Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs iPhone 12 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, represent two distinct approaches to premium smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer robust performance and advanced camera systems, they differ significantly in their operating systems and display technologies. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android, providing a customizable user experience, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and streamlined interface.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and repairability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the newer device, having been released in January 2022, approximately 15 months after the iPhone 12 Pro's October 2020 launch. This difference in release date can impact the duration of future software support.
• Software Longevity: Apple typically provides major iOS updates for its devices for about 5-6 years from release. Given its 2020 launch, the iPhone 12 Pro is likely nearing the end of its major OS update cycle, though security updates may continue for longer. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched with Android 12, generally receives 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security updates, meaning it may have a similar remaining lifespan for core software support as the iPhone 12 Pro at this point.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating a relatively decent ease of repair. The iPhone 12 Pro received a score of 6 out of 10, with iFixit noting that while many components are modular, proprietary screws and increased waterproofing can complicate repairs.

Both smartphones were equipped with high-performance processors for their respective release periods, delivering smooth operation for everyday tasks and demanding applications.

• System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, providing a fluid user experience for gaming and streaming. The iPhone 12 Pro also offers strong performance, ensuring that apps load quickly and multitasking remains responsive.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, while the iPhone 12 Pro offers more options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 4500mAh battery, and the iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815mAh battery. Despite the difference in capacity, user experiences suggest that both devices may require charging before the end of a full day with heavy use, particularly when utilizing features like a high refresh rate display or 5G connectivity.

The visual experience on both devices is characterized by vibrant displays, though they employ different technologies and features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks with a resolution of 1080x2400 pixels. The iPhone 12 Pro comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its excellent contrast, wide color support, and a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both displays offer high peak brightness levels, reaching up to 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. A key difference is the refresh rate: the Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, while the iPhone 12 Pro maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Screen Protection: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, offering enhanced durability against drops and scratches. The iPhone 12 Pro features Apple's Ceramic Shield front cover, which provides a significant improvement in drop performance.

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 12 Pro also has a triple 12MP camera system, including an ultrawide, wide, and telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. The iPhone 12 Pro also incorporates a LiDAR Scanner, which assists with faster autofocus in low-light conditions and enables Night mode portraits.
• Photography Performance: Users generally find both devices capable of producing good all-around photos. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is noted for its strong telephoto capabilities and good selfies. The iPhone 12 Pro is praised for its overall camera system, including good low-light performance and the ability to capture in Apple ProRAW format, offering more flexibility for professional photographers.
• Video Recording: Both phones support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. The iPhone 12 Pro stands out with its ability to record HDR video with Dolby Vision, providing enhanced dynamic range and color accuracy in video content. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offers various video modes, including super slow-motion.