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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, launched in September 2022, are both high-performance smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs on the Android operating system, the iPhone 14 Pro Max operates on iOS, providing different software ecosystems. Key differentiators include their display technologies, camera systems, and overall design philosophies.

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 an earlier model compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which launched in September 2022. This difference in release dates impacts their respective software support cycles.
• OS Support & Updates: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive up to four major Android OS updates, extending its software support to Android 16. Security updates are anticipated until January 2027. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, running iOS, typically receives major OS updates for approximately five to six years from its release, potentially offering a slightly longer period of software feature updates.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has been noted for a relatively decent repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating a more straightforward process for component replacement. The iPhone 14 Pro Max received a repairability score of 6 out of 10, similar to its predecessor, suggesting that repairs can be more involved, particularly for the rear glass panel.

Both devices are designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking, though they approach performance with different hardware architectures.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G utilizes a powerful processor, enabling smooth operation for everyday tasks, gaming, and multimedia consumption. The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a current-generation processor, delivering responsive performance for intensive applications, complex graphics, and seamless multitasking.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers internal storage configurations of 128GB and 256GB. The iPhone 14 Pro Max provides a wider range of storage capacities, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs. Neither device supports expandable storage via microSD cards.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 4500mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for many users, with some reporting around 6-7 hours of screen-on time under typical conditions. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, with its 4323mAh battery, is recognized for its extended battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy use and sometimes beyond, with independent tests showing over 13 hours of continuous web surfing.

The visual experience on both smartphones is a highlight, each offering vibrant and detailed displays.

• Display Technology: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its rich colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 14 Pro Max boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers exceptional contrast and color accuracy.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing clear and sharp visuals. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a higher resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels, resulting in a slightly higher pixel density for even finer detail.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G reaches a peak brightness of around 700-1000 nits, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max can achieve up to 2000 nits peak brightness outdoors, enhancing visibility in bright sunlight.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems and immersive audio experiences, though with different strengths.

• Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a versatile triple-camera setup with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a professional-grade triple-camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, also offering a 2x optical zoom option by cropping the main sensor.
• Photography Performance: The iPhone 14 Pro Max is noted for its enhanced low-light photography and video capabilities, benefiting from a larger main sensor and advanced image processing. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G delivers strong performance in well-lit conditions and offers a comprehensive set of photographic tools.
• Video Recording & Audio: Both devices support 4K video recording at various frame rates. The iPhone 14 Pro Max further includes features like Cinematic mode and ProRes video recording, appealing to users with advanced video production needs. Both phones feature stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience.