Galaxy S21+ 5G vs iPhone SE (2022)

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy S21 Plus offers a larger display and a versatile multi-camera system, the iPhone SE 2022 focuses on a compact form factor with powerful internal processing. Both devices run on their respective advanced operating systems, Android and iOS, providing different user experiences.

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

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was introduced in early 2021, while the iPhone SE 2022 followed in early 2022. This means the iPhone SE 2022 benefits from a slightly newer starting point for software updates.
• OS Support: Apple typically provides software updates for its iPhones for an extended period, often five to six years or more from release, suggesting the iPhone SE 2022 will receive iOS updates for a considerable duration. Samsung also offers several years of Android and security updates for its flagship devices, with the Galaxy S21 Plus expected to receive updates for a substantial period, though potentially shorter than Apple's typical support cycle.
• Durability Features: The Galaxy S21 Plus features Gorilla Glass Victus on both its front and back, along with an aluminum frame, contributing to its robust build. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2022, while featuring a Ceramic Shield front and glass back with an aluminum frame, has an IP67 rating, protecting against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating apps to demanding gaming sessions.

• Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G also features a powerful processor, designed to deliver high performance for a wide range of activities.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone SE 2022 often report a highly responsive experience, with quick app loading and fluid navigation, largely due to its optimized software and powerful internal components. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G also offers a very smooth and responsive user experience, capable of managing multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns.
• Storage and Memory: Both devices offer various internal storage options, typically ranging from 64GB to 256GB for the iPhone SE 2022 and 128GB to 256GB for the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G generally includes more RAM, which can be beneficial for intensive multitasking and keeping many applications open in the background.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE 2022's battery life is generally considered average for a modern smartphone, providing enough power for a day of moderate use, though heavy users might find themselves charging more frequently. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, with its larger battery capacity, typically offers extended usage times, often lasting a full day even with more intensive use.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and these two devices offer distinct visual experiences.

• Display Technology: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022 utilizes a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, which provides accurate color reproduction and good brightness.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G offers a 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution, resulting in a sharp and detailed image on its larger screen. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 1334 x 750 pixel resolution, which, on its smaller display, still provides a clear viewing experience with a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G boasts an adaptive refresh rate of 48-120Hz, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, along with a peak brightness of 1300 nits for good visibility in bright conditions. The iPhone SE 2022 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is suitable for most indoor and outdoor viewing.

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

• Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with hybrid optical zoom capabilities. This allows for a wide range of photographic options, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12MP wide camera on its rear, which benefits from advanced computational photography features.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is known for producing vibrant photos with good dynamic range, performing well in various lighting conditions, including acceptable low-light performance. The iPhone SE 2022 captures detailed and color-accurate images in good lighting, leveraging features like Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion. However, it lacks a dedicated Night mode, which can impact low-light results.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, offering good quality for casual and more serious videography. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G can also record in 8K. For selfies, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 10MP front camera, while the iPhone SE 2022 features a 7MP front camera, both capable of capturing clear images and supporting portrait modes.