Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs iPhone 12 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer 5G connectivity and capable camera systems, they differ significantly in their operating systems, display technologies, and overall user experience. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android, providing a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 12 runs on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined ecosystem.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, software support and physical resilience are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 12, released in late 2020, is expected to receive major iOS updates for approximately 5-7 years and security updates for 7-8 years, potentially extending its support until around 2028-2030. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in early 2022, typically receives 4 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates from Samsung.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating protection against submersion. The iPhone 12 incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed to offer improved drop performance. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G utilizes a plastic back with a metal frame, which can be more shatter-resistant than glass, though some users perceive it as less premium.
• Practical Lifespan: Users often report that the iPhone 12 maintains smooth performance for several years, making it a durable option for those who do not frequently upgrade. The Galaxy S21 FE, with its robust update policy, also offers a considerable practical lifespan within the Android ecosystem.

Performance is a critical aspect for daily use, encompassing processing power, multitasking capabilities, and battery endurance.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 12 is equipped with a capable processor that ensures smooth operation for everyday tasks, quick app loading, and responsive navigation. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, particularly the Verizon-locked model with its current-generation processor, handles demanding applications and multitasking efficiently, with some users noting its strong performance in gaming.
• Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 12 typically comes with 4GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage up to 256GB, providing ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously and storing various files.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 features a battery that, for heavy users, may require recharging before the end of a full day. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally offers longer battery life, often lasting a full day even with consistent use, due to its larger battery capacity.

The visual experience is largely defined by the display, with differences in technology, resolution, and refresh rate impacting user interaction.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high pixel density, resulting in sharp and clear visuals. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also offering rich colors and good clarity.
• Smoothness and Brightness: A key differentiator is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to a noticeably smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations compared to the iPhone 12's 60Hz display. Both devices offer good brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor visibility.
• Viewing Experience: The iPhone 12's display has a higher resolution and pixel density, which can result in slightly finer detail. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a larger screen, which some users may prefer for media consumption and productivity.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but they approach photography and videography with different strengths and features.

• Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 12 is equipped with a dual-camera setup, featuring 12MP wide and ultra-wide lenses. It is recognized for its consistent image processing and stable video recording. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a triple-camera system, including a 12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, providing greater versatility for different shooting scenarios.
• Photography Performance: The iPhone 12 excels in producing natural-looking photos with strong HDR performance, and its Night mode is effective across all cameras. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G tends to produce more saturated images, which some users find appealing for social media, and its telephoto lens offers enhanced zoom capabilities.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The iPhone 12 is often praised for its video stability and overall quality. For selfies, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a higher-resolution 32MP front camera compared to the iPhone 12's 12MP front camera.