Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature Category | Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm | The iPhone 14 Pro Max is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use; S21 5G is more compact. |
| Weight | 169g | 240g | The S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it easier to carry and use for longer periods without fatigue. | |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus front | Unknown front | S21 has robust, known screen protection. The iPhone's protection is not specified, making comparison difficult. | |
| Display | Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | The iPhone offers a larger screen, better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1290 x 2796 | iPhone 14 Pro Max provides sharper visuals due to higher pixel density. | |
| PPI | 421 | 460 | iPhone has a slightly sharper display. | |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color accuracy and contrast. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. | |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone's screen is much more visible in bright sunlight conditions. | |
| Performance | Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Apple A16 generally offers much higher performance in terms of speed and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,465,559 | The iPhone 14 Pro Max has dramatically superior performance for gaming and demanding applications. | |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (5-core) | The iPhone's GPU offers better performance in graphically intensive applications. | |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB | S21 5G has more RAM which can help with multitasking. However, iOS manages RAM differently and often is very efficient, meaning the iPhone's 6GB may still offer comparable performance in most cases. | |
| Battery | Capacity | 4000mAh | 4323mAh | iPhone 14 Pro Max has a slightly larger battery. Actual battery life will vary based on usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 20W fast charging | S21 5G charges slightly faster. | |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | MagSafe & Qi wireless | S21 5G offers more versatile charging options, while iPhone uses proprietary MagSafe tech. | |
| Camera | Standard Lens Resolution | 12MP | 48MP | iPhone captures more detailed images due to higher sensor resolution. |
| Standard Lens Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.78 | iPhone has a slightly wider aperture. | |
| Standard Lens Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.3" | iPhone’s sensor is physically larger, collecting more light and capturing better detail. | |
| Standard Lens Pixel Size | 1.80 µm | 1.22 µm | S21 5G has larger pixel size which can enhance low-light performance but is paired with much lower resolution than the iPhone. | |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP | 12MP | S21 5G has a telephoto camera, but the iPhone has better image processing. | |
| Other Cameras | Wide Angle + Macro | Wide Angle lens, Telephoto lens | The iPhone offers a more versatile camera system with dedicated wide and telephoto lenses, missing a dedicated macro lens compared to the S21. | |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/1.9 | iPhone's front camera has higher resolution and wider aperture for better low-light performance and detail. | |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 5G can record in 8K. iPhone excels in video quality and stabilization. | |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Mobile: 146, Selfie: 145 | iPhone's camera is substantially better, particularly in video, according to DXOMark. | |
| Software | OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | iOS 16 (upgradable to 18) | Different ecosystems. iOS generally has more polished performance but less customization. |
| Connectivity | WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest standards. The S21 also has Wi-Fi Direct and Display. The iPhone supports Wi-Fi MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | iPhone has a newer version for potentially more reliable connectivity. S21 supports aptX. | |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The iPhone supports more satellite systems, improving location accuracy. | |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The iPhone supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. | |
| Storage | Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512/1024GB | iPhone has substantially more storage options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers microSD card support. | |
| Audio | Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS/DTS X | iPhone has more advanced audio features. |
| Security | Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | S21 has biometric fingerprint sensor. It is unclear what security features the iPhone has, but it will have facial recognition. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 includes a comprehensive sensor suite with fingerprint and compass sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and pocket.
- Faster Charging: 25W vs 20W can make a difference for quick top-ups.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Biometric security, might be preferred by some.
- Macro Camera: Dedicated Macro Lens.
- 8K Video: Can record higher-resolution video.
- More RAM: 8GB of RAM for multitasking.
- Lower Price: Older model will have a significant price advantage.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Advantages:
- Larger, Higher-Resolution Display: Better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Excellent visibility in sunlight.
- Much Faster Performance: A16 chip is significantly more powerful than Exynos 2100.
- Superior Camera System: Better photos and video quality across the board, especially from the main lens.
- Longer Software Support: iPhones generally receive software updates for longer.
- More Storage Options: Up to 1TB of storage.
- eSIM Support: For digital carrier switching.
- Better Audio: Enhanced sound for media consumption and calls.
- More Modern Features: Better connectivity.
- Better DxOMark Camera Scores: Overall, better camera quality.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Lighter and compact but much less powerful and a significantly inferior camera system compared to the iPhone.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: Heavier and bulkier, charging isn't as fast, much more expensive, and no reverse charging capability.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight phone.
- Users who value faster-charging capabilities and reverse wireless charging.
- Price-conscious buyers looking for a capable device at a lower price point.
- Users who are ok with slightly older hardware.
Specific Use Cases for S21 5G:
- Everyday usage, web browsing, social media, and lighter games.
- Users who prioritize a versatile charging experience.
- Those who want basic flagship features without the premium price tag of newer models.
- Those who prefer a physical fingerprint sensor for security.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize the best possible performance and camera quality.
- Users who enjoy media consumption and gaming on a large, bright screen.
- Users who value a smoother and more polished OS experience.
- Users within the Apple Ecosystem.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 14 Pro Max:
- Professional photographers and videographers.
- Gamers who demand high performance.
- Users who require a large, high-quality screen for work or entertainment.
- Users who prefer the stability and longevity of the iOS platform.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The S21 is likely much cheaper now, while the iPhone is in the premium segment.
- How important is camera quality? The iPhone is far superior.
- What is more important to me: size and weight or screen size and brightness? The S21 is smaller and lighter while the iPhone has a much bigger, brighter screen.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If budget is the primary concern and you are satisfied with a capable mid-range phone with good specs, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the more sensible choice.
- Performance and Camera Enthusiast: If you prioritize top-tier performance, cutting-edge camera tech, and the best video capabilities, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the clear winner.
- Mobile Gamers: The iPhone’s superior processing power and GPU makes it more suitable for gaming.
- Average Daily User: If you’re looking for a phone that excels at the basics, social media, light gaming and media consumption, and you prefer a more portable device, the S21 will suit you well; but if you are willing to carry a larger phone, then the iPhone's more polished OS experience might appeal to you.
My Choice
Given my needs, I would choose the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max.
My primary use case involves photography and videography, where the iPhone 14 Pro Max significantly outshines the Samsung S21 5G in terms of image quality, video stabilization, and overall camera performance. The larger, brighter display also makes it more enjoyable to edit photos and videos on the go. While the size is a trade-off, the performance gains and superior camera justify the bulkier device. Additionally, I prioritize the longevity of iOS, knowing the software support will likely be more stable and extended.
