Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked vs iPhone 15 • Unlocked

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, software support and physical resilience are important factors.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 5G, having been released in January 2021, has received its promised four generations of Android OS updates, with Android 15 (One UI 7) rolling out in May 2025. Security updates are expected to continue for a period beyond major OS updates. The iPhone 15, released in September 2023, is publicly committed to receiving at least five years of software support, extending until at least September 2028, with Apple typically providing updates for longer.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating protection against submersion. The Galaxy S21 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus on its front, paired with a plastic back, while the iPhone 15 features a Ceramic Shield front and a color-infused glass back.
• Repairability: The iPhone 15 initially received a lower repairability assessment but was later re-evaluated to a 7 out of 10 score due to software changes that facilitate part calibration, making repairs more feasible. Information regarding a specific repairability score for the Galaxy S21 5G is less consistently available, though its design generally allows for component replacement.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from casual browsing to demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with an octa-core processor, which, at its release, provided robust performance for multitasking, gaming, and running various applications smoothly. The iPhone 15 features a more recent processor, delivering efficient performance for current demanding applications and ensuring a responsive user experience across the iOS platform.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 5G handles multiple applications concurrently without significant slowdowns. The iPhone 15, with 6GB of RAM, is optimized by its operating system to maintain smooth multitasking and quick app launches.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G houses a 4000 mAh battery, designed to provide a full day of typical usage for many users. The iPhone 15, with a 3349 mAh battery, benefits from its efficient hardware and software integration, often resulting in comparable or extended real-world battery life, with many users reporting it comfortably lasts a full day.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, influencing everything from media consumption to daily navigation.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 15 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing a resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels, known for its sharp text and accurate color reproduction.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S21 5G offers an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content. The iPhone 15 maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Some users accustomed to higher refresh rates may perceive a difference in animation smoothness.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S21 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 15 boasts a higher peak outdoor brightness of up to 2000 nits, enhancing readability under direct sunlight. The iPhone 15 also incorporates the Dynamic Island, an interactive area around the front camera and sensors.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many smartphone users, impacting both photography and videography.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP main lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 64MP telephoto lens with OIS offering 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 15 has an advanced dual-camera system, comprising a 48MP main sensor with sensor-shift OIS and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The 48MP main sensor allows for a 2x optical quality zoom by cropping.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 5G is known for its detailed photos and the flexibility provided by its dedicated telephoto lens. The iPhone 15's main camera is praised for capturing sharp, vibrant images with good detail, even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording. The Galaxy S21 5G supports up to 8K video recording. The iPhone 15 offers 4K video recording at various frame rates. Both phones provide clear audio recording and offer stereo speakers for media consumption.

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 15 support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S21 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The iPhone 15 features Wi-Fi 6 and a more recent Bluetooth 5.3. A notable difference is the port: the Galaxy S21 5G uses USB-C, while the iPhone 15 also transitioned to USB-C, replacing the Lightning port.
• Biometric Security: The Galaxy S21 5G incorporates an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 15 relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system.
• Design and Handling: The Galaxy S21 5G measures 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm and weighs 171 grams. The iPhone 15 is slightly more compact at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm and also weighs 171 grams. Both devices offer a comfortable in-hand feel due to their similar dimensions and weight.