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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, launched in September 2024, represent distinct offerings in the smartphone market. While both devices provide a premium smartphone experience, they cater to different ecosystems and user preferences. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android, offering a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Max runs on iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and streamlined user experience. Key differentiators include their operating systems, processor generations, and camera system capabilities.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its build quality, software support, and repairability. These two devices offer different timelines and approaches to sustained usability.

• Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive major Android OS updates up to Android 16, with security updates continuing quarterly until at least the end of 2025. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, released with iOS 18, is anticipated to receive software updates until approximately 2031, offering a longer period of major OS support.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max incorporates Ceramic Shield glass on the front and a titanium frame, contributing to its robust build.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating a relatively straightforward repair process for common components. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has also shown significant improvements in repairability, achieving a score of 7 out of 10, with a more modular design and easier access to components compared to previous iPhone generations.

Performance is a critical aspect for users, impacting everything from daily tasks to demanding applications. The two phones feature different hardware architectures that translate into varied user experiences.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by a processor capable of handling demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive experience for everyday use and gaming. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a current-generation Apple A18 Pro chip, designed for high-intensity tasks such as advanced gaming, 3D modeling, and video production, offering substantial performance headroom.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The iPhone 16 Pro Max typically includes 8GB of RAM and offers larger storage configurations, including 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, which can benefit users who store extensive media or run numerous applications simultaneously.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally report a smooth and capable experience for typical smartphone activities. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is noted for its fluid system responsiveness, particularly when navigating the interface and launching applications, a characteristic often associated with its optimized hardware and software integration.

The display is the primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices 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 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a larger 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a higher resolution of 1320 x 2868 pixels, resulting in a sharper image with approximately 460 pixels per inch.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G can reach a typical brightness of 800 nits. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features higher peak brightness levels, reaching 1000 nits typically and up to 2000 nits for high-brightness mode (HBM) and outdoor use, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions.
• Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides an immersive viewing experience suitable for media consumption and daily tasks. The iPhone 16 Pro Max's larger screen size and advanced display technologies, including HDR10 and Dolby Vision, contribute to an expansive and visually rich experience, particularly for high-quality video content.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both devices offer versatile systems for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a triple-lens setup with a 12MP wide, an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 16 Pro Max also features a triple camera system, comprising a 48MP wide, a 12MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide lens, along with a LiDAR scanner for depth sensing.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is capable of taking good photos in various conditions, though its telephoto lens may show limitations in low-light environments. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is recognized for its excellent image and video quality, with improved computational photography, sharp daylight photos, balanced colors, and strong low-light performance across its lenses.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording at 30/60fps. The iPhone 16 Pro Max extends its video capabilities with options for 4K at higher frame rates (up to 120fps), ProRes video, and spatial video recording. For selfies, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front camera, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 12MP front camera.