Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs iPhone 14 • Locked AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 14, launched in September 2022, are both prominent smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S21 FE operates on the Android platform, the iPhone 14 runs on Apple's iOS. These devices cater to different preferences, primarily differing in their operating systems, display technology, and camera approaches.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors like software support and repairability are key. Both devices offer a substantial lifespan, though their ecosystems approach longevity differently.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, is expected to receive major Android OS updates up to Android 16, and security updates until at least January 2027. The iPhone 14, released in September 2022, typically receives iOS updates for around five to seven years from its release, with an expectation of updates until approximately 2028.
• Software Longevity Expectations: Users of the Galaxy S21 FE can anticipate a consistent flow of new features and security enhancements through its promised Android updates. iPhone 14 users benefit from Apple's long-standing commitment to software support, ensuring access to the latest iOS features and security patches for an extended period.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE has a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating a relatively straightforward repair process for many components. The iPhone 14 initially received a high repairability score due to internal redesigns making it easier to access components, but this score was later lowered to 4 out of 10 due to software limitations and part pairing requirements that can complicate independent repairs.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 14 are designed to deliver smooth performance for everyday tasks and more demanding applications, though they achieve this through different hardware configurations.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, thanks to its robust internal processing unit. The iPhone 14 also offers strong performance, ensuring applications launch quickly and run efficiently, even with intensive usage.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Users of both devices can expect a responsive experience when navigating the operating system and switching between applications. The Galaxy S21 FE, with its available RAM configurations, supports efficient multitasking. The iPhone 14 also provides a fluid user experience, maintaining smooth operation across various tasks.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE typically offers a long battery life, with some users reporting it lasting through a full day and a half of usage with a 120Hz refresh rate enabled. The iPhone 14 provides dependable all-day battery life for many users, though heavy usage might require more frequent charging.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 FE is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 14 offers more varied storage options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, providing more choices for users with extensive storage needs.

The visual experience on both smartphones is a key differentiator, with each device employing distinct display technologies and characteristics to present content.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a sharp 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution. The iPhone 14 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its excellent contrast, color accuracy, and a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S21 FE boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content. The iPhone 14 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistent and clear viewing experience for general use.
• Brightness Levels: Both devices offer good brightness levels for outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S21 FE can reach a peak brightness of around 800 nits, with some measurements showing up to 1,044 cd/m² in specific conditions. The iPhone 14 has a typical brightness of up to 800 nits and can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring content remains visible even in bright sunlight.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S21 FE's slightly larger 6.4-inch display provides a more expansive canvas for media consumption and multitasking. The iPhone 14's 6.1-inch display offers a compact form factor that is comfortable for one-handed use while still providing an immersive viewing experience.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they differ in their specific configurations and photographic strengths.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE features a versatile triple-lens rear camera system, including a 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It also has a 32MP front camera. The iPhone 14 is equipped with a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera, alongside a 12MP front camera with autofocus.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE produces rich in detail and color images, performing well in various lighting conditions. Its main camera delivers great results under ample lighting, with vibrant colors and apparent details. The iPhone 14's camera system captures stunning photos with sharp focus, good contrast, and vibrant colors, showing improvements in detail and dynamic range, especially in low light.
• Video Recording Quality: The Galaxy S21 FE supports 4K video recording at 30/60 frames per second, with optical image stabilization on the wide and telephoto lenses. The iPhone 14 offers 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording and features an Action mode for smooth and stable video capture, similar to action cameras.
• Audio Experience: The Galaxy S21 FE's down-firing stereo speakers produce averagely good quality audio that can fill a room without significant distortion at maximum volume. The iPhone 14 also provides a clear audio output for media consumption and calls.