Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs iPhone SE (2020) • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both offer capable performance for everyday use, they differ significantly in their operating systems, display technologies, and camera systems. The Galaxy S21 FE runs on Android, providing a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone SE operates on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined interface and ecosystem integration.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and repairability.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The iPhone SE 2020 was released in April 2020, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G followed in January 2022. This difference in launch date means the iPhone SE 2020 has already received several years of iOS updates, and while it continues to be supported, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, being newer, is expected to receive software updates for a longer duration into the future. Apple typically provides iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from a device's release, and the iPhone SE 2020 has received updates to recent iOS versions. Samsung generally offers several years of Android and security updates for its devices.
• Repairability: The iPhone SE 2020 has a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating that common components like the display and battery are relatively straightforward to replace, partly due to its shared design with the iPhone 8. Information regarding the specific repairability score for the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is less readily available, but Samsung devices are generally considered to have moderate repairability.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built with durable materials, with the Galaxy S21 FE featuring Gorilla Glass Victus and the iPhone SE 2020 using ion-strengthened glass. Both also offer water and dust resistance, with the Galaxy S21 FE rated IP68 and the iPhone SE 2020 rated IP67, meaning they can withstand submersion in water to a certain depth for a limited time. Users can expect a practical lifespan influenced by software support and the availability of replacement parts, making quality-assured refurbished options a sustainable choice for extending device utility.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating apps to engaging in demanding activities like gaming.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, enabling smooth multitasking and efficient handling of graphics-intensive applications. The iPhone SE 2020 features a high-performance processor from its release year, which provides a responsive user experience for most applications and games.
• System Responsiveness and Multitasking: Users of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G can expect a fluid interface and quick app loading times, supported by its processor and typically 6GB or 8GB of RAM. The iPhone SE 2020, with its optimized operating system and 3GB of RAM, also offers a highly responsive experience, though it may handle an extensive number of background applications differently compared to devices with more RAM.
• Storage Options and Battery Behavior: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations, typically starting from 64GB or 128GB, catering to different user needs for apps, photos, and videos. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a larger 4500 mAh battery, designed to provide extended usage, even with 5G connectivity and a high refresh rate display. The iPhone SE 2020 has a smaller 1821 mAh battery, which for heavy users, may require more frequent charging throughout the day.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The iPhone SE 2020 utilizes a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, which provides accurate color reproduction and good viewing angles.
• Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a sharp and detailed image. The iPhone SE 2020 has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, which is clear for its size, though not as pixel-dense as the S21 FE. Both displays offer sufficient brightness for outdoor visibility, with the S21 FE's AMOLED panel generally excelling in direct sunlight.
• Refresh Rate and Viewing Experience: A key difference is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, providing noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, particularly beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. The iPhone SE 2020 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is perfectly functional for most users but lacks the fluidity of a higher refresh rate display. The larger screen size of the S21 FE 5G also offers a more expansive viewing experience for media consumption and productivity.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many smartphone users, and these two devices offer different photographic strengths.

• Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera system on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios. The iPhone SE 2020 has a single 12MP wide-angle camera on the rear.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's multiple lenses allow for diverse shots, from expansive landscapes with the ultrawide to detailed distant subjects with the telephoto zoom. Its main camera performs well in everyday lighting conditions, capturing detailed and vibrant images. The iPhone SE 2020's single camera, while lacking the versatility of multiple lenses, benefits from advanced image processing, producing clear and well-exposed photos in good lighting. Both devices offer good video recording capabilities, with the S21 FE supporting 4K at 30/60fps and the iPhone SE also capable of 4K at 60fps.
• Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 32MP front camera, capable of capturing detailed self-portraits. The iPhone SE 2020 has a 7MP front camera that performs adequately for its purpose, and supports software-based Portrait Mode. Both phones include stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience during media consumption.