Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Apple iPhone 13 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm | S21 is slightly taller and thicker, but similar width. S21 has slightly larger volume. |
| Weight | 169g | 204g | S21 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.1" | S21 offers a marginally larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1170 x 2532 | iPhone 13 Pro has a slightly sharper and more detailed display. |
| PPI | 421 | 460 | iPhone 13 Pro offers slightly crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 is slightly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | iPhone 13 Pro is significantly faster, better for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,325,768 | iPhone 13 Pro delivers noticeably smoother and faster performance overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 13 Pro has a more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 3125 mAh | S21 has a larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | S21 charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 4.5W, No charger in-box | MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W, Non-removable | S21 offers more versatile wireless charging. iPhone 13 pro uses MagSafe. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 12MP f/1.5, 1/1.66", 1.9µm | iPhone 13 Pro has a slightly larger sensor and wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom and portraits. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 12MP f/2.2 | iPhone 13 Pro offers slightly more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP f/2.8 | iPhone 13 Pro offers dedicated telephoto zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP f/1.8 | iPhone 13 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | 12MP | iPhone 13 Pro offers depth sensing capabilities |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | None | S21 offers macro capabilities via its wide-angle lens. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps | S21 records up to 8K video; Both have solid 4K performance and stabilization. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 | 141 | iPhone 13 Pro has significantly better photo and video performance based on DxOMark scores |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 | 134 | Both have similar selfie performance based on DxOMark scores |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Triple Camera, Digital Image Stabilization | Quadruple Camera, Ultra stable video | S21 offers 8K video; iPhone 13 Pro excels in image stabilization and offers more lenses. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | iOS 15 (upgradable to 18) | Different ecosystems: Android is more customizable, iOS is more streamlined. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have modern WiFi standards. S21 has Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, while iPhone has Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | S21 has wider range of Bluetooth codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | S21 offers broader compatibility with satellite systems for improved GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | S21 offers Dual Nano SIM; iPhone 13 Pro has eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | iPhone 13 Pro offers significantly more storage options, especially if you need a large amount. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB | S21 offers slightly more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | iPhone 13 Pro offers enhanced audio capabilities with extra microphones, DTS/X, and Dolby Digital Plus. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic security features | S21 has a physical fingerprint sensor, while the iPhone 13 Pro relies on Face ID and/or passcode. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has more information about screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 includes a dedicated fingerprint sensor and digital compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for one-handed use and long periods of handling.
- Larger Battery: Potential for longer battery life between charges.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging allows quicker top-ups.
- Versatile Wireless Charging: Includes reverse wireless charging, useful for powering accessories.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher video resolution compared to 4K in the iPhone.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides an alternative biometric authentication method.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster chipset for smoother app usage and gaming.
- Higher Resolution Display: Crisper visuals, better for detailed content.
- Enhanced Camera System: Includes telephoto and ultra-wide lenses, better low light performance, superior image quality.
- Larger Storage Options: Up to 1TB, ideal for those with extensive media libraries.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus and DTS/X for a richer experience.
- Better DxOMark Scores: Overall superior camera quality based on DxOMark scores.
Trade-offs:
- S21: Trades raw processing power and camera quality for lighter design, more versatile charging, and potentially longer battery life.
- iPhone 13 Pro: Heavier and more expensive, but excels in performance, camera capabilities, and build quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Value-Conscious Users: Seeking flagship features at a slightly lower price point.
- Users Who Value Comfort: Prefer a lightweight phone for comfortable all-day use.
- Android Enthusiasts: Prefer the flexibility and customization of the Android ecosystem.
- Casual Photographers: Satisfactory camera performance for everyday photography and video.
- Users who like fingerprint sensors: for ease of biometric login
Use Cases:
- Everyday productivity, browsing, and social media usage.
- Moderate gaming.
- Travelers who need a reliable phone with good battery life and a versatile charging option.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Ideal Users:
- Performance Seekers: Want the fastest possible mobile performance.
- Photography & Videography Enthusiasts: Require top-tier camera performance.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Integrated experience with other Apple products.
- Users with Large Media Libraries: Need ample storage space.
- Users who prioritize Audio: Experience a richer audio experience.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- Power users who need fast performance for productivity apps.
- Creative professionals and content creators.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The iPhone 13 Pro is generally more expensive.
- What are your priorities - performance or comfort? The iPhone 13 Pro excels in speed and camera, while the S21 is lighter and offers more versatile charging.
- Which ecosystem do you prefer - Android or iOS? This will impact the user experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious & Casual Use: If you want a capable phone with good battery life and a more comfortable design, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a great choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera Focused: If you are looking for the best possible mobile performance and camera capabilities, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Photography & Video Enthusiasts: If you are a content creator, the iPhone 13 Pro's superior camera system is a worthy investment.
My Choice
Given my typical use case and priorities, I would choose the Apple iPhone 13 Pro. While I appreciate the lighter design and versatile charging options of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, the significantly better performance, superior camera system, and enhanced audio quality of the iPhone 13 Pro outweigh its heavier weight and higher cost. I also prefer the streamlined ecosystem and user experience offered by iOS. Although I don't need 1TB of storage, having the option of 512GB is nice, I also don't mind relying on cloud services. The difference in performance and the camera is something that I would prefer over the lighter weight and fingerprint sensor.
