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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to premium smartphone experiences. While both offer robust performance and advanced camera systems, the Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android with Samsung's One UI, emphasizing display technology and battery capacity, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, focusing on integrated ecosystem features and advanced computational photography.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro was released in October 2020, making it older than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, which launched in January 2022. This difference in release date impacts the remaining period of official software support.
• Software Longevity: The iPhone 12 Pro, running iOS, typically receives major iOS updates for approximately 5-7 years from its release, with security updates potentially extending beyond that, likely until around 2027 or later. [17, 33, 37] The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched with Android 12, is expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades, bringing it up to Android 16, and security updates until at least the end of 2025, with potential for further security patches. [28, 32]
• Repairability: The iPhone 12 Pro received an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, indicating that while many components are modular, proprietary screws and increased waterproofing can complicate repairs. [1, 5, 7, 12] The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a more favorable repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, suggesting it is comparatively easier to repair. [24]

Both devices deliver capable performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though they achieve this through different hardware and software optimizations.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, maintaining strong performance even years after its release. [18] The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, particularly the Verizon variant, features a capable processor that ensures snappy performance and efficient handling of various applications and games. [11, 29]
• Storage Options: The iPhone 12 Pro offers internal storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. [3, 4, 6] The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, with some configurations offering 6GB or 8GB of RAM. [23, 30, 36] Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card. [8]
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 Pro's battery can typically last a full day with moderate usage, though heavy use, especially involving the camera or 5G connectivity, may require more frequent charging. [15, 16, 19, 20] The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally provides good battery life, often lasting a full day with moderate use, though some heavy users have noted it might not be sufficient for extended periods without a charge. [11, 25, 29]

The visual experience on both smartphones is vibrant and clear, with distinct display technologies and features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a sharp resolution of 1170x2532 pixels at 460 pixels per inch. [2, 3, 4, 19] The Galaxy S21 FE 5G sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing a clear and vibrant viewing experience. [8, 23, 25, 36]
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 12 Pro's display reaches a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions, but it has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. [3, 18, 19, 20] The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, with a peak brightness of around 700 nits, which is sufficient for outdoor use. [8, 23, 25, 36]
• Screen Protection: The iPhone 12 Pro incorporates Ceramic Shield on its front, designed for improved drop performance. [3, 4, 19] The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. [25]

Both devices offer versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, each with its own strengths.

• Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 12 Pro features a triple 12-megapixel camera system, including wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses with 2x optical zoom, complemented by a LiDAR scanner that enhances autofocus in low-light conditions. [2, 3, 4, 19] The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a triple rear camera setup, consisting of a 12-megapixel wide lens, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. [8, 23, 36]
• Photography Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro excels in low-light photography with its Night mode portraits and delivers excellent video recording capabilities, including Dolby Vision HDR at 4K 60fps. [15, 18, 19] The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides good camera quality with vibrant shots and effective low-light performance through its Night Mode. [11, 25]
• Front Camera and Audio: For selfies, the iPhone 12 Pro has a 12-megapixel front camera. [6] The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a higher resolution 32-megapixel front camera. [23, 25, 36] Both devices offer clear microphone quality for calls and recording, and their speakers provide a good audio experience for media consumption.