Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs iPhone 16 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, launched in September 2024, represent distinct approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While both offer robust performance and advanced camera systems, they differ significantly in their operating systems and overall ecosystem. The Galaxy S21 FE operates on Android, providing a customizable user experience, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated services and streamlined interface. Key differentiators include their display technologies, camera capabilities, and long-term software support.

When considering the practical lifespan and ongoing support for these devices, their respective release timelines and software update policies are important factors.

• Release Timeline and Age: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released globally in January 2022, making it an older device compared to the iPhone 16 Pro, which launched in September 2024. The iPhone 16 Pro was discontinued in September 2025 with the release of the iPhone 17 lineup, meaning its direct sales cycle was shorter, but its software support continues.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive several years of Android updates, typically three to four major OS upgrades and five years of security updates. The iPhone 16 Pro launched with iOS 18 and is anticipated to receive at least five years of OS and security updates from Apple, with its current operating system being iOS 26.4 as of March 2026.
• Durability Features: Both devices offer IP68 dust and water resistance, providing protection against submersion. The iPhone 16 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front and a titanium design, contributing to its overall durability. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games and multitasking. Both devices offer capable hardware, but with different underlying architectures.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G or the Exynos 2100, depending on the region. These processors enable smooth app loading, efficient multitasking, and a responsive user experience for most applications and games. The iPhone 16 Pro features a current-generation Apple processor, which provides significantly faster CPU and GPU performance, particularly noticeable in demanding tasks like video editing and graphics-intensive gaming.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally report a fluid interface and smooth operation, even during extended gaming sessions. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a highly responsive experience, with its powerful processor ensuring that heavy applications and complex games run smoothly with improved thermal efficiency, providing ample performance headroom for future software.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, which typically provides a full day of use for many users, even with moderate to heavy activity. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 3582 mAh battery, with Apple claiming up to 27 hours of video playback. Real-world usage reports for the iPhone 16 Pro indicate around 8-10 hours of moderate usage, or about 18 hours for video rundown tests.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. It offers a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The iPhone 16 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing excellent contrast and color accuracy. Its resolution is 2622 x 1206 pixels, resulting in a higher pixel density.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a typical brightness of 1000 nits and can reach a peak brightness of 2000 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
• Special Features: The iPhone 16 Pro includes ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates, an Always-On display, and the Dynamic Island for interactive alerts and activities. It also features thinner display borders. Both displays support HDR10+ for enhanced dynamic range in compatible content.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and iPhone 16 Pro offer versatile camera systems designed for various photographic scenarios.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple rear camera setup: a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens with a 123-degree field of view, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and up to 30x Space Zoom. The iPhone 16 Pro also has a triple rear camera system, including a 48MP wide camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 12MP 5x telephoto lens. The iPhone's ultrawide camera is noted for its improved sharpness.
• Photography Features: Both devices include features for enhanced photography. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers Night Mode, Scene Optimizer, and Director's View for creative video recording. The iPhone 16 Pro incorporates advanced computational photography features like Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, and Apple ProRAW, along with an improved Night mode.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second. The iPhone 16 Pro extends its video capabilities with ProRes video recording up to 4K at 120 frames per second, Cinematic mode, Action mode, and Spatial video recording. The iPhone 16 Pro also features upgraded microphones for higher-quality audio recording.