Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs iPhone 15 Pro

Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:159.00

Versus €829.91 new

See options
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:510.00

Versus €1,165.38 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro, launched in September 2023, represent distinct approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While both devices offer robust performance and advanced features, they cater to different user ecosystems and priorities. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android, providing a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated services and streamlined user experience. Key differentiators include their design philosophies, camera capabilities, and expected software longevity.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it an earlier model compared to the iPhone 15 Pro, which debuted in September 2023. This difference in launch date impacts their respective positions in the update cycle.
  • Software Support: Samsung typically provides four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for the S21 FE 5G, meaning it is expected to receive updates up to Android 16 and security patches until January 2027. The iPhone 15 Pro, launching with iOS 17, benefits from Apple's longer software support, generally receiving 5-7 years of major iOS updates, with a guaranteed minimum of five years of major software updates until at least 2028.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and access to the latest features will find the iPhone 15 Pro offers a longer practical lifespan due to its newer release and Apple's update policy. Both devices feature durable builds, with the S21 FE 5G offering IP68 water and dust resistance and a Gorilla Glass Victus front, while the iPhone 15 Pro boasts a Grade 5 titanium frame and Ceramic Shield front for enhanced resilience.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a core aspect of any smartphone, influencing daily responsiveness and handling demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 15 Pro is equipped with a current-generation processor, designed to handle intensive tasks, advanced gaming, and complex applications with efficiency. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a powerful processor from its release era, capable of smooth multitasking and running most applications effectively.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 15 Pro can expect highly fluid navigation and rapid app loading times, benefiting from the optimized integration of hardware and software. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offers a responsive experience for everyday use, with quick transitions between apps and smooth operation.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 15 Pro offers a wider range of storage configurations, including options up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for media and applications. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides standard storage options, suitable for most users' requirements.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is largely defined by the display, with both devices offering vibrant and clear screens.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast, and accurate color reproduction. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which also delivers rich colors and excellent contrast.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The iPhone 15 Pro incorporates ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate that can scale up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and gaming, and down to 1Hz for power efficiency. It also achieves a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a consistent 120Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals and offers strong brightness for outdoor visibility.
  • Clarity and Viewing Experience: Both displays offer high resolution, ensuring sharp text and detailed images. The iPhone 15 Pro's slightly higher pixel density contributes to a very crisp viewing experience on its smaller screen. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's larger screen provides a more expansive viewing area, which can be beneficial for media consumption and productivity.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 15 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 48MP main sensor with second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offers a triple-camera array, comprising a 12MP wide, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 15 Pro excels in advanced computational photography, offering features like ProRes video recording, Cinematic mode, and Spatial video capture, alongside strong low-light performance. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a comprehensive set of photography modes, including a capable night mode and various creative options for everyday shooting.
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the iPhone 15 Pro includes a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a higher resolution 32MP front camera. Both devices offer clear microphone quality for calls and recording, and their speaker outputs provide a good experience for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 15 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, alongside 5G connectivity, and features a USB-C port with faster USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 transfer speeds. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, also with 5G capabilities, and includes a USB-C port.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 15 Pro relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G utilizes an in-display optical fingerprint reader for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 15 Pro features a lightweight Grade 5 titanium frame, contributing to its premium feel and durability, with dimensions of 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25 mm and a weight of 187 grams. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has an aluminum frame with a plastic back, measuring 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm and weighing 177 grams, offering a slightly larger form factor while being lighter.

Weight

177 g

171 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 3)

User feedback for the Galaxy S21 FE 5G often highlights its vibrant display, capable camera, and overall balanced performance as strong points for its category. Some users have noted its battery life as being average, requiring more frequent charging for heavy use. The iPhone 15 Pro is frequently praised for its exceptional processing power, advanced camera system, and the premium feel of its titanium design. Common discussions around the iPhone 15 Pro sometimes mention that while battery life is good, it may not represent a significant leap over previous Pro models for all users.

Users who prioritize a compact device with cutting-edge performance, a highly advanced camera for both photos and video, and a long software support window may find the iPhone 15 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals seeking a slightly larger display, a customizable Android experience, and a device that offers a strong feature set without the absolute latest innovations might lean towards the Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make a sustainable choice.

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