Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs iPhone 15 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, represent distinct approaches to the smartphone experience. While the Galaxy S21 FE offers a feature-rich Android platform with a focus on customization, the iPhone 15 Plus provides a streamlined iOS experience with a strong emphasis on ecosystem integration and camera advancements. These devices cater to users with differing preferences for operating systems and design philosophies.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. These two devices offer different timelines for software updates and physical resilience.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was introduced in January 2022, making it an older model compared to the iPhone 15 Plus, which debuted in September 2023. This difference in release date directly impacts their remaining software support.
• Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides several years of Android OS updates and security patches for its devices, though the S21 FE, being an older model, will receive fewer major OS updates going forward compared to the newer iPhone 15 Plus. Apple is known for its extended software support, often providing iOS updates for five to six years or more from a device's release, suggesting the iPhone 15 Plus will receive updates for a longer duration.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds. The Galaxy S21 FE includes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 15 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front cover and also carries an IP68 rating, indicating resistance to dust and water immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

Performance is a key consideration for daily usage, encompassing everything from app responsiveness to handling demanding tasks. Both devices are equipped to deliver smooth experiences, though with different underlying architectures.

• System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by a processor designed to handle gaming, livestreaming, and multitasking efficiently, providing a fluid user experience. The iPhone 15 Plus incorporates a current-generation processor, ensuring brisk performance across applications and smooth navigation.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, allowing for effective multitasking and ample space for applications and media. The iPhone 15 Plus comes with 6GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, supporting efficient app switching and providing generous storage capacity.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 4500 mAh battery, designed to offer all-day power with intelligent usage management and 25W fast charging. The iPhone 15 Plus has a 4383 mAh battery, which users report can last through a full day of heavy use and often extends to two days with moderate usage, supported by fast-charge capabilities.

The display is the primary interface for interaction, and both phones offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 15 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels, providing sharp visuals and excellent contrast.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness, and its display is designed for clear viewing even outdoors. The iPhone 15 Plus offers an improved peak outdoor brightness of up to 2000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility in bright conditions, though its refresh rate is a standard 60Hz.
• Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S21 FE's display includes an Eye Comfort Shield to reduce blue light, enhancing comfort during extended use. The iPhone 15 Plus integrates the Dynamic Island, which adapts to show alerts and live activities, enhancing the interactive viewing experience.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both devices offer advanced systems for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP wide lens, an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens, providing versatility for various shooting scenarios. The iPhone 15 Plus has an advanced dual-camera system, including a 48MP main camera that captures detailed 24MP photos by default and a 12MP ultrawide lens, along with a 2x telephoto option enabled by the main sensor.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE is noted for its pro-grade camera setup, capable of capturing enhanced low-light shots with improved Night Mode settings. The iPhone 15 Plus delivers crisp images with good color and accurate exposure, showing improvements in low-light situations and offering next-generation portraits with focus and depth control.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones offer strong video capabilities. The Galaxy S21 FE supports 4K video recording at 30/60fps. It also has a 32MP front camera for high-resolution selfies. The iPhone 15 Plus records 4K Dolby Vision video at various frame rates and features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus and advanced portrait features.