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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus, launched in September 2024, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both offer robust performance and advanced camera systems, they cater to different user preferences through their respective operating systems and feature sets. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android, providing a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone 16 Plus runs on iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and user-friendly interface.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was introduced in January 2022, making it an established device in the market. The iPhone 16 Plus, released in September 2024, benefits from a more recent launch, typically implying a longer period of future software support.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive up to four major Android OS upgrades, with security updates guaranteed until at least January 2027. The iPhone 16 Plus, having launched with iOS 18, is anticipated to receive major iOS updates for an extended period, typically ranging from five to seven years, ensuring prolonged access to new features and security enhancements.
• Durability Features: Both devices offer a degree of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features IP68 water and dust resistance. The iPhone 16 Plus also carries an IP68 rating, allowing for submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes, and incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced drop protection.

The performance of a smartphone is central to the user experience, influencing everything from app responsiveness to multitasking capabilities.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and moderate multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 16 Plus features the A18 chip, which offers a significant increase in processing speed and graphical performance, designed to manage demanding applications, advanced AI features, and graphically intensive games with efficiency.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 6GB or 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a capable experience for switching between multiple applications. The iPhone 16 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to fluid multitasking and supporting more complex computational tasks, including those related to artificial intelligence.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 16 Plus offers storage configurations of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, providing more options for users with extensive storage needs.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

• 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 16 Plus sports a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also delivering rich colors and high contrast.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, providing clear visuals for general use. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a higher resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels at 460 pixels per inch, resulting in sharp text and detailed images.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, with a typical peak brightness of 800 nits for good outdoor visibility. The iPhone 16 Plus maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate but boasts higher brightness levels, reaching 1000 nits typical, 1600 nits for HDR content, and up to 2000 nits for outdoor viewing, enhancing visibility in bright conditions.

Both smartphones are equipped with capable camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens, with optical image stabilization on the wide and telephoto sensors. The iPhone 16 Plus comes with an advanced dual-camera system, comprising a 48MP Fusion Main camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with a 120-degree field of view and autofocus, enabling macro photography.
• Photography Features: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second across all rear cameras, with the main wide lens also capable of 60 frames per second. The iPhone 16 Plus introduces a vertically aligned camera layout to support Spatial Video recording, allowing for immersive content viewing on compatible devices. It also includes a new Capture Button for intuitive camera control.
• Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front-facing camera. The iPhone 16 Plus features a 12MP front camera, integrated within the Dynamic Island.