Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone SE (2022), launched in March 2022, are both smartphones designed to offer a blend of modern features and established designs. While the Galaxy S21 FE presents a larger display and a versatile multi-camera system, the iPhone SE (2022) focuses on a compact form factor and robust internal processing. Both devices support 5G connectivity and run on their respective contemporary operating systems, Android and iOS.

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

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, typically receives several years of Android updates, with users currently able to update to Android 14. The iPhone SE (2022), released in March 2022, benefits from Apple's reputation for extended iOS support, often receiving updates for five to six years from its launch, ensuring a longer period of access to the latest software features and security patches.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 FE features a glass front protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, offering IP68 dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE (2022) also uses a glass front and back, described as stronger glass similar to the iPhone 13 series, with an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, and carries an IP67 rating, protecting against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: The iPhone SE (2022) has an average repairability score, with components like the battery and screen being relatively accessible for replacement, though some functions like True Tone may be affected by third-party screen repairs. Information on the specific repairability score for the Galaxy S21 FE is less commonly detailed, but Samsung devices generally offer moderate repairability.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently it handles demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The iPhone SE (2022) is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications, complex games, and intensive multitasking with notable responsiveness. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also features a high-performance processor from its release year, providing smooth operation for everyday tasks, gaming, and multimedia consumption.
• Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone SE (2022) comes with 4GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking for typical user scenarios. Storage options include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers more RAM, with configurations of 6GB or 8GB, which can provide a slight advantage in managing a large number of open applications simultaneously. It is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. Neither device offers expandable storage via a microSD card.
• System Responsiveness: Both devices deliver a responsive user experience. The iPhone SE (2022)'s optimized software and powerful processor ensure quick app launches and fluid navigation. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, with its capable processor and higher refresh rate display, also provides a very smooth and immediate response to user input.

The display is a primary interface for user interaction, and differences in technology and specifications can significantly impact the viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a larger 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which offers deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2022) has a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, known for its color accuracy and brightness.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE provides a Full HD+ resolution of 2340x1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 401 pixels per inch (ppi), offering sharp and detailed visuals. The iPhone SE (2022) has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, with a pixel density of 326 ppi, which still delivers clear text and images for its screen size.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: A key difference is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S21 FE boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. The iPhone SE (2022) maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Both displays offer good brightness levels for outdoor visibility, with the Galaxy S21 FE supporting HDR10+ for enhanced dynamic range in compatible content.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both devices offer distinct photographic experiences.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including 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 offering 3x optical zoom and OIS. This allows for a range of photographic perspectives, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The iPhone SE (2022) utilizes a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera with OIS, relying heavily on its advanced image processing for photo enhancement.
• Photography Features and Low Light: The Galaxy S21 FE's camera system performs well in various lighting conditions, with its multiple lenses providing flexibility. The iPhone SE (2022), despite its single lens, produces good images in adequate lighting, benefiting from features like Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion. However, it lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can result in darker and grainier photos in very low-light environments compared to devices that include this feature.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S21 FE includes a 32MP front-facing camera, suitable for high-resolution selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 7MP front camera, which also supports Portrait Mode and delivers clear results in good lighting.