Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs iPhone 16 Pro Max

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, launched in September 2024, represent different approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While the Galaxy S21 FE offers a feature-rich Android platform at a more accessible point, the iPhone 16 Pro Max showcases Apple's latest advancements in performance, camera technology, and display quality within its iOS ecosystem. These devices cater to users with distinct preferences for operating systems and hardware priorities.

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

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in early 2022, launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades, extending its support to Android 16. It also benefits from monthly security updates for four years, transitioning to quarterly updates for an additional year. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, released in late 2024 with iOS 18, will receive major iOS updates for a longer duration, typically five to six years from its launch, ensuring a more extended period of new features and security enhancements.
• Practical Lifespan and Repairability: Both devices are built with durability in mind, featuring IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 16 Pro Max incorporates a Ceramic Shield front and a titanium frame, designed for enhanced resilience. The Galaxy S21 FE utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and an aluminum frame. While specific repairability scores vary, both manufacturers offer repair services, and the availability of parts for a newer device like the iPhone 16 Pro Max may be more consistent over the next few years.

Performance is a significant differentiator, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max benefiting from a more recent hardware generation.

• Processing Power and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking effectively, providing a generally smooth user experience. However, some users have noted that it can generate warmth during extended or intensive use. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a significantly newer and more powerful processor, delivering exceptional speed and efficiency for complex tasks, advanced gaming, and seamless multitasking without noticeable slowdowns.
• Battery Behavior and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4,500mAh battery, which typically provides a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage often necessitates an evening recharge. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, with its 4,685mAh battery, is recognized for its extended endurance, often lasting well over a full day even with heavy use, and offering impressive video playback times. For storage, the Galaxy S21 FE offers configurations up to 256GB, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max provides more expansive options, starting at 256GB and extending up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs.

Both devices feature high-quality displays, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max incorporates more advanced display technology.

• 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 Full HD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels). The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a larger 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a higher resolution of 2868x1320 pixels, resulting in superior clarity and detail.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S21 FE provides a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling, though it is not an adaptive refresh rate, meaning it consistently operates at 120Hz or 60Hz. It offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features ProMotion technology, enabling an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, which dynamically adjusts for optimal smoothness and power efficiency. Its display also achieves higher peak brightness levels, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

The camera systems on both smartphones are capable, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a more comprehensive and advanced setup.

• Rear Camera Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a versatile triple camera system with a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. It performs well in various lighting conditions for both photos and 4K video recording. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a professional-grade triple camera system, including a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor with macro capabilities, and a 12MP 5x telephoto lens. This setup provides greater detail, improved low-light performance, and more advanced optical zoom.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S21 FE supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and has a 32MP front camera. The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in video, offering 4K Dolby Vision recording at up to 120 frames per second, Cinematic mode, Action mode, and spatial video recording. Its 12MP TrueDepth front camera includes autofocus and advanced features for high-quality selfies and video calls. The iPhone 16 Pro Max also introduces a dedicated Camera Control button for quick access and adjustments.