Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs iPhone 16 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 16, launched in September 2024, represent different generations within the smartphone market. While both devices offer robust performance and advanced features, they cater to distinct user preferences through their respective operating systems and hardware philosophies. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android, providing a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone 16 runs on iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and user-friendly interface. Key differentiators include their release timelines, display technologies, and camera capabilities.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. The iPhone 16, being a newer device, benefits from an extended period of software updates compared to the Galaxy S21 FE.

• Software Support: The iPhone 16 launched with iOS 18 and is expected to receive major iOS updates and security patches until approximately 2031, offering a long software lifespan. The Galaxy S21 FE, released with Android 12, typically receives around four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates from Samsung, meaning its software support will conclude sooner than the iPhone 16.
• Durability Features: Both devices feature IP68 ratings for water and dust resistance, indicating protection against immersion. The iPhone 16 incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum design with a color-infused glass back, contributing to its physical resilience. The Galaxy S21 FE uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and features a plastic back with an aluminum frame.
• Practical Lifespan: Users seeking the longest possible software support and access to the latest operating system features will find the iPhone 16 more aligned with their needs due to its more recent release. The Galaxy S21 FE remains a capable device, but its update cycle is naturally shorter given its earlier launch.

Performance in smartphones is about how smoothly tasks are handled, from everyday app usage to more demanding activities like gaming and multitasking. Both devices offer capable performance, though the iPhone 16 benefits from more recent hardware advancements.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 16 is equipped with Apple's A18 chip, which delivers a significant leap in performance and efficiency, enabling demanding applications and smooth multitasking. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G processor, handles daily tasks and gaming smoothly.
• Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 16 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, supporting efficient multitasking. The Galaxy S21 FE is available with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, with the 8GB option providing more headroom for intensive use. Both offer various internal storage options, with the iPhone 16 available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, and the Galaxy S21 FE in 128GB or 256GB.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 16 features a 3561 mAh battery, providing around a full day of use for most users, with some reporting 15-18 hours in mixed-use scenarios. The Galaxy S21 FE has a larger 4500 mAh battery, with users often reporting it lasting a full day, and sometimes a day and a half with moderate usage.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S21 FE offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with differences in technology and refresh rates.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 460 ppi. This technology delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 FE sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution and around 401 ppi, also offering clear and vibrant visuals.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 16 offers a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring good visibility in bright conditions, but maintains a 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 FE features a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and animations, which some users find more fluid, and also offers HDR10+ support.
• Viewing Experience: The iPhone 16's display is praised for its sharpness, colors, and brightness under direct sunlight. The Galaxy S21 FE's larger screen size offers a more expansive viewing area, which can be beneficial for media consumption and gaming.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both devices provide versatile camera systems for capturing photos and videos, with the iPhone 16 introducing newer features.

• Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 16 features an advanced dual-camera system with a 48MP Fusion Main camera (f/1.6, sensor-shift OIS) and a 12MP Ultrawide camera (f/2.2, autofocus). It also offers 2x telephoto capabilities through sensor cropping. The Galaxy S21 FE has a triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide (f/1.8, OIS), an 8MP telephoto (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS), and a 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2).
• Photography Features: The iPhone 16 includes a new Camera Control button for quick access to camera functions and supports spatial video recording. Users praise its photographic styles and overall video quality. The Galaxy S21 FE is noted for its impressive camera quality, capable of taking good pictures and videos.
• Front Camera and Video: For selfies, the iPhone 16 has a 12MP front camera with autofocus. The Galaxy S21 FE features a higher-resolution 32MP front camera. Both devices support 4K video recording at 60fps.