1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | S21 FE 5G is larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use or smaller pockets. iPhone 12 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 164g | 177g | iPhone 12 is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Screen) | S21 FE 5G screen is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Water Resistance | Likely similar rating (IP68) | Likely similar rating (IP68) | Both likely offer good protection against water immersion, adding to durability. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.4" | S21 FE 5G offers a more immersive viewing experience for videos and gaming. iPhone 12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2340 | iPhone 12 has a sharper display, leading to clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 403 | iPhone 12's higher PPI results in a more detailed and crisp visual experience. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar technologies, both offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. Differences are subtle. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21 FE 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience, especially in gaming and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1300 nits | S21 FE 5G is more easily viewable under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Both are high-performance chips. A14 Bionic is optimized for iOS, Snapdragon 888 for Android. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 923,836 | iPhone 12 demonstrates slightly better overall performance based on benchmark scores, potentially leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 660 | Both GPUs are capable of handling demanding games and graphics-intensive tasks. Performance will vary based on the specific game/app and optimization. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | S21 FE 5G can handle more apps running in the background simultaneously, reducing the need to reload apps frequently. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | S21 FE 5G's larger sensor size allows for better low-light performance and potentially more detailed images. iPhone 12 has wider aperture to let more light in. |
| Telephoto | None | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | S21 FE 5G can zoom in further without significant loss of detail. |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | iPhone 12 can capture wider landscapes, while S21 FE 5G can capture a Macro image. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | S21 FE 5G captures more detailed selfies. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Similar video recording capabilities. S21 FE 5G has EIS for more stabilized footage. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 (Photo: 127, Video: 130) | 117 (Photo: 119, Video: 107) | iPhone 12 performs better in video recording, while both are similar in overall photo quality. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 (Photo: 127, Video: 140) | 127 (Photo: 126, Video: 130) | iPhone 12 has better selfie performance overall. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4500mAh | S21 FE 5G should offer significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless, 7.5W Qi wireless | 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | S21 FE 5G charges faster with wired charging. Offers reverse wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- More Compact Design: Easier to handle and more pocketable.
- Slightly Better Performance: Higher benchmark scores for slightly smoother operation.
- Better Video Recording (DXOMark): Higher DXOMark score for video quality and features.
- Better Selfie (DXOMark): Higher DXOMark score for selfie quality and features.
- eSIM Support: Offers the flexibility of using a digital SIM.
- Dolby Digital Plus: Better audio quality.
Practical Implications:
- The iPhone 12 is better for users who prefer a smaller phone and prioritize video recording quality, selfie quality and overall smoother performance.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate: Provides a more immersive and smoother visual experience, especially for gaming and video consumption.
- Larger Battery: Significantly longer battery life for all-day use.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers greater zoom capabilities.
- More RAM: Better multitasking performance.
- Faster Wired Charging: Reduces charging time.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can be used to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus: Improved screen protection.
- Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient biometric security option.
- Noise cancellation microphone: better noise cancellation and call audio.
Practical Implications:
- The S21 FE 5G is better for users who prioritize a larger, smoother display, longer battery life, and camera versatility, particularly zoom capabilities.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12: Smaller screen and battery compared to the S21 FE 5G.
- S21 FE 5G: Larger size, potentially less comfortable for some users, and slightly lower benchmark performance compared to the iPhone 12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12:
- Ideal User: Users who prefer a more compact phone, value video recording quality, and are already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Use Cases:
- Vlogging and creating high-quality video content.
- Everyday use, especially for users who prefer a smaller phone.
- Users who rely on Apple's ecosystem of services and devices.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a larger, smoother display, longer battery life, camera versatility, and Android OS.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and watching videos.
- Users who need a phone that lasts all day without needing to be charged.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What screen size and design do I prefer? (Compact vs. Larger, pocketable vs. immersive)
- How important is battery life to me? (All-day use vs. topping up during the day)
- What is my preferred operating system and ecosystem? (iOS vs. Android)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I want a compact phone with great video recording capabilities." - Choose the Apple iPhone 12.
- Scenario 2: "I need a phone that lasts all day with a great display for gaming." - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
- Scenario 3: "I value camera versatility and Android OS over a compact size." - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. My priorities are a larger, smoother display for media consumption and gaming, longer battery life for all-day use without needing to worry about charging, and the versatility of the telephoto lens. While the iPhone 12 has a slightly better video quality and performance according to benchmarks, the S21 FE 5G offers a better overall experience for my specific needs. Additionally, the fingerprint sensor is a significant convenience factor for quick unlocking.
