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

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 capable performance within their respective ecosystems. While the Galaxy S21 FE runs on Android with Samsung's One UI, the iPhone SE operates on Apple's iOS. The primary distinctions between these two devices lie in their design philosophy, display technology, and camera versatility.

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

• Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2022, having launched with iOS 15.4, is expected to receive major iOS updates for approximately 5 to 7 years, potentially extending its software support until 2028-2030. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released with Android 12, is anticipated to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, likely supporting it up to Android 16.
• Physical Durability: Both devices offer a degree of water and dust resistance, with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G rated IP68 and the iPhone SE 2022 rated IP67. This means the Galaxy S21 FE can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, while the iPhone SE 2022 is rated for up to 1 meter for the same duration. The Galaxy S21 FE features Gorilla Glass Victus on its display for enhanced scratch resistance.
• Repairability: The iPhone SE 2022 generally receives an average repairability score, with components like the screen and battery being relatively accessible for replacement, though some parts may require specialized tools or can be complicated by software checks. Information on the repairability of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is less standardized, but Samsung devices are typically considered moderately repairable.

Both smartphones deliver robust performance for everyday tasks, though they approach it from different hardware and software perspectives.

• Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a highly capable processor that ensures smooth operation across applications, efficient multitasking, and strong performance in demanding games. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also features a powerful current-generation processor, providing a responsive user experience for daily use, gaming, and handling intensive applications.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically offers a larger battery capacity, which generally translates to longer usage times for most users, often lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use. The iPhone SE 2022, while benefiting from an efficient processor, has a smaller battery capacity, which may require more frequent charging for heavy users. Both support fast charging and wireless charging.
• Storage and Responsiveness: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations, but neither supports expandable storage via a microSD card. In terms of overall system responsiveness, both phones are designed to provide a fluid experience, with quick app loading and smooth transitions, thanks to their optimized operating systems and powerful internal components. The iPhone SE 2022 typically comes with 4GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which can influence multitasking capabilities.

The visual experience on these two phones presents a clear contrast in display technology and design.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a larger 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022 has a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, which offers accurate color reproduction but does not achieve the same level of contrast as an OLED panel.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a higher resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a sharper image with approximately 401 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, with a pixel density of about 326 ppi, which is still clear for its size but less dense than its counterpart.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's display supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, and offers high brightness levels for good outdoor visibility. The iPhone SE 2022 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a typical brightness of 625 nits, which is adequate for most indoor and outdoor conditions but may struggle in direct sunlight compared to brighter displays.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and iPhone SE 2022 cater to different photographic needs and preferences.

• Rear Camera Versatility: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12 MP wide lens, an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. This configuration allows for a broader range of shots, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in subjects. The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12 MP wide camera on the rear.
• Photography Features and Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes advanced features like Night Mode for improved low-light photography, Director's View for video, and 30x Space Zoom. Its computational photography enhances image quality across various scenarios. The iPhone SE 2022 benefits from its powerful processor for excellent image processing, including Smart HDR 4 and Photographic Styles, but notably lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can impact low-light performance. Both can record 4K video at 60fps.
• Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 32 MP front camera that also supports Night Mode. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7 MP front camera. Both deliver clear results for typical usage, with the Galaxy S21 FE offering higher resolution and more detail in its front-facing shots.