Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs iPhone 15 • Locked AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 15, launched in September 2023, represent distinct approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While both devices offer robust features for daily use, they differ significantly in their operating systems, core hardware, and design philosophies. This comparison aims to highlight these differences to help users make an informed decision, considering options like quality-assured refurbished models for a sustainable choice.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines and expected software support.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 15 is a newer device, having been released in September 2023. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was introduced earlier, in January 2022. This difference in release dates impacts their respective software support windows.
• Software Longevity: Apple has stated that the iPhone 15 series will receive a minimum of five years of software support from its release date, with historical trends suggesting support often extends beyond this period, potentially until around 2035. Samsung typically provides several years of Android operating system updates and security patches for its flagship and Fan Edition devices. Given its January 2022 release, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is expected to receive major Android updates for a few more years and security updates for approximately five years from its launch.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion. The iPhone 15 incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed for enhanced drop performance, alongside a color-infused glass back and an aluminum frame. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus for its front display, paired with a plastic back and an aluminum frame.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal processing capabilities and how efficiently it manages tasks and power.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 15 is equipped with a current-generation processor that delivers strong performance for demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphics-intensive gaming. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a high-end processor from its release era, which capably handles everyday tasks, navigation, and most applications smoothly.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 15 generally experience fluid navigation and quick app loading times, benefiting from the optimized integration of its hardware and software. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offers a responsive user experience, with applications launching promptly and smooth transitions between tasks.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 15 typically provides good all-day battery life for many users, with some heavy users noting the need for more frequent charging. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, with its larger battery capacity, has received mixed user feedback; some report it lasting a full day or more with moderate use, while others find it requires charging before the day ends, especially with heavy usage or the 120Hz display enabled.

The visual experience on both devices is shaped by their display technology, resolution, and unique features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 15 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels, resulting in sharp images and text. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing rich colors and excellent contrast with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key difference lies in the refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content. The iPhone 15 maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistent visual experience but does not offer the same level of fluidity as higher refresh rate displays.
• Brightness and Special Features: The iPhone 15's display can reach a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits, making it highly visible in bright sunlight, and includes the Dynamic Island for interactive alerts and activities. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offers good brightness levels, with its HDR10+ support enhancing media consumption.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, designed to capture a variety of moments with different strengths.

• Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 15 features an advanced dual-camera system, highlighted by a 48-megapixel main sensor that can capture detailed images and offers a 2x telephoto option through sensor cropping. It also includes a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a versatile triple-camera setup, consisting of a 12-megapixel main lens, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The iPhone 15 is praised for its improved resolution, strong low-light performance, and enhanced video capabilities, making it suitable for various shooting conditions. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G delivers good all-around results in typical lighting conditions, with its dedicated telephoto lens providing clear zoomed-in shots. Some users note that the ultrawide camera's low-light performance on the S21 FE 5G can be less consistent.
• Front Camera and Video: For selfies and video calls, the iPhone 15 has a 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a higher-resolution 32-megapixel front camera. Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video, with the iPhone 15 often highlighted for its smooth and stable video capture.