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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in September 2022, represent distinct approaches to the smartphone experience. While both offer robust performance and advanced features, they cater to different user preferences primarily through their operating systems and specific hardware choices. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android, providing a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 14 Plus runs on iOS, known for its streamlined ecosystem. Key differentiators include display refresh rate, camera versatility, and overall design philosophy.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support, physical durability, and ease of repair.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 14 Plus generally benefits from a longer period of software updates from Apple, typically extending to 5-6 years from its release. The Galaxy S21 FE, being an Android device, usually receives major OS updates for 3-4 years and security updates for an additional year or two, meaning the iPhone 14 Plus will likely receive support for a longer duration.
• Physical Durability: Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes for the S21 FE and up to 6 meters for 30 minutes for the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple states offers enhanced drop performance. The Galaxy S21 FE utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, which often involves specialized tools and expertise for repairs. The availability of parts and repair services can differ between regions and manufacturers.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing and multitasking to demanding applications and gaming. Both the Galaxy S21 FE and the iPhone 14 Plus offer capable performance, though they achieve it through different hardware and software optimizations.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Plus is equipped with a powerful processor that ensures smooth navigation, quick app launches, and efficient handling of multiple applications simultaneously. Users can expect a fluid experience even with graphically intensive games and video editing tasks. The Galaxy S21 FE also provides a responsive experience for everyday use, handling common apps and multitasking without significant slowdowns.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 14 Plus is known for its extended battery life, with users often reporting it can last through a full day of heavy use and potentially into a second day with moderate usage. It has a 4325 mAh battery. The Galaxy S21 FE features a 4500 mAh battery, which provides ample power for a full day of typical use.
• Storage Options: Both devices offer a base storage of 128GB. The Galaxy S21 FE is also available with 256GB of internal storage, while the iPhone 14 Plus extends its storage options to 256GB and 512GB.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant and clear viewing experiences, albeit with some key distinctions in technology and features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering rich colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 14 Plus comes with a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its excellent contrast and color accuracy. Both provide sharp visuals for media consumption and text.
• Refresh Rate: A notable difference lies in the refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 FE boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content and general navigation. The iPhone 14 Plus features a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Brightness and Viewing Experience: Both displays offer high brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor visibility. The iPhone 14 Plus can reach up to 1200 nits peak brightness for HDR content, while the Galaxy S21 FE also provides strong brightness for various lighting conditions.

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S21 FE and the iPhone 14 Plus are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, though they approach versatility and computational photography differently.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE features a triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This provides greater flexibility for different types of shots, including optical zoom capabilities. The iPhone 14 Plus has a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP main wide camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera.
• Photography Performance: The iPhone 14 Plus excels in computational photography, offering strong low-light performance and consistent image quality across various conditions. The Galaxy S21 FE also delivers good results in everyday photography, with its versatile lenses allowing for creative shots. Both devices support 4K video recording.
• Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S21 FE is equipped with a 32MP front camera. The iPhone 14 Plus features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus, which also supports advanced features like Face ID.