Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs iPhone SE (2020) • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone SE 2020 are smartphones designed to offer a blend of performance and features within their respective ecosystems. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, operates on Android and presents a larger, more modern display with multiple cameras. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, runs on iOS and features a more compact design with a single main camera. These devices cater to different user preferences, primarily differing in their operating systems, screen technology, and overall form factor.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, operating system support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone SE 2020 was released in April 2020, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G followed in January 2022. This difference means the Galaxy S21 FE 5G benefits from a more recent starting point for software updates and component longevity.
• Software Longevity: Apple is known for providing extended software support, with the iPhone SE 2020 still receiving updates to current iOS versions. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launching with Android 12, also receives several years of Android updates, though typically Apple's support window is longer.
• Durability Features: Both devices offer a degree of water and dust resistance. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features an IP68 rating, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. The iPhone SE 2020 has an IP67 rating, protecting it in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, and uses ion-strengthened glass.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from launching applications to managing multiple processes simultaneously. Both devices offer capable performance for their respective generations.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a current-generation processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G in Verizon models) that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience. The iPhone SE 2020 features a powerful processor from its release year, enabling quick app launches and efficient operation for most tasks.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, supporting fluid multitasking and app switching. It offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The iPhone SE 2020 includes 3GB of RAM and is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, designed to provide extended usage throughout the day for many users, with support for fast wired and wireless charging. The iPhone SE 2020 has an 1821 mAh battery, which for heavy users may require more frequent charging, though it also supports fast wired and wireless charging.

The visual experience is a key differentiator, with both phones offering distinct display technologies and sizes.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The iPhone SE 2020 has a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, which provides accurate colors and good viewing angles.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi, providing sharp images and text. The iPhone SE 2020 has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, with a pixel density of 326 ppi, which is clear for its size.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, along with a peak brightness of around 700 nits for good outdoor visibility. The iPhone SE 2020 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 625 nits, offering clear visibility in most lighting conditions.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and these devices approach photography differently.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear: a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens with a 123-degree field of view, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The iPhone SE 2020 has a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera with OIS.
• Photography Features: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes features like Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Dual Recording, offering flexibility in various shooting conditions. The iPhone SE 2020 provides Portrait Mode (software-based for human subjects), Smart HDR 2, and QuickTake video, delivering strong performance in good lighting. It does not include a dedicated Night Mode.
• Front Camera and Video: For selfies, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front camera, while the iPhone SE 2020 features a 7MP front camera. Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second with their main rear cameras, and offer good video stabilization.