Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked Verizon

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone SE (2022), launched in March 2022, are both smartphones that offer modern features within distinct ecosystems. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android, providing a customizable experience with a larger, more vibrant display and a versatile multi-lens camera system. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2022) runs on iOS, offering a compact design with a focus on streamlined performance and a powerful single-lens camera system enhanced by software. These devices cater to different user preferences, primarily distinguished by their operating systems and hardware philosophies.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, both offer robust software support and physical durability, though with some differences.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone SE (2022) is expected to receive iOS updates for approximately 5 to 7 years from its release, potentially extending support until around 2028-2030, with security updates continuing for a year or two beyond that. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, running Android, typically receives 3-4 years of major OS updates and an additional year of security updates.
• Physical Durability: Both phones feature strong glass on the front and back, with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G utilizing Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced scratch and drop resistance. The iPhone SE (2022) uses glass similar to the back of the iPhone 13 series, which is noted for its toughness. Both devices carry an IP67 or IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in fresh water for a limited time. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is rated IP68, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone SE (2022) has an IP67 rating, protecting it in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, which can make user repairs challenging. Professional repair services are generally recommended for both models to ensure proper functionality and maintain water resistance.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, and both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone SE (2022) deliver capable experiences, albeit with different underlying architectures.

• Processing Power: The iPhone SE (2022) features a current-generation processor that enables smooth navigation, rapid app launches, and efficient handling of demanding applications and games. This processor also contributes to advanced computational photography. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a high-performance octa-core processor, providing a responsive user experience for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption.
• Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone SE (2022) comes with 4GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking for typical smartphone usage. Storage options include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers more RAM options, typically 6GB or 8GB, allowing for more aggressive multitasking and keeping more applications open in the background without slowdowns. It is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.
• Battery Performance: The iPhone SE (2022) has a smaller battery capacity (2018 mAh) but benefits from the efficiency of its processor and iOS optimization, often lasting a full day for moderate users. Heavy usage, especially gaming or continuous 5G streaming, may require more frequent charging. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a larger 4500 mAh battery, which, combined with its adaptive refresh rate display and efficient processor, is designed to provide extended usage throughout the day, even with more intensive tasks.

The visual experience is a key differentiator between these two smartphones, primarily due to their display technologies and sizes.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The iPhone SE (2022) has a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, known for its accurate color reproduction and consistent viewing angles.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), resulting in a sharp and detailed image. The iPhone SE (2022) has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, which, on its smaller screen, still delivers a clear visual experience with a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall user interaction. It also offers high brightness levels for good outdoor visibility. The iPhone SE (2022) maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Its display reaches a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is sufficient for most indoor and outdoor conditions.

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but they approach photography with different hardware configurations and software optimizations.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens with a 123-degree field of view, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and up to 30x Space Zoom. This allows for a wide range of photographic possibilities, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups. The iPhone SE (2022) relies on a single 12MP wide camera on the rear. While it lacks the hardware versatility of multiple lenses, its powerful processor enables advanced computational photography features like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Portrait mode with Depth Control, enhancing image quality and detail.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a dedicated Night Mode that uses AI multi-frame processing to capture bright and vibrant images in low-light conditions. It supports 4K video recording at 30/60fps and offers features like Director's View for simultaneous recording from multiple lenses. The iPhone SE (2022) also offers strong video capabilities, recording in 4K at up to 60fps with optical image stabilization. While it does not have a dedicated Night Mode for still photos, its processor improves low-light performance for both photos and videos.
• Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a high-resolution 32MP front camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting Night Mode for low-light self-portraits. The iPhone SE (2022) features a 7MP front camera, which benefits from the same computational photography enhancements as the rear camera, including Portrait mode. Both phones offer stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience during media consumption.