Galaxy S21 5G Vs iPhone 11

Galaxy S21 5G
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:175.00

Versus €859.00 new

See options
iPhone 11
iPhone 11
Starting at

Refurbished price:147.00

Versus €589.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Apple iPhone 11, launched in September 2019, represent different generations and ecosystems within the smartphone market. While both devices offer robust performance and capable camera systems, the Galaxy S21 5G introduces a more modern display technology and next-generation cellular connectivity, distinguishing it from the iPhone 11's established feature set. Users will find the Galaxy S21 5G runs on the Android operating system, offering a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone 11 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined interface and ecosystem integration.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support cycles are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 11 was released in September 2019, making it an older model compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, which launched in January 2021. This difference in release year directly impacts the remaining period of official software updates and security patches each device is likely to receive.
  • Software Longevity: Apple typically provides iOS updates for its devices for approximately five to six years from their release. The iPhone 11, having been released in 2019, has already received several major iOS updates and is expected to continue receiving support for a few more years. Samsung generally offers four years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its flagship devices, meaning the Galaxy S21 5G, being newer, will likely receive software support for a longer duration into the future than the iPhone 11.
  • Repairability: Both devices feature designs that prioritize certain aspects of repair. The iPhone 11 has a repairability score of 6 out of 10, with critical display and battery repairs being relatively accessible. The Galaxy S21 5G also offers a design where common components can be serviced, though specific repairability scores can vary by region and component.

Year of Release

2021

2019

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app usage, and overall responsiveness. Both the iPhone 11 and Galaxy S21 5G were equipped with high-end processors for their respective release periods, delivering smooth user experiences.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 11 features a processor designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking efficiently, providing a fluid experience for most users. The Galaxy S21 5G, with its newer generation processor, offers enhanced capabilities for intensive tasks like advanced gaming and complex photo/video editing, often demonstrating faster speeds in benchmarks.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 11 generally report a highly responsive interface and quick app loading times, characteristic of its optimized software and hardware integration. The Galaxy S21 5G also delivers a very responsive experience, with its higher RAM capacity contributing to smoother transitions and efficient handling of multiple applications running simultaneously.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 11 is noted for providing battery life that can typically last through a full day of moderate use. The Galaxy S21 5G, equipped with a larger battery capacity, aims to offer similar all-day usage, though its higher refresh rate display can consume more power, potentially leading to more frequent charging for heavy users.

Memory

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and there are notable differences in the screen technology and features between these two models.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, which is an IPS LCD panel. This display provides accurate colors and good viewing angles, with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 5G boasts a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant colors. Its resolution is 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing a sharper image.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 11's display has a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is suitable for most indoor and outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S21 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, making it more visible in bright sunlight. A significant difference is the refresh rate: the iPhone 11 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, while the Galaxy S21 5G features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution AMOLED display with a faster refresh rate on the Galaxy S21 5G generally provides a more immersive and visually appealing experience, especially for media consumption and gaming. The iPhone 11's LCD, while still offering a quality viewing experience, does not match the contrast and fluidity of the S21 5G's panel.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

828 x 1792

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Liquid Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they approach imaging with different hardware and software philosophies.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 11 features a dual 12MP camera system, comprising a wide and an ultra-wide lens. It includes features like Night mode for improved low-light photography and Deep Fusion for enhanced detail. The Galaxy S21 5G comes with a triple-lens setup: a 12MP wide-angle, a 64MP telephoto, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The higher megapixel count on the telephoto lens allows for greater detail when zooming.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 11 is praised for its consistent image quality and natural color reproduction, with Night mode significantly improving low-light shots. The Galaxy S21 5G offers versatile shooting options with its dedicated telephoto lens, providing optical zoom capabilities. Its larger main sensor and advanced processing contribute to detailed images across various lighting conditions.
  • Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S21 5G distinguishes itself by offering 8K video recording at 24 frames per second, allowing for extremely high-resolution footage and the ability to extract high-resolution stills from videos.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity: A key differentiator is cellular connectivity. The Galaxy S21 5G supports 5G networks, enabling faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. The iPhone 11 is limited to 4G LTE connectivity. Both devices support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connections.
  • Ports and Sensors: The iPhone 11 uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer, while the Galaxy S21 5G features a USB-C port. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, the iPhone 11 relies on Face ID (facial recognition), whereas the Galaxy S21 5G incorporates an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
  • Build and Handling: The iPhone 11 features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, weighing 194 grams. The base Galaxy S21 5G also has an aluminum frame, but uses a glass front and a plastic back, weighing 169-171 grams, making it slightly lighter. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Weight

169 g

194 g

Width

7,12 cm

7,57 cm

Height

15,17 cm

15,09 cm

Depth

0,79 cm

0,83 cm

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.1

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 11 cater to users with distinct priorities, reflecting their different release dates and operating system philosophies.

Users often praise the iPhone 11 for its consistent performance, reliable camera system with features like Night mode, and the intuitive, user-friendly nature of iOS. Its strong ecosystem integration and long-term software support are frequently highlighted as benefits. Some users, however, might find its LCD display and lack of 5G connectivity to be limitations compared to newer devices.

The Galaxy S21 5G is commonly lauded for its vibrant AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, its versatile camera system including a dedicated telephoto lens and 8K video recording, and its future-proof 5G connectivity. Its customizable Android experience is also a significant draw. Potential criticisms might include the use of a plastic back on the base model and the battery life, which can be impacted by the high refresh rate for heavy users.

Users prioritizing a highly fluid visual experience, cutting-edge cellular speeds, and a versatile camera with advanced zoom and video capabilities may find the Galaxy S21 5G more aligned with their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a consistent, streamlined software experience, robust ecosystem integration, and a proven track record of long-term software updates might lean towards the iPhone 11. Both devices, whether new or as quality-assured refurbished options, offer compelling features for different user profiles. Opting for a refurbished model can be an eco-friendly alternative, providing access to these technologies while supporting sustainable consumption.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons