Galaxy S21+ 5G Vs iPhone 13

Galaxy S21+ 5G
Galaxy S21+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:185.00

Versus €1,059.00 new

See options
iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

Refurbished price:235.00

Versus €769.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the Apple iPhone 13, launched in September 2021, are both prominent smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer premium experiences, they differ significantly in their operating systems, design philosophies, and specific feature sets. This comparison aims to highlight these distinctions to help users determine which device best suits their individual needs.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of a smartphone, factors like software support, physical durability, and repairability play a crucial role. Both the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and the iPhone 13 offer robust builds designed for daily use.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was released earlier in January 2021, while the iPhone 13 followed in September 2021. This difference in launch dates impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G typically receives four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning it is expected to be supported up to Android 15. The iPhone 13, running iOS, generally receives software updates for approximately 5-6 years from its release, potentially extending its usable software life slightly longer.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature durable materials. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus on both its front and back, paired with an aluminum frame. The iPhone 13 features Apple's Ceramic Shield on the front and a glass back, also with an aluminum frame. Both are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance.

Year of Release

2021

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, influencing how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the device. Both smartphones are equipped with powerful internal components designed for demanding usage.

  • Everyday Task Handling: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a fluid user experience. The iPhone 13 also offers responsive performance, excelling in app loading times and graphics-intensive tasks.
  • Multitasking and RAM: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, which allows for extensive multitasking and keeping many applications open in the background without slowdowns. The iPhone 13 features 4GB of RAM, which, combined with its optimized operating system, still provides efficient multitasking capabilities for most users.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 13 offers more varied storage configurations, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, catering to users with higher storage needs. Neither device supports expandable storage via microSD cards.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

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

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its color accuracy and contrast.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in clear visuals. The iPhone 13 offers a slightly higher pixel density with a 1170 x 2532 pixel resolution on its smaller screen, providing sharp image and text rendering.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 13 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Both displays offer high peak brightness levels, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and the iPhone 13 provide advanced photographic and videographic tools.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide-angle, a 64MP telephoto with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 13 comes with a dual 12MP camera system, comprising a wide and an ultrawide lens, with the main wide camera featuring sensor-shift optical image stabilization for improved low-light performance.
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G offers features like 30x Space Zoom and a dedicated Night Mode for enhanced low-light shots. The iPhone 13 introduces Cinematic mode for video with shallow depth of field and Photographic Styles for personalized image capture, alongside an improved Night mode.
  • Video Recording: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is capable of recording 8K video at 24fps, as well as 4K video at 30/60fps. The iPhone 13 supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60fps and features Cinematic mode for a more professional video look.

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 and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless speeds. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, while the iPhone 13 utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port. Neither phone includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G incorporates an under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 13 relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G measures 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 200 grams, offering a substantial feel. The iPhone 13 is more compact and lighter at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm and 174 grams, making it easier for one-handed use.

Weight

200 g

173 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

Users often praise the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G for its expansive and fluid 120Hz display, versatile camera system with telephoto capabilities, and robust battery life. Some common feedback points include its size, which might be large for some users, and the regional variations in its processor. The iPhone 13 is frequently lauded for its consistent performance, excellent camera quality, and the seamless integration of the iOS ecosystem. User discussions sometimes mention its 60Hz display refresh rate as a point of comparison to Android flagships and the continued use of the Lightning port.

Users prioritizing a larger screen with a high refresh rate, a more versatile zoom camera, and the Android operating system will find the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Its larger battery capacity also appeals to those who require extended usage between charges. Conversely, users who value a more compact device, consistent performance across applications, a strong focus on video features like Cinematic mode, and the Apple ecosystem will likely lean towards the iPhone 13. Both devices represent solid choices in the premium smartphone segment, offering distinct advantages based on user preferences.

For those considering either of these capable devices, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the life cycle of these products while offering a sustainable choice.

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