Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked Verizon

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the iPhone SE (2022) are two distinct smartphones, released in early 2021 and early 2022, respectively. While the Galaxy S21 5G launched as a flagship Android device, the iPhone SE (2022) offers Apple's latest internal components within a more compact, traditional iPhone design. The primary differentiators lie in their operating systems, display technologies, and camera systems, catering to different user preferences.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G was unveiled in January 2021 and released later that month, making it an older device compared to the iPhone SE (2022), which was announced and released in March 2022.
• Software Support: Samsung typically provides four years of Android operating system updates and five years of security updates for its flagship models like the Galaxy S21 5G. The iPhone SE (2022), running iOS, is expected to receive software updates for several years, often extending beyond Android device support timelines, though it was discontinued in February 2025.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 5G generally receives a repairability score around 7.5 out of 10, noted for its relatively easy disassembly and modular components, though the battery can be challenging to remove due to strong adhesive. The iPhone SE (2022) has a repairability score of approximately 5.5 or 6 out of 10. While its screen and battery are considered relatively straightforward to replace, specialized tools and knowledge are often required, and the battery also uses strong adhesive. Both devices benefit from the availability of quality-assured refurbished options, extending their practical lifespan in an eco-friendly manner.

Performance in daily use is shaped by a device's internal components, affecting app responsiveness, multitasking, and storage capabilities.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 5G is powered by either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or an Exynos 2100 processor, depending on the region. This hardware enables smooth handling of demanding applications, efficient multitasking, and responsive gaming experiences. The iPhone SE (2022) features the Apple A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 lineup. This allows it to deliver very powerful performance, excelling in app loading speeds, graphic-intensive tasks, and overall system fluidity, often outperforming many contemporary smartphones.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone SE (2022) offers storage configurations of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, supporting fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 2018 mAh battery. Despite its smaller capacity, the efficiency of its processor and software optimizations contribute to a battery life that users generally report as sufficient for a full day of typical use.

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely determined by its display technology, resolution, and overall screen characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2022) utilizes a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, which provides accurate color reproduction and good viewing angles, though it does not achieve the same level of contrast as an OLED panel.
• Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 5G has a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 421 ppi, and can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, making it highly visible in various lighting conditions. The iPhone SE (2022) has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, with a pixel density of 326 ppi, and a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key difference is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S21 5G offers an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid user interface. The iPhone SE (2022) maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, encompassing hardware, software processing, and video recording features.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 5G boasts a versatile triple-lens rear camera system, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. This setup allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The iPhone SE (2022) features a single 12MP wide rear camera with optical image stabilization. While it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses, it leverages Apple's computational photography for enhanced image quality.
• Photography Features: The Galaxy S21 5G includes features like 8K video recording at 24fps, Director's View, and improved software for image processing. The iPhone SE (2022) benefits from computational photography features such as Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Photographic Styles, which optimize texture, details, and color. It also offers Portrait mode. However, it notably lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can impact low-light performance.
• Front Camera and Video: Both devices feature capable front-facing cameras. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 10MP front camera, while the iPhone SE (2022) has a 7MP front camera. Both can record 4K video, with the Galaxy S21 5G supporting up to 60fps and the iPhone SE (2022) also supporting up to 60fps.