Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked vs iPhone 16 Plus • Unlocked

The age difference between these two devices significantly impacts their expected practical lifespan and software support.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 5G was introduced in January 2021, making it several years older than the iPhone 16 Plus, which debuted in September 2024.
• Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides around four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices. The Galaxy S21 5G, having launched with Android 11, has likely received its last major OS update and will continue to receive security patches for a limited time. In contrast, Apple is known for its extended software support, with the iPhone 16 Plus expected to receive iOS updates for many years, potentially until 2030 or 2031.
• Physical Durability: Both devices offer a high level of water and dust resistance, rated IP68, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 16 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed for enhanced drop performance, while the Galaxy S21 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for its display protection.

Performance is a key area where the generational gap between these two smartphones becomes apparent, influencing how smoothly they handle demanding tasks and everyday operations.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 16 Plus is equipped with a significantly newer and more efficient processor, offering a notable increase in speed and responsiveness compared to the Galaxy S21 5G's processor. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more fluid performance in graphically intensive games or complex applications on the iPhone 16 Plus.
• System Responsiveness: Users will experience a more immediate and fluid interaction with the iPhone 16 Plus, especially when navigating the operating system, switching between apps, or utilizing advanced features like Apple Intelligence. While the Galaxy S21 5G still offers capable performance for most daily tasks, the newer iPhone provides a more refined and future-proof experience.
• Storage and Memory: Both devices offer ample internal storage options, with the Galaxy S21 5G available in 128GB and 256GB configurations, and the iPhone 16 Plus offering 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Both come with 8GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 16 Plus is noted for its exceptional battery longevity, with users reporting up to two to three days of casual use on a single charge, and up to 27 hours of video playback. The Galaxy S21 5G, with its 4000mAh battery, provides reliable all-day power for most users, but typically requires more frequent charging under heavy usage compared to the iPhone 16 Plus.

Both devices feature high-quality displays, but the iPhone 16 Plus incorporates newer display technology and a larger viewing area.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the iPhone 16 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Both technologies deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks.
• Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 16 Plus offers a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels at 460 ppi, providing sharp and detailed visuals. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution at 421 ppi, also delivering a clear viewing experience.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 16 Plus achieves higher peak brightness levels, reaching up to 2000 nits for outdoor visibility and 1600 nits for HDR content, making it exceptionally bright in various lighting conditions. Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations.
• Additional Features: The iPhone 16 Plus includes Apple's Dynamic Island, which integrates alerts and activities into an interactive area at the top of the display.

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, though they approach imaging with different strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 5G features a triple-lens setup with a 12MP wide, a 64MP telephoto with 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide camera. The iPhone 16 Plus utilizes an advanced dual-camera system, featuring a 48MP Fusion Main camera that can also provide 2x optical telephoto capabilities, alongside a 12MP Ultra Wide lens.
• Photography Performance: The 48MP Fusion Main camera on the iPhone 16 Plus is designed for capturing super-high-resolution photos and excels in everyday photography with its sensor-shift optical image stabilization. The Galaxy S21 5G's 64MP telephoto lens allows for detailed zoomed-in shots. Both devices offer strong low-light performance, with the iPhone 16 Plus benefiting from newer computational photography enhancements.
• Video Recording: The Galaxy S21 5G supports 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps. The iPhone 16 Plus offers 4K Dolby Vision video recording up to 60fps, Cinematic mode, Action mode, and the ability to record Spatial Video for immersive viewing.
• Front Camera and Audio: The iPhone 16 Plus has a 12MP front camera with autofocus, while the Galaxy S21 5G features a 10MP front camera. Both devices provide clear microphone quality for calls and recordings, and offer stereo speakers for an enhanced media consumption experience.

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features and design elements differentiate these two smartphones.

• Connectivity Standards: The iPhone 16 Plus supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 standards, offering faster and more reliable wireless connections. The Galaxy S21 5G supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. Both devices are 5G capable, ensuring access to high-speed cellular networks.
• Ports and Biometrics: Both smartphones feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, with the iPhone 16 Plus utilizing USB 2.0 speeds. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPhone 16 Plus relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition, while the Galaxy S21 5G uses an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
• Design and Handling: The iPhone 16 Plus has dimensions of 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and weighs 199 grams, featuring an aluminum design with a Ceramic Shield front and color-infused glass back. The Galaxy S21 5G is more compact at 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm and weighs 169 grams, with a Gorilla Glass Victus front, plastic back, and aluminum frame. The iPhone 16 Plus also includes an Action button, offering customizable shortcuts.