Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs iPhone 14 • Locked AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the iPhone 14, launched in September 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer robust performance and modern features, they cater to different user preferences through their respective operating systems and hardware philosophies. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android, providing a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone 14 runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and user-friendly interface. Key differentiators include display technology, camera capabilities, and overall software longevity.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors like software support, physical resilience, and ease of repair are important. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 14 offer different profiles in these areas.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major OS updates, extending its software support to Android 16, along with five years of security updates. The iPhone 14, released with iOS 16, typically receives 5 to 7 years of major iOS updates, suggesting support until around 2028 or later. This generally means the iPhone 14 will receive software updates for a longer period due to its later release and Apple's extended support cycle.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature strong build materials. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 14 features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which offers enhanced drop performance, and also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
• Repairability: The iPhone 14 initially received a favorable repairability score due to its internal redesign, making components like the back glass more accessible. However, this score was later downgraded due to Apple's parts pairing requirements, which can complicate independent repairs and limit functionality if non-authorized parts are used. Information on the specific repairability score for the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is less prominently available, but generally, Android devices tend to have varying degrees of repair complexity depending on the manufacturer.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 14 deliver capable performance, though they achieve it through different hardware and software optimizations.

• Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (US variant) is equipped with a processor that handles demanding apps and multitasking efficiently, providing a smooth experience for gaming and productivity. The iPhone 14 utilizes a powerful chip that ensures fluid navigation, quick app launches, and seamless handling of graphics-intensive games and video editing tasks. Users often report that the iPhone 14 offers strong performance for its class.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 4,500mAh battery, which for moderate users can last a full day, though heavy usage, especially with the 120Hz display and 5G, may require more frequent charging. The iPhone 14 has a 3,279 mAh battery, and users generally find it provides all-day power for typical use, outperforming some similarly sized Android phones in battery tests. Some iPhone 14 users have reported concerns about battery degradation over time.
• Storage and Multitasking: Both devices offer various internal storage options to suit different user needs. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which contributes to its ability to manage multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. The iPhone 14 comes with 6GB of RAM, ensuring responsive multitasking and efficient background app management within the iOS ecosystem.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 14 offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The iPhone 14 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers rich colors, true blacks, and sharp text and images. Both technologies provide a clear and immersive viewing experience.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A significant difference lies in the refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate, providing very smooth scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. The iPhone 14 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is still smooth for most everyday tasks but does not offer the same level of fluidity as a 120Hz display.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's display offers good brightness levels, with users reporting great outdoor visibility. The iPhone 14's Super Retina XDR display can reach up to 800 nits typical brightness and 1200 nits peak brightness, ensuring good legibility even in bright sunlight.

Camera capabilities are a key consideration for many smartphone users, and both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 14 provide advanced systems for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-lens rear camera setup, including a 12MP Ultra-Wide, a 12MP Wide, and an 8MP Telephoto lens with 30x Space Zoom. Users generally praise its good camera performance for both day and night photography. The iPhone 14 is equipped with an advanced dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP Main camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera. It benefits from features like the Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 4 for improved image processing, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
• Photography Features: Both devices offer a range of photographic modes. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes features like Portrait mode and various scene optimizers. The iPhone 14 excels with Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control, Portrait Lighting, and Night mode, which contribute to high-quality images across different scenarios. Some users of the S21 FE have noted inconsistent color profiles between the main and ultrawide lenses.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both smartphones are capable of recording high-quality video. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports 4K video recording at 30/60 fps. The iPhone 14 offers 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording and features Cinematic Mode, which adds a shallow depth of field effect to videos. For audio, both devices provide stereo speakers for media consumption, and their microphones are suitable for calls and voice recording.