Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Apple iPhone 15
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Apple iPhone 15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-09-22 | iPhone 15 is significantly newer, likely having improved tech and longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | S21 is slightly taller, but both have similar width and thickness; minor difference in in-hand feel, unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Weight | 169g | 171g | Virtually identical weight, both feel similarly portable in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.1" | Slightly larger screen on S21 for slightly more immersive media consumption, minor difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1179x2556 | iPhone 15 has a sharper screen with higher pixel density, better for reading small text and detailed images. |
| PPI | 421 | 461 | iPhone 15 screen appears crisper with more detail |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible real world difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21's screen is much smoother for scrolling and animations. iPhone screen will appear less smooth and responsive. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 is significantly more visible outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | A16 Bionic offers superior performance, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 is much faster overall and handles demanding tasks more smoothly. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 15 provides significantly higher graphics performance, better for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/1.5" | iPhone 15 captures much more detailed images in all lighting conditions. Larger sensor and wider aperture on iPhone allows for more light and better low-light photos. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21 has telephoto lens for better optical zoom capabilities, while iPhone 15 does not have any dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/1.9, Unspecified | iPhone 15 captures slightly sharper and brighter selfies with wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 12MP, f/2.4, Unspecified | S21 has a slightly wider aperture on the wide angle lens |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 captures 8k video, but 4k is more mainstream, iPhone 15 delivers better overall video quality. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 111 | 145 | iPhone 15 has significantly better camera performance compared to Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 3877mAh | Comparable battery life, expected to be similar usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | S21 charges slightly faster, but both are adequately fast. |
| Features | Reverse/Wireless Charging | MagSafe/Qi Wireless | S21 offers more versatile charging options while iPhone 15 offers more modern MagSafe and Qi charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | iOS 17, Upgradable to 18 | Different ecosystems with different interfaces and app availability. Android is open, iOS is more controlled. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Direct/Display | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Similar WiFi capabilities, negligible difference for daily use. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, AptX | 5.3, A2DP, AAC | iPhone 15 has a newer, potentially more efficient Bluetooth version. Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has more advanced bluetooth protocols. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | Similar for basic navigation, S21 offers more satellite options for enhanced accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | iPhone 15 offers more flexible digital SIM options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | iPhone 15 has a larger 512 GB storage option. Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB | S21 has a larger RAM capacity for more simultaneous multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so choose wisely based on need. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos on S21 enhances audio for media consumption. iPhone 15 benefits from 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Security Features | S21 offers a fingerprint sensor for convenient biometric security; Apple iPhone 15 offers general basic security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has a better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus. iPhone 15 protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 has more comprehensive sensor suite with Fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes animations and scrolling significantly smoother.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers better optical zoom capabilities compared to the iPhone.
- More Flexible Charging: Reverse charging and more wireless charging options.
- More RAM: 8GB of RAM, which is more than the 6GB in the iPhone 15, which may offer better performance for intensive multitasking.
- More Connectivity: More Bluetooth protocols, GPS satellite options for enhanced accuracy.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient biometric security option.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Better audio experience for media consumption.
Apple iPhone 15 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor for better multitasking and gaming.
- Better Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density and higher brightness for a sharper and more visible display in sunlight.
- Significantly Better Camera: Higher resolution main sensor with better image quality and low-light performance.
- More Video Features: Has features like cinematic mode, noise reduction, and pro video mode, enhancing video recording capabilities.
- More Storage: Offers a 512GB storage option for users needing ample storage.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 with potential efficiency gains.
- eSIM Support: More flexible options for switching cellular carriers.
- Higher DxOMark Score: Achieves higher scores in both photo and video performance.
- Newer OS: Comes with iOS 17 out of the box, and will likely be supported with updates longer than Android 11 on the S21.
Trade-offs:
- S21: Sacrifices overall performance and camera quality for a smoother display and better charging flexibility.
- iPhone 15: Sacrifices the smoother 120Hz refresh rate of the S21 for a brighter, crisper display, superior performance and better camera. Also loses the fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a smooth viewing experience and use a lot of streaming apps.
- Casual Gamers: Users who appreciate the 120Hz refresh rate and don't need the absolute highest graphics performance.
- Users who value charging flexibility: Those who need reverse and wireless charging options.
- Users who want a fingerprint sensor: Those who prefer fingerprint authentication and want to avoid facial recognition.
- Price-conscious buyers: Given its age, it should have a more attractive price point.
Apple iPhone 15 is ideal for:
- Performance Users: Users who need fast performance for multitasking, gaming and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality camera performance with superior image quality and detail.
- Content Creators: Users who need top-tier video recording capabilities.
- Users wanting long software updates: Users who want the latest features, OS updates and security patches.
- Users in Apple Ecosystem: People already using other Apple devices.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21: Ideal for watching videos on-the-go, browsing social media, and casual gaming.
- iPhone 15: Ideal for mobile photography, video editing, playing graphically intensive games, and users who need a device with long software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is a smooth display vs. display quality, performance and camera? (S21 prioritizes smooth animations, iPhone 15 prioritizes overall better quality).
- Do you need a powerful camera, or would good camera and video be enough? (iPhone 15 offers much better camera performance, S21's camera is still capable).
- What operating system do you prefer? (Android vs. iOS, consider app ecosystems and interface).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile gaming: iPhone 15 is the better choice due to its vastly superior performance and graphics processing power.
- Scenario 2: Frequent photographers: iPhone 15 is better due to its higher resolution, larger sensors, and better overall camera quality.
- Scenario 3: Everyday Media Consumption & Budget conscious: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a suitable option for media consumption and casual use, and likely has a lower price point.
- Scenario 4: Users within the Apple ecosystem needing long software support: iPhone 15 is a natural choice.
- Scenario 5: Users who prefer fingerprint sensors: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is better option.
My Choice:
Based on the analysis, I would choose the Apple iPhone 15. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a smoother display and a more versatile charging experience, the iPhone 15 significantly outperforms it in key areas that are more important for most use cases in modern smartphone usage, namely performance, camera quality and software support. The iPhone 15’s better screen, much faster chipset, vastly superior camera, and longer software support are a much better trade off than the smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a few charging flexibility features. While I appreciate the convenience of a fingerprint sensor, the overall experience of the iPhone 15 is superior. The difference in performance, camera and overall user experience justifies the trade-offs.
