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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, are both prominent smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S21 FE operates on the Android platform, the iPhone 14 Plus runs on iOS, presenting fundamental differences in their software ecosystems. Key differentiators include their display technologies, camera systems, and overall design philosophies, catering to varied user preferences.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected lifespan.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 14 Plus, being released in October 2022, is approximately nine months newer than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, which launched in January 2022. This difference in release dates can influence the duration of software support each device receives.
• Software Longevity: Apple typically provides iOS updates for its devices for five to six years from their release. Given its October 2022 launch, the iPhone 14 Plus is likely to receive major iOS updates until at least late 2027 or 2028. Samsung generally offers four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship and FE series devices. The Galaxy S21 FE, launched with Android 12, has already received updates to Android 13 and 14, and is expected to receive Android 15, with security updates extending into early 2027.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust build qualities. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 14 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple states offers enhanced drop performance, and also boasts an IP68 rating, supporting submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily operations, from launching applications to managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

• System Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Plus is equipped with a powerful processor that ensures smooth navigation, rapid app loading, and efficient handling of demanding applications and games. Users can expect a consistently fluid experience across the iOS ecosystem. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, depending on the region, features a high-performance processor that also delivers a responsive user experience, capable of managing complex tasks and multitasking effectively.
• Multitasking Capabilities: Both devices offer ample memory configurations to support efficient multitasking. The iPhone 14 Plus comes with 6GB of RAM, facilitating seamless switching between numerous open applications. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing flexibility for users who engage in extensive multitasking or run memory-intensive applications.
• Storage Options: The iPhone 14 Plus offers storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, providing generous space for applications, media, and documents. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which is suitable for most users' needs.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 14 Plus features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant color reproduction. It has a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels, resulting in a sharp image quality. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which also delivers excellent color accuracy and contrast. Its resolution is 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing clear visuals.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a typical brightness of 800 nits, with a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's display also provides strong brightness levels, contributing to comfortable viewing in various lighting environments.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A notable difference lies in the refresh rates. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a noticeably smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations, particularly beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. The iPhone 14 Plus maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is consistent and smooth for everyday use, though it does not offer the same level of fluidity as a higher refresh rate display.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they approach imaging with different hardware and software philosophies.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed distant subjects. The iPhone 14 Plus features a dual-camera system with a 12-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. Its main sensor is designed to capture more light, improving performance in various conditions.
• Photography Features and Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes features like Night Mode for improved low-light photography, Scene Optimiser for intelligent adjustments, and Director's View for creative video recording. The iPhone 14 Plus benefits from Apple's Photonic Engine for enhanced image processing, Night Mode, and Cinematic Mode for video with shallow depth of field. It also introduces Action Mode for smoother video capture during movement.
• Front-Facing Cameras: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32-megapixel front camera, offering high-resolution self-portraits. The iPhone 14 Plus features a 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera with autofocus and Night Mode capabilities, also supporting Face ID for secure authentication.