1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mm | S21 is taller, iPhone 15 Pro is thicker; may impact pocketability and single-hand use. |
| Weight | 169g | 187g | S21 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.1" | Negligible size difference; S21 provides a slightly more immersive experience but the difference is minimal. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1179x2556 | iPhone 15 Pro has a sharper, clearer image due to higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 421 | 461 | iPhone 15 Pro has higher pixel density, resulting in finer details and sharper text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display quality; both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, with minor differences in technology implementation. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Pro offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) | iPhone 15 Pro has a much newer and more powerful chipset; resulting in significantly faster performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,641,883 | iPhone 15 Pro delivers significantly higher performance for demanding tasks, such as gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (6-core) | iPhone 15 Pro's GPU provides superior graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 3650mAh | S21 has a slightly larger battery, which could translate to a small gain in battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | iPhone 15 Pro has a slightly faster charging capability. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Wireless, No Charger | MagSafe, Qi Wireless | S21 has more versatile charging options (reverse wireless) but doesn't include charger, while the iPhone 15 Pro has MagSafe and Qi but lacks reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Rear) | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 48MP, f/1.78, 1/1.3" | iPhone 15 Pro captures more detailed images with better low-light performance due to a larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | S21 has a dedicated telephoto + portrait lens, which provides optical zoom. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.8 | iPhone 15 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Both perform similarly in wide-angle and macro scenarios. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/1.9 | iPhone 15 Pro offers slightly higher resolution and better low-light performance. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 has 8K recording capabilities, while iPhone 15 Pro's 4K is better optimized with cinematic features. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 111 | 154 | iPhone 15 Pro has superior camera performance in both photos and videos based on the DXOMark scores. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 132 | 149 | iPhone 15 Pro has superior selfie camera performance based on the DXOMark scores. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | iOS 17 (up to 18) | Different ecosystems; user preference for Android or iOS will determine the impact. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Direct, Display | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Similar WiFi performance with small differences in the extras features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | iPhone 15 Pro features a more recent version of Bluetooth with better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | L1+L5, Beidou, Galileo | L1+L5, QZSS, Galileo | Similar GPS performance with differences in the satellite systems that are supported. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | iPhone 15 Pro offers eSIM for digital SIM switching. S21 has the ability to have two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | iPhone 15 Pro provides more storage options, especially for heavy users with high storage needs. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both are sufficient for smooth multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | iPhone 15 Pro has a slight edge in audio quality with 3 microphones for better voice capture, better spatial audio and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Security features | Samsung S21 has a fingerprint scanner, while the iPhone does not. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 screen is well protected; iPhone 15 Pro screen protection is unknown, which may require a screen protector. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 has a more extensive sensor suite, which includes a fingerprint sensor and other sensor for advanced gaming features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for extended use and better for those who prioritize pocketability.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Offers potentially longer battery life.
- 8K Video Recording: Useful for professional-grade video content creation.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices.
- Fingerprint Scanner: Offers alternative biometric security
- Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Dedicated lens for optical zoom.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Apple A17 Pro chipset provides superior speed for demanding tasks.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness for sharper images and better visibility in bright light.
- Better Camera System: Superior low-light performance, higher resolution main camera, telephoto lens, better DXOMark scores in all cameras.
- More Internal Storage: Available in higher storage options (up to 1TB).
- Newer Bluetooth: Offers better connectivity and efficiency.
- eSIM support: Provides a digital alternative for carrier switching.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: 3 microphones for clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion.
- MagSafe and Qi Charging: Provides convenience charging with a variety of accessories.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Sacrifices performance and display quality for a slightly lighter build, reverse wireless charging, fingerprint scanner, and an 8k video feature.
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Heavier and does not have reverse charging, also does not have a fingerprint scanner.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Seeking a powerful, compact phone with good features without the high-end price.
- Multimedia Consumers: Who enjoy watching videos and content on the go, and might use the 8k video option.
- Users who prefer Android: Wanting an older android that still performs well.
- Users who value reverse charging: Who own other devices that they want to charge wirelessly.
- Users who value fingerprint scanners: Who prefer fingerprint over facial recognition.
Specific Use Cases for S21 5G:
- Everyday Use: Browsing, social media, light gaming, and media consumption.
- Travel Photography: The telephoto lens is great for everyday zoom, and the reverse charging option is handy for travel.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers, video editors, and users needing top-tier processing power.
- Photography and Videography Lovers: Wanting the best mobile camera performance, even for low-light settings.
- Users who like the Apple Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple products.
- Users who want lots of storage: Wanting a variety of storage options, up to 1TB.
- Users wanting the best possible display: For a sharper and brighter display with better clarity.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 15 Pro:
- Professional Photography & Video: Top-tier camera performance and editing capabilities.
- Demanding Mobile Games: High frame rates, smooth performance with the A17 Chipset.
- Productivity: Multitasking, video conferencing, and work-related tasks.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G would be more affordable at this point of time.
- The Apple iPhone 15 Pro would be pricier due to the high-end chipset, display, and camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 5G will be much more affordable than the iPhone 15 Pro.
- How much do you value performance? The iPhone 15 Pro offers superior performance, while the S21 5G is more than enough for everyday use.
- Do you prioritize photography/videography or portability? If camera quality is more important, the iPhone 15 Pro is the way to go, if portability is more important, the S21 is a good bet.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious, Everyday Use): If you want a capable phone for daily tasks and media consumption, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G provides good value, its only downfall being the slightly older chipset, and the camera.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Camera-Focused): If you need top-tier performance for gaming, professional photography, or video, and you are willing to invest more, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Portability Focused): If the most important consideration is the weight and size of the phone, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is more comfortable to carry around.
- Scenario 4 (Ecosystem): If you are already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 15 Pro is a good option. If you want a more budget-friendly android device, the S21 is a better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. My reasons are as follows:
Superior Performance: I frequently use my phone for intensive tasks such as gaming and video editing, which would benefit greatly from the A17 Pro chipset. The faster app loading and smoother multitasking are a considerable advantage for my typical usage.
Better Camera System: As a photography and videography enthusiast, the iPhone 15 Pro's camera system and software provide noticeably better results, especially in low-light conditions, due to a larger sensor and other upgrades. The addition of a telephoto lens is also a welcome feature.
Future-Proofing: The newer processor and software of the iPhone 15 Pro ensures it will have better support for a longer time compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Better Display: The higher resolution and increased outdoor brightness are a valuable addition, making it more enjoyable for both everyday tasks and media consumption.
While the slightly larger battery, fingerprint scanner, and reverse charging on the Samsung S21 5G are nice additions, I would prefer the benefits of the more modern and powerful iPhone 15 Pro.
