Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Unlocked 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 different generations and operating systems within the smartphone market. While the Galaxy S21 FE offers a feature-rich Android experience, the iPhone 16 Pro provides Apple's latest advancements in performance, camera technology, and display. This comparison will explore the practical differences between these two devices, helping users understand which model aligns best with their daily needs and preferences.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. These two devices, separated by nearly three years in their release, offer different expectations for their practical lifespan.

• Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE, launched with Android 12, is expected to receive up to four major Android OS upgrades, with Android 16 being its final major update, and five years of security updates, extending into 2027. The iPhone 16 Pro, released with iOS 18, is anticipated to receive iOS updates for approximately 6-7 years, likely until 2031 or beyond, offering a longer period of new features and security patches.
• Update Frequency: While the Galaxy S21 FE initially received monthly security updates, it transitioned to a quarterly schedule in late 2025. The iPhone 16 Pro typically receives consistent and timely iOS updates, including security patches, for its supported lifespan.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S21 FE uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the iPhone 16 Pro incorporates Apple's Ceramic Shield, designed for enhanced drop performance.

Performance is a key differentiator, especially given the release gap between these two smartphones, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE is powered by a processor capable of handling everyday tasks and most applications smoothly, though some users reported it could warm up under light usage. The iPhone 16 Pro features Apple's A18 Pro chip, which provides a significant boost in processing speed and graphical performance, making it well-suited for intensive gaming, advanced photo and video editing, and complex multitasking.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 FE, available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, offers capable multitasking for typical usage. The iPhone 16 Pro, equipped with 8GB of RAM, delivers a highly responsive user experience, allowing for seamless switching between numerous applications and efficient handling of background processes.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 FE comes with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 16 Pro offers more expansive storage options, starting at 128GB and going up to 1TB, catering to users with large media libraries or extensive app collections.

The display is the primary interface for user interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 16 Pro has a slightly smaller 6.3-inch OLED display, which is also praised for its color accuracy and contrast.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both phones offer excellent clarity for daily viewing. The Galaxy S21 FE provides good outdoor visibility with sufficient brightness. The iPhone 16 Pro features a brighter display, with a notable increase in peak SDR brightness, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions.
• Refresh Rate: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both smartphones provide versatile systems for capturing photos and videos, though with different strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 16 Pro also has a triple-camera system, including a 48MP main camera, a new 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, offering enhanced detail and zoom capabilities.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE delivers good photo quality with vibrant colors, performing well in ample lighting, and includes features like Bright Night for low-light conditions. The iPhone 16 Pro's upgraded sensors and computational photography capabilities contribute to improved low-light performance, better dynamic range, and more detailed wide-angle shots.
• Video Recording: The Galaxy S21 FE supports 4K video recording at 30/60fps, with good image stabilization for smooth footage. The iPhone 16 Pro offers 4K video recording at up to 120fps, providing options for high-resolution slow-motion video, and includes advanced features for creative video capture.