multitasking effectively.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 12 Pro generally report a fluid and consistent experience, even with multiple applications open. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offers a smooth experience, with sufficient RAM options to support efficient app switching and background processes.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with a larger battery capacity, which users report can last through a full day of moderate to heavy use, though heavy users might find themselves charging more frequently. The iPhone 12 Pro's battery life is generally considered good, with some users reporting it can last up to 40 hours between charges with moderate use, including several hours of screen-on time.

The visual experience on both devices is a highlight, though they employ different display characteristics that cater to varying preferences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing excellent contrast and color accuracy with a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. The iPhone 12 Pro features a 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistently smooth experience for most users, though it does not offer the same level of fluidity as higher refresh rate displays.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both phones offer high brightness levels for good outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G can reach high peak brightness, ensuring content remains clear even in bright sunlight. The iPhone 12 Pro's display also offers high peak brightness, making it easily viewable in various lighting conditions.

Both smartphones are equipped with capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, each with its own set of features and strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-lens setup including a 12 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 12 Pro also has a triple 12 MP camera system, consisting of a wide, ultrawide, and a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, alongside a LiDAR scanner for improved low-light autofocus and augmented reality.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G delivers detailed and vibrant photos, performing well in various lighting conditions, with users praising its main and ultrawide lenses. The iPhone 12 Pro is known for its consistent image quality, excellent color reproduction, and strong low-light performance, especially with its main sensor and Night Mode capabilities.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. The iPhone 12 Pro offers Dolby Vision HDR video recording, providing enhanced dynamic range. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offers good video quality with stabilization, though super steady stabilization is limited to 1080p at 30fps. Both phones provide clear audio for calls and media consumption, with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G featuring stereo speakers.