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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in January 2021, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers a large, feature-rich Android experience with an advanced camera system, the iPhone SE 2022 provides a compact, iOS-powered device with a focus on core performance in a familiar form factor. These differences cater to users with varying priorities in screen size, camera capabilities, and operating system preferences.

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and ease of repair. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in early 2021, typically receives several years of Android operating system updates, with major updates often extending for about four to five years from its launch. The iPhone SE 2022, launched in early 2022, benefits from Apple's longer software support, with expectations of iOS updates for five to seven years, potentially extending its functional life further into the future.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2022 is anticipated to receive iOS updates until at least 2028, and potentially longer, offering extended access to new features and security patches. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, running Android, typically receives major OS updates for a few years, followed by security updates.
• Repairability: The iPhone SE 2022 generally receives a moderate repairability score, with common components like the battery and screen being relatively accessible for replacement. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a lower repairability score, often due to the extensive use of adhesive for components like the battery and display, making repairs more challenging.
• Build Durability: Both devices feature glass fronts and backs, with the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G utilizing Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced scratch and drop resistance. The iPhone SE 2022 uses dual-ion exchange-strengthened glass.

Performance in both devices is driven by their respective internal components, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently tasks are handled. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers robust performance suitable for demanding applications and extensive multitasking, while the iPhone SE 2022 delivers a highly responsive experience for everyday use and gaming within its ecosystem.

• Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2022 features a current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding apps and multitasking with notable responsiveness, ensuring smooth operation for years. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is equipped with a powerful processor designed for high-end performance, supporting complex tasks, advanced gaming, and efficient handling of its high-resolution display.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers larger storage capacities, including options up to 512GB, alongside 12GB or 16GB of RAM, catering to users who require extensive space for media and applications and robust multitasking capabilities. The iPhone SE 2022 is available with up to 256GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users and ensures smooth iOS performance.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, with its 5000 mAh battery, is designed to provide all-day power, though its large, high-resolution, and high refresh rate display can consume more energy, especially with intensive use. The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller battery capacity (2018 mAh) but benefits from an efficient processor, offering a full day of use for moderate users, though heavy usage, particularly with 5G, may require more frequent charging.

The visual experience on these devices differs significantly due to their display technologies and sizes. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G provides an expansive and vibrant viewing area, while the iPhone SE 2022 offers a more compact and traditional display.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, known for its color accuracy and brightness, though it does not offer the same contrast levels as an OLED panel.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G boasts a Quad HD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels) and an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 10Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and sharp visuals. The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels at 326 ppi and a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is clear for its size but less fluid than higher refresh rate displays.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a peak brightness of 1,500 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone SE 2022 provides a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is adequate for most indoor and outdoor viewing, though it may struggle in direct sunlight compared to the Ultra.

The camera systems on these two smartphones cater to different photographic needs, with the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offering a versatile multi-lens setup and the iPhone SE 2022 providing a capable single-lens experience enhanced by software.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a quad-camera setup, including a 108MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultrawide, and two 10MP telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom), providing extensive versatility for various shooting scenarios, including impressive zoom capabilities. The iPhone SE 2022 has a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera with optical image stabilization, which, despite its single lens, produces clear and color-accurate photos in good lighting conditions, benefiting from advanced image processing.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G excels in low-light photography with its large sensor and advanced processing, and offers 8K video recording at 24fps, along with 4K at 60fps. The iPhone SE 2022 performs well in moderately lit environments, but lacks a dedicated Night mode, which can result in darker and grainier images in very low light. It supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps, delivering sharp and smooth footage.
• Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G includes a 40MP front-facing camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies and 4K video. Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption, and their microphones are suitable for calls and video recording, with the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G often praised for its overall media experience.