Galaxy S21+ 5G vs iPhone 15 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro, launched in September 2023, represent different generations and operating systems within the premium smartphone segment. While both offer robust performance and advanced camera capabilities, the iPhone 15 Pro introduces a more recent processor, an updated display, and enhanced connectivity features. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G operates on Android, offering a distinct user experience compared to the iPhone 15 Pro's iOS platform.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was released in January 2021, making it an older model compared to the iPhone 15 Pro, which launched in September 2023. This difference in release date impacts the remaining period of official software and security updates.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G typically receives 3-4 major Android OS updates and 4-5 years of security updates from its release, meaning its software support cycle is nearing its end. The iPhone 15 Pro, being a newer device, benefits from Apple's longer software support, generally receiving 5-6 years of major iOS updates, extending its practical lifespan for current features and security.
• Durability Features: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the iPhone 15 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a titanium frame, contributing to its overall resilience.
• Repairability: The iPhone 15 Pro has seen improvements in repairability compared to previous iPhone models, with some assessments giving it a 7 out of 10 score, though others note challenges with part compatibility outside of official channels. Information on the specific repairability score for the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is less consistently available, but older Android flagships generally present varying degrees of repair complexity.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding multimedia editing and gaming.

• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G offers internal storage options of 128GB and 256GB, paired with 8GB of RAM. The iPhone 15 Pro provides a wider range of storage capacities, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, and also features 8GB of RAM.
• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is powered by a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly, suitable for most user needs at its time of release. The iPhone 15 Pro features a more recent and powerful processor, which provides enhanced responsiveness for demanding applications, advanced gaming, and complex computational tasks, ensuring a high level of performance for current and future software.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is equipped with a 4800 mAh battery, supporting fast wired and wireless charging. The iPhone 15 Pro has a 3274 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient hardware and software optimization, is designed to provide a full day of typical use, also supporting fast wired and wireless charging.

The visual experience is a key differentiator, with both devices offering high-quality displays tailored to their respective ecosystems.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 15 Pro comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing a higher resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels and a sharper pixel density.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both phones offer an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G reaches a peak brightness of 1300 nits, while the iPhone 15 Pro can achieve a higher peak brightness of 2000 nits for outdoor visibility and HDR content.
• Additional Display Features: The iPhone 15 Pro includes an Always-On display and the Dynamic Island, which integrates alerts and activities into a fluid interface. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G also features an Always-on display.

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though with different strengths and features.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens offering 3x hybrid optical zoom and up to 30x Space Zoom. The iPhone 15 Pro also has a triple-camera system, including a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 15 Pro also integrates a LiDAR scanner for improved low-light focusing and depth sensing.
• Video Recording Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G supports 8K video recording at 24 frames per second. The iPhone 15 Pro offers 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, with advanced features like Cinematic mode for depth-of-field effects, ProRes video recording for professional workflows (with external recording), and Spatial Video capture.
• Front Camera and Audio: For selfies, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 10MP front camera. The iPhone 15 Pro features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus and advanced portrait capabilities. Both devices offer quality microphone performance for calls and video recording, and their stereo speakers provide a good media consumption experience.