Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (2022) and the Apple iPhone SE 2022 are two smartphones released in the same year, offering distinct experiences based on their respective operating systems and design philosophies. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G presents a larger display and a versatile camera system running on Android, the iPhone SE 2022 provides a compact form factor with Apple's iOS ecosystem and a powerful internal processor.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2022, released in March 2022, typically receives iOS updates for an extended period, often 5-6 years from its launch, potentially extending its software support until 2027 or 2028. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, was promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its major OS support would likely conclude around Android 16, with security updates continuing until January 2027.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a glass front with Gorilla Glass Victus protection and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2022 has ion-strengthened glass on both its front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame, and carries an IP67 rating, protecting it from dust and immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built to offer several years of reliable use. The iPhone SE 2022's longer expected software update cycle might appeal to users prioritizing maximum software longevity, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers robust physical protection.

Both smartphones deliver capable performance for daily tasks, though they approach it with different hardware and user experiences.

• Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with an advanced chip that provides exceptional speed and efficiency, allowing for smooth navigation, rapid app launches, and capable handling of demanding applications and games. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G utilizes a high-performance processor, ensuring a responsive user experience across various applications and multitasking scenarios.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically offers more RAM options, which can contribute to smoother multitasking with numerous applications open simultaneously. It also comes with various storage configurations. The iPhone SE 2022, while having less RAM, optimizes its software to manage memory efficiently, providing a fluid experience even with multiple apps. Both devices offer different internal storage capacities, but neither supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a larger battery capacity, which generally translates to a full day of moderate use for many users, though heavy usage, especially with 5G and the high refresh rate display, can lead to more frequent charging. The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller battery, and while its efficient processor helps, users often report that it requires charging more frequently, particularly with active use.

The visual experience on these two devices differs significantly due to their display technologies and design approaches.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. This technology provides a rich viewing experience for media consumption. The iPhone SE 2022 uses a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD, which offers accurate color reproduction and good viewing angles, though it cannot match the contrast levels of an OLED panel.
• Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a higher resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a sharper image on its larger screen, with a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi. It also boasts a peak brightness of up to 1200 nits, making it highly visible in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, with a pixel density of around 326 ppi, which is clear for its size but less sharp than the S21 FE. Its typical brightness is 625 nits.
• Refresh Rate and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations appear fluid. Its larger screen size provides an expansive viewing area. The iPhone SE 2022 maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate and features a more compact 4.7-inch display with noticeable bezels, which some users find less immersive for modern content.

The camera systems on these phones cater to different photographic needs and preferences.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12 MP wide lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This allows for a range of photographic perspectives, from expansive landscapes to detailed distant subjects. The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12 MP wide camera with OIS, focusing on computational photography to enhance image quality.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally produces detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions, with its telephoto lens being a notable advantage for zooming. Users have noted that the ultrawide lens can sometimes have inconsistent color profiles compared to the main sensor. The iPhone SE 2022 excels in everyday photography with its single lens, leveraging its powerful processor for features like Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion, resulting in consistent and natural-looking images. However, it lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can limit its performance in very low-light environments.
• Video and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at various frame rates. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a high-resolution 32 MP front camera, suitable for detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7 MP front camera that provides reliable performance for video calls and selfies within the Apple ecosystem.