Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs iPhone 14 Plus • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, are both prominent smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S21 FE operates on the Android platform, the iPhone 14 Plus runs on Apple's iOS. Key differentiators include their operating systems, display technologies, and camera configurations, catering to different user preferences.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and repairability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it approximately nine months older than the iPhone 14 Plus, which launched in October 2022.
• Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive up to four major OS upgrades, potentially reaching Android 16. Security updates are anticipated until at least January 2027, with Samsung extending security support to seven years for some newer devices. The iPhone 14 Plus, launching with iOS 16, typically receives major iOS updates for approximately five to seven years, suggesting support well into the future.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G received a decent repairability score, indicating that its internal components are relatively accessible for servicing. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Plus, despite an initial positive assessment for hardware accessibility, had its repairability score downgraded due to software locks and parts pairing requirements that necessitate Apple's authorization for many repairs.

Performance in daily use is shaped by a device's internal components, affecting app responsiveness and battery endurance.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a processor that delivers snappy performance, capable of handling demanding applications and games smoothly. The iPhone 14 Plus is equipped with a powerful chip that ensures smooth operation across various apps and multitasking scenarios.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer various storage configurations to suit user needs. The iPhone 14 Plus comes with 6GB of RAM, which contributes to efficient multitasking. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, with its 4500 mAh battery, generally provides a full day to a day and a half of use for moderate users, though its processor can be power-intensive. The iPhone 14 Plus, featuring a 4323 mAh battery, is noted for its very long battery life, with some users reporting up to two to three days of normal use between charges.

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely determined by its display technology and characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 14 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also providing rich colors and contrast.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and responsive visuals. The iPhone 14 Plus has a higher resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels, but a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both devices offer good clarity. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G can reach up to 700 nits typical brightness and 1044 cd/m² peak brightness. The iPhone 14 Plus provides up to 800 nits typical brightness and 1200 nits peak HDR brightness, offering strong visibility in various lighting conditions.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, influencing the quality of photos and videos captured.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 14 Plus features a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide lens (with a larger aperture and larger pixels for improved low-light performance) and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally produces photos with good detail and vibrant colors, performing well in ample lighting. Its telephoto lens can be less reliable in low-light conditions. The iPhone 14 Plus delivers good photos and videos, even in dimmer environments, benefiting from its improved main camera sensor. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens.
• Video and Front Camera: Both phones offer strong video recording capabilities. The iPhone 14 Plus includes an Action mode for smoother video capture and a 12MP front camera with autofocus. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front camera that provides natural-looking shots.