Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs iPhone 16 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, launched in September 2024, represent distinct approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While the Galaxy S21 FE offers a feature-rich Android platform with a focus on accessibility, the iPhone 16 Pro showcases Apple's latest advancements in performance, camera technology, and ecosystem integration. These devices differ significantly in their operating systems, core specifications, and target user profiles, providing varied strengths for different daily needs.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 16 Pro, being a more recent release, benefits from Apple's extended software support, typically receiving major iOS updates for 5 to 7 years from its launch. The Galaxy S21 FE, launched in early 2022, received Android OS updates for approximately four years and security updates for five years, meaning its major OS update cycle concluded in early 2026, with security updates continuing until early 2027.
• Build Durability: Both devices offer robust construction. The Galaxy S21 FE features a Gorilla Glass Victus front and an aluminum frame, complemented by an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 16 Pro elevates this with a Ceramic Shield front and a titanium frame, also boasting an IP68 rating, which contributes to its overall resilience.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches for the longest possible duration will find the iPhone 16 Pro offers a longer practical lifespan in terms of software. For those content with a stable, slightly older software version and ongoing security, the Galaxy S21 FE remains a capable device.

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones cater to different user expectations, driven by their respective hardware and software optimizations.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 16 Pro is equipped with Apple's A18 Pro chip, designed for demanding applications, advanced AI features, and graphics-intensive tasks, ensuring smooth operation and responsiveness across the iOS ecosystem. The Galaxy S21 FE utilizes either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G or the Exynos 2100 processor, which provides capable performance for everyday multitasking, gaming, and media consumption within the Android environment.
• Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 16 Pro typically comes with 8GB of RAM and offers a wide range of storage options up to 1TB, supporting extensive app usage and large media libraries. The Galaxy S21 FE is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB, which is suitable for most users' needs.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 16 Pro features a 3582 mAh battery, optimized by its efficient processor and iOS, providing up to 27 hours of video playback. The Galaxy S21 FE houses a larger 4500 mAh battery, which, combined with its display and processor, aims for all-day power, though real-world usage can vary based on network and app patterns.

Both devices offer high-quality displays, but they differ in their underlying technology and visual characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 16 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant color reproduction. The Galaxy S21 FE sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also delivering rich colors and excellent contrast.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 16 Pro provides a resolution of 2622 x 1206 pixels at 460 ppi, coupled with ProMotion technology for an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S21 FE offers a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a clear and smooth viewing experience.
• Brightness and Clarity: The iPhone 16 Pro's display can reach 1000 nits typical brightness and up to 2000 nits peak outdoor brightness, enhancing visibility in bright conditions and for HDR content. The Galaxy S21 FE has a typical brightness of around 700 nits, which is generally sufficient for most indoor and outdoor viewing.

The camera systems on both smartphones are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, though they approach this with different hardware and software philosophies.

• Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 16 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 48MP wide lens with sensor-shift optical image stabilization, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. The Galaxy S21 FE comes with a triple rear camera system comprising a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Features: The iPhone 16 Pro includes advanced features like a LiDAR scanner for improved low-light focusing and depth sensing, Apple ProRAW for professional-grade photo editing, and enhanced Night mode capabilities. The Galaxy S21 FE offers features such as Night mode with multi-frame processing, 30x Space Zoom (hybrid), and Director's View for creative video recording.
• Video Recording: The iPhone 16 Pro supports 4K video recording at up to 120 frames per second, ProRes video, and Spatial video, catering to advanced videography needs. The Galaxy S21 FE can record 4K video at 30 or 60 frames per second, with features like Dual Recording to capture footage from both front and rear cameras simultaneously.