Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Unlocked vs iPhone 12 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, are both smartphones designed to offer a comprehensive mobile experience. While the Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android with Samsung's One UI, the iPhone 12 runs on Apple's iOS platform. These devices present different approaches to design, software ecosystem, and core features, catering to distinct user preferences.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors like software support, physical resilience, and repairability play a significant role. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 12 offer varying levels of longevity in these areas.

• Software Updates: The iPhone 12, released in late 2020, launched with iOS 14 and has received updates up to iOS 18, with compatibility expected for iOS 26, indicating a long software support window. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in early 2022 with Android 12, typically receives several years of major Android updates and security patches, though generally less extended than Apple's support cycle. [1, 2, 6]
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 12 is rated to withstand submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, and it introduced a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced drop performance. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is rated for submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection. [1, 3, 4, 8, 12, 22, 25, 36]
• Repairability: The iPhone 12 received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, noting that while many parts are modular, certain repairs, like camera and screen replacements, may require proprietary Apple software for full functionality without warnings. Information on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's specific repairability score is less widely available, but Samsung's ecosystem generally allows for component replacement by authorized service providers. [11, 15, 30, 38]

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing and social media to demanding applications and gaming. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 12 are equipped with capable internal components to handle a variety of workloads.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 features a processor that ensures smooth navigation, quick app launches, and efficient multitasking within the iOS ecosystem. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, powered by a current-generation octa-core processor, also delivers a responsive user experience, handling demanding apps and multitasking smoothly within the Android environment. [1, 2, 6, 27, 28]
• Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 12 typically comes with 4GB of RAM, which is optimized by iOS for efficient background app management. Storage options for the iPhone 12 include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers more RAM, with options for 6GB or 8GB, providing ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously. It also comes with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. [1, 6, 15, 19, 20, 22, 25, 29, 36]
• Battery Performance: The iPhone 12 has a battery capacity of 2815mAh, which provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate use, though heavy 5G usage can lead to more frequent charging. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a larger 4500mAh battery, generally offering extended usage times for many users, even with its higher refresh rate display. [2, 6, 10, 25, 27, 29, 34, 36]

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 12 offer vibrant and clear viewing experiences, though with some key differences in technology and features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, resulting in sharp images and text. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, also delivering rich colors and excellent contrast. [1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 18, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 36]
• Smoothness and Brightness: A notable difference is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother scrolling and gaming experience compared to the iPhone 12's standard 60Hz refresh rate. Both phones offer good brightness levels, with the iPhone 12 reaching 625 nits typical and 1200 nits peak for HDR content, and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offering high brightness for outdoor visibility, peaking around 700-1200 nits. [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 36]
• Viewing Experience: The larger 6.4-inch screen of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a more expansive canvas for media consumption and multitasking, while the iPhone 12's 6.1-inch display offers a slightly more compact form factor. Both displays support HDR content, enhancing the visual quality of compatible videos and photos. [1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 18, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 36]

For many users, the camera system is a critical component of a smartphone. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 12 are equipped with versatile camera setups capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

• Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 12 features a dual 12MP camera system, including a wide lens with a f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization, and an ultra-wide lens. It excels in low-light performance and offers Smart HDR 3 for improved dynamic range. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with a triple camera setup: a 12MP ultra-wide, a 12MP wide with Dual Pixel AF and OIS, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, providing more versatility for different shooting scenarios. [1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 17, 18, 25, 27, 31, 33]
• Photography Features: Both devices offer features like Night Mode for improved low-light photography across their main and ultra-wide lenses. The iPhone 12 also includes Deep Fusion for enhanced detail in medium-to-low light. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's telephoto lens allows for optical zoom, a feature not present on the standard iPhone 12. [1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 17, 18, 25, 27, 31, 33]
• Video Recording and Audio: The iPhone 12 supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 frames per second, offering excellent video quality with enhanced colors and contrast. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G can record 4K video at 30/60 frames per second and includes features like HDR10+ and gyro-EIS for stable footage. Both phones provide good microphone quality for calls and video recording, and their stereo speakers offer a decent audio experience for media consumption. [1, 3, 4, 5, 25, 27, 33]