Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs iPhone 16 • Unlocked

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors like software support, physical resilience, and repairability play a significant role.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was introduced in early 2022, making it a device from a previous generation. The iPhone 16, released in late 2024, benefits from being a much newer model.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive major Android OS updates up to Android 16, providing a solid four years of software support. Apple typically provides major iOS updates for its iPhones for approximately five to seven years from their release date, meaning the iPhone 16 is anticipated to receive updates for a considerably longer period, potentially until around 2036.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S21 FE includes Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the iPhone 16 utilizes Apple's Ceramic Shield on the front, alongside a glass back and aluminum frame.

Performance is a key differentiator, with the newer iPhone 16 benefiting from more recent hardware advancements compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a flagship-level processor from 2021, capable of handling everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 16 features a significantly newer generation of mobile processor, designed for enhanced efficiency and speed, which translates to faster app loading, smoother gaming, and more responsive overall system performance.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer various storage configurations, with the iPhone 16 providing options up to 512GB, and the Galaxy S21 FE available in 128GB and 256GB variants. The iPhone 16's more advanced internal architecture generally allows for more efficient handling of demanding applications and seamless transitions between tasks.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, which typically provides a full day of use for moderate users, though heavy usage may require an evening charge. The iPhone 16, with its 3561 mAh battery (standard model), is also designed to offer all-day battery life for most users, leveraging its power-efficient processor and optimized iOS software.

The visual experience on both smartphones is delivered through high-quality displays, though with some generational differences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks, with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The iPhone 16 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering similar benefits in color accuracy and contrast, with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a smooth viewing experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. The standard iPhone 16 models maintain a 60Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for most daily tasks, while offering enhanced brightness levels for better outdoor visibility.
• Viewing Experience: Both displays offer excellent clarity for media consumption and general browsing. The slightly larger screen of the S21 FE might appeal to users who prefer more screen real estate, while the iPhone 16's display is optimized for color accuracy and efficiency.

Both devices offer capable camera systems, designed to capture a variety of moments, with the iPhone 16 incorporating more recent advancements.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12 MP ultrawide, a 12 MP wide, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, performing well in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 16 includes a 48 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultrawide camera. The main camera captures detailed 24MP photos by default and offers a 2x optical zoom option through sensor cropping.
• Front Camera and Video: For selfies, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32 MP front camera. The iPhone 16 features a 12 MP front camera. Both phones are capable of recording video at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. The iPhone 16 also supports Spatial Video capture.
• Audio Experience: Both devices provide a good audio experience for media playback and calls. The iPhone 16 benefits from Apple's audio processing for clear speaker output and microphone quality.

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 16 support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The S21 FE uses Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, while the iPhone 16 supports the newer Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, though the base iPhone 16 models transfer data at USB 2.0 speeds.
• Biometric Security: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G incorporates an optical under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 16 relies on Face ID for facial recognition.
• Design and Handling: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a plastic back and an aluminum frame, weighing 177g. The iPhone 16 features a glass back and an aluminum frame, weighing 170g. The iPhone 16 also introduces an Action Button and a dedicated Capture Button for quick access to functions. The specific AT&T variant of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G indicates it may be carrier-locked.