Galaxy S21+ 5G vs iPhone 11

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the Apple iPhone 11, launched in September 2019, represent distinct approaches to the smartphone experience from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer robust performance for their time, they differ significantly in their operating systems, display technology, and connectivity options. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G operates on the Android platform, offering a modern AMOLED display and 5G capabilities, whereas the iPhone 11 runs on iOS, featuring an LCD screen and 4G LTE connectivity.

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

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, launched in January 2021, was promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates. It is expected to receive Android 15 (One UI 7) as its final major OS update, with security patches continuing through early 2026. The iPhone 11, released in September 2019, typically receives major iOS updates for about 5-6 years, with security updates often extending for an additional year or two. It is likely to receive major iOS updates until iOS 18 (2024) or iOS 19 (2025), with security support potentially reaching 2026 or beyond.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature glass front and back panels with aluminum frames, offering a premium feel. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced scratch and drop resistance, and both models carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The iPhone 11 also has an IP68 rating, though its water resistance is specified for up to 2 meters for 30 minutes, compared to the S21 Plus's 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: The iPhone 11 generally has a more favorable repairability score (6/10 by iFixit) compared to the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G (around 4/10 for the S21 series), with critical display and battery repairs being somewhat more accessible on the iPhone.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily operations, from app usage to multitasking and gaming.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor (either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888, depending on region) and 8GB of RAM, enabling smooth handling of demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy games. The iPhone 11 features the A13 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM, which continues to deliver responsive performance for everyday tasks, social media, and many popular games, though it may show its age with the most graphically intensive titles or heavy multitasking compared to newer devices.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 11 offers storage configurations of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G houses a 4800 mAh battery, which typically provides ample power for a full day of moderate to heavy use, with many users reporting extended usage times. The iPhone 11 comes with a 3110 mAh battery. While it can still last a full day for moderate users, older units may benefit from a battery replacement to restore optimal endurance.

The visual experience is a key differentiator, with both devices offering distinct display technologies.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Its resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels results in a sharp image with approximately 394 pixels per inch (PPI). The iPhone 11 uses a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 828 x 1792 pixels, offering 326 PPI. While it provides accurate colors and good viewing angles, it does not achieve the same level of contrast or true blacks as an OLED panel.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid user experience, especially during gaming or fast-paced content. It also offers a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 11 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a maximum typical brightness of 625 nits, which is sufficient for most indoor and outdoor scenarios but less bright than the S21 Plus.
• Design and Viewing Experience: The S21 Plus 5G has a flat display with minimal bezels, offering an expansive viewing area. The iPhone 11 features thicker bezels and a prominent notch at the top of the screen, which can impact the immersive viewing experience for some users.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, though with different configurations and strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom. This configuration allows for a range of photographic options, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 11 comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. It excels in capturing sharp and colorful photos in good lighting conditions.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: The S21 Plus 5G offers improved low-light performance over its predecessors, capturing good detail in challenging conditions. It supports video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second (fps). The iPhone 11 also features a capable Night Mode for low-light photography, which significantly enhances image quality in dim environments. It records video at up to 4K 60fps, known for its stability and color accuracy.
• Front Camera and Audio: For selfies, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 10MP front camera, while the iPhone 11 features a 12MP front camera. Both devices provide good quality for video calls and self-portraits. In terms of audio, both phones are equipped with stereo speakers, offering a balanced sound experience for media consumption.