Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs iPhone 15 Plus • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, represent distinct approaches to the smartphone experience. While both offer robust feature sets, they cater to different user preferences through their respective operating systems and hardware philosophies. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android, providing a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus runs on iOS, known for its streamlined ecosystem. Key differentiators include their display technologies, camera capabilities, and overall performance profiles.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are important factors.

• Release and Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022 and launched with Android 12, with updates available up to Android 14. Samsung typically provides four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates for its devices. The iPhone 15 Plus, released in September 2023, launched with iOS 17. Apple has committed to a minimum of five years of software support for the iPhone 15 series, with historical trends suggesting iPhones often receive major iOS updates for 5-7 years. This means the iPhone 15 Plus is likely to receive software updates for a longer duration than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
• Durability and Repairability: Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, indicating a high level of protection against environmental elements. The iPhone 15 Plus incorporates a Ceramic Shield front, which Apple states offers enhanced drop performance. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection. While specific repairability scores can vary, both manufacturers offer repair services, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can extend the practical lifespan of either device.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Given the software support timelines, the iPhone 15 Plus is expected to maintain optimal functionality and security updates for a longer period, potentially making it a more future-proof choice for users prioritizing software longevity. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, while still receiving updates, will reach its end-of-support sooner.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app usage, and multitasking. Both devices offer capable performance, though they achieve it through different hardware and software optimizations.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking effectively, though some users have noted it can be power-intensive and lead to warming under heavy use. The iPhone 15 Plus features a current-generation processor that delivers brisk performance, smooth multitasking, and a top-tier gaming experience, ensuring responsiveness across various tasks.
• System Responsiveness and Multitasking: The iPhone 15 Plus is recognized for its consistent and fluid operating system, which contributes to a highly responsive user experience, even with multiple applications running simultaneously. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offers a smooth experience for general usage, but some users have reported occasional micro-lags or stutters, particularly with certain social media applications.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with no option for expandable storage. The iPhone 15 Plus offers more varied storage configurations, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, providing more choices for users with extensive storage needs.

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

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080x2400 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 15 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a higher resolution of 2796x1290 pixels, resulting in a slightly sharper image with 460 pixels per inch.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a typical brightness of 700-800 nits and a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 15 Plus offers significantly higher brightness levels, with 1000 nits typical, 1600 nits peak for HDR content, and an impressive 2000 nits peak for outdoor use, making it exceptionally readable in direct sunlight.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly in gaming and fast-paced content. The iPhone 15 Plus maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is generally smooth for everyday use, but does not offer the same level of fluidity as a 120Hz display.

Both smartphones are equipped with capable camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, each with its own strengths and features.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP main lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 15 Plus comes with a dual-camera system, highlighted by a 48MP main camera with sensor-shift OIS that utilizes pixel binning to produce detailed 24MP photos and offers a 2x optical-quality zoom by cropping the sensor. It also includes a 12MP ultrawide lens.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is noted for producing good all-round results with rich detail and color, performing well in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 15 Plus offers improved low-light performance, accurate exposure, and good color reproduction, with its 48MP main sensor providing enhanced detail. Users often praise the iPhone's optimization for social media applications, leading to consistent photo and video quality across platforms.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front camera, while the iPhone 15 Plus features a 12MP front camera that supports various photo modes and 4K 60fps video recording.