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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the iPhone 16 Pro, launched in September 2024, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer robust performance and advanced features, they cater to different user preferences through their operating systems and hardware philosophies. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android with Samsung's One UI, providing extensive customization, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and streamlined user experience. Key differentiators include their respective camera systems, display technologies, and overall build materials.

When evaluating the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are important considerations.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched with Android 12, is expected to receive major Android OS updates up to Android 16, with security patches extending until early 2027. The iPhone 16 Pro, being a more recent device released with iOS 18, will likely benefit from Apple's typically longer software support, extending its functional lifespan for several years beyond the Galaxy S21 FE.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in water. The Galaxy S21 FE utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus on its front display, while the iPhone 16 Pro features Ceramic Shield glass for enhanced screen protection and a titanium frame.
• Repairability: The iPhone 16 Pro has an improved repairability score of 7 out of 10, attributed to a dual-entry design and easier access to components like the battery. This design choice can simplify potential repairs, contributing to the device's practical lifespan.

The performance capabilities of these smartphones are influenced by their respective processors and system optimizations, impacting daily usage and demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, ensuring a responsive user experience for everyday tasks and mobile gaming. The iPhone 16 Pro features a more recent and powerful processor, designed for enhanced performance, particularly in complex tasks, advanced gaming, and AI-driven features.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer sufficient RAM for efficient multitasking. The Galaxy S21 FE typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing a fluid experience when switching between applications. The iPhone 16 Pro includes 8GB of memory, contributing to its ability to manage numerous applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, often providing a full day of use for many users, with some reporting it lasting longer under moderate usage. The iPhone 16 Pro, with a 3582 mAh battery, has demonstrated significant battery life improvements over its predecessors, capable of lasting through a full day of heavy use, including extensive media consumption and travel.

The visual experience on both devices is a central aspect, with differences in display technology and features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both smartphones feature vibrant OLED displays. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G utilizes a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, offering clear visuals and deep blacks. The iPhone 16 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 2622 x 1206 pixel resolution, providing sharp images and rich colors.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The iPhone 16 Pro's ProMotion technology provides an adaptive refresh rate, optimizing power consumption. The iPhone 16 Pro also achieves higher peak brightness levels, reaching up to 2000 nits outdoors, compared to the Galaxy S21 FE's maximum brightness of around 700 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility.
• Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S21 FE's slightly larger screen offers an expansive viewing area for media. The iPhone 16 Pro features thinner display borders, maximizing screen real estate within its form factor, and includes an Always-On display and Dynamic Island for interactive notifications.

The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, though they differ in their configurations and advanced capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide lens with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 16 Pro boasts a more advanced triple-camera system, featuring a 48MP wide camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization, a 48MP ultrawide camera with a 120-degree field of view, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE is praised for its good image quality, particularly in well-lit conditions, and its telephoto lens provides effective zoom capabilities. The iPhone 16 Pro delivers excellent detail and color consistency across its lenses, with its main and ultrawide cameras producing impressive 48MP photos. Its computational photography enhancements contribute to cleaner shots.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of high-quality video recording. The iPhone 16 Pro offers class-leading video capabilities, including 4K at 120 frames per second, and a 12MP TrueDepth front camera. The Galaxy S21 FE features a 32MP front camera, suitable for detailed selfies and video calls.