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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, operates on the Android platform, offering a feature-rich experience within Samsung's ecosystem. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Plus, launched in late 2025, runs on Apple's iOS, providing a distinct user interface and integrated services. The primary distinctions between these two smartphones lie in their operating systems, release timelines, and the specific hardware optimizations each brand prioritizes for its user base.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, software support and physical resilience are key factors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 16 Plus offer different trajectories in these areas.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive major Android OS updates up to Android 16, fulfilling Samsung's commitment to four generations of OS upgrades. It also receives security updates for an extended period, initially monthly, then transitioning to quarterly. The iPhone 16 Plus, being a newer device, benefits from Apple's typical policy of providing major iOS updates for approximately five to seven years from its release, alongside continued security patches, suggesting a longer overall software support window.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust construction. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The iPhone 16 Plus utilizes Apple's Ceramic Shield front cover, which is designed for enhanced drop performance, and also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
• Practical Lifespan: Users seeking the longest possible software update cycle may find the iPhone 16 Plus more aligned with their needs due to Apple's extended support. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, while still receiving updates, will reach its end-of-life for major OS upgrades sooner due to its earlier release.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating applications to engaging in demanding activities like gaming. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 16 Plus are designed to deliver capable experiences, though with different underlying architectures.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that was a flagship offering at its release, enabling smooth operation for most applications and multitasking. It handles everyday usage and gaming effectively, though some users have noted it can become warm under sustained heavy load. The iPhone 16 Plus features Apple's latest generation processor, which is engineered for high efficiency and responsiveness. This translates to very fluid navigation, rapid app loading, and strong performance in graphically intensive games and complex applications.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations, allowing users to choose based on their content needs. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking across several applications. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to come with 8GB of memory, contributing to its ability to manage numerous open applications and demanding processes without significant slowdowns.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a 4500 mAh battery. User experiences vary, with some reporting it lasts a full day with moderate use, while heavy usage, especially with the 120Hz display enabled, may necessitate more frequent charging. The iPhone 16 Plus is designed with a focus on extended battery life, building on the strong reputation of its predecessors for providing ample power for all-day use, even for active users.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant and clear viewing experiences, albeit with some technical differences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), resulting in sharp images and text with a pixel density of 403 PPI. The iPhone 16 Plus comes with a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a resolution of 2796x1290 pixels and a pixel density of 460 ppi, providing excellent clarity and detail.
• Brightness and Color: Both screens deliver rich colors and good contrast. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 16 Plus boasts a typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits and can achieve up to 2000 nits for peak outdoor brightness, making it highly visible even in direct sunlight. Both support HDR content for an enhanced viewing experience.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content and general interface navigation. The iPhone 16 Plus, consistent with non-Pro iPhone models, maintains a 60Hz refresh rate. While still providing a smooth experience for most users, those accustomed to higher refresh rates might perceive a difference in scrolling fluidity.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both smartphones provide versatile systems for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. This configuration offers flexibility for various photographic scenarios. The iPhone 16 Plus is equipped with an advanced dual-camera system, comprising a 48MP main camera that uses pixel-binning for detailed 24MP photos and can achieve a 2x telephoto effect by cropping the sensor, alongside a 12MP ultrawide camera.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally delivers good results in well-lit conditions, with its main sensor performing reliably. The telephoto lens, however, may show limitations in low-light environments. The iPhone 16 Plus benefits from Apple's computational photography advancements, offering strong performance in various lighting conditions, including improved low-light capture and enhanced detail.
• Video 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-facing camera, suitable for high-resolution selfies and video calls. The iPhone 16 Plus features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera, which supports advanced features like Face ID and high-quality video recording.