Galaxy S21+ 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max, launched in November 2020, are both large-format smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both offer premium experiences, they differ in their operating systems and several key hardware aspects. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G runs on Android, offering a customizable interface, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. These differences extend to display technology, camera capabilities, and overall design philosophy.

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

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro Max was released in November 2020, making it slightly older than the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, which launched in January 2021. This difference of a few months can impact their remaining software support windows.
• OS Support Duration: Apple typically provides major iOS updates for iPhones for about five to six years, with security updates often extending beyond that. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is expected to receive iOS updates until around 2027. In contrast, Samsung generally offered four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S21 series. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has already reached the end of its major software updates and security updates as of early 2026.
• Repairability: Both devices are generally considered to have moderate repairability. Common repairs like screen and battery replacements are feasible for both models.

Both the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and the iPhone 12 Pro Max were equipped with high-performance processors for their respective release years, delivering smooth operation for most tasks.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Pro Max, with its A14 Bionic chip, offers fluid navigation and quick app launches, handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, powered by its current-generation processor (either the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 depending on region), also provides a responsive user experience, adept at running multiple applications simultaneously and managing graphically intensive games.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offered more flexibility with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage configurations. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is noted for its extended battery life, often lasting more than a full day of heavy use. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, with its larger battery capacity, also provides good all-day power for moderate to heavy usage.

The display is a central feature for both of these large-screen smartphones, offering distinct visual experiences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G sports a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also delivering excellent color reproduction and contrast. Both offer sharp visuals suitable for media consumption and detailed work.
• Refresh Rate: A key difference lies in the refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both phones offer high peak brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor use even in bright conditions. The iPhone 12 Pro Max reaches up to 1200 nits, while the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G can achieve up to 1300 nits.

Both devices feature advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though with some differences in their approach and capabilities.

• Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 12 Pro Max includes a triple 12MP camera setup (wide, ultrawide, and telephoto with 2.5x optical zoom), enhanced by a LiDAR scanner for improved autofocus and Night Mode portraits. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G also has a versatile triple camera array, consisting of a 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and a 64MP telephoto lens offering 3x hybrid optical zoom.
• Low-Light Performance and Video: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is recognized for its strong low-light photography and advanced video recording capabilities, including Dolby Vision HDR video. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G also performs well in various lighting conditions, with its camera system delivering bright and sharp photos in daylight.
• Additional Camera Features: The iPhone 12 Pro Max introduced sensor-shift optical image stabilization for its main wide camera, which helps in capturing steadier shots and videos. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G offers various shooting modes and software enhancements for photography.