Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Apple iPhone 16
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Apple iPhone 16 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-09-20 | iPhone 16 is significantly newer, potentially offering longer software support and newer features. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm | S21 is slightly taller, but both are similar in width and thickness; impact on pocketability is minimal. |
| Weight | 169g | 170g | Negligible weight difference, both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.1" | S21 has a slightly larger screen, offering a bit more viewing area for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1179x2556 | iPhone 16 has higher resolution, leading to slightly sharper text and images. |
| PPI | 421 | 460 | iPhone 16 has a slightly higher pixel density resulting in sharper details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality display technologies; minimal real-world difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more fluid, noticeable difference when gaming or browsing. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 has significantly better visibility in bright sunlight, crucial for outdoor usage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm) | iPhone 16 has a newer, more powerful chip, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,753,018 | iPhone 16 has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating much better performance across various tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 16's GPU provides considerably better graphics performance, enhancing gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 3561mAh | S21 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both phones have the same fast charging speed. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Wireless charging 25W | S21 offers more wireless charging options; iPhone 16 offers faster wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 48MP f/1.6, 1/1.3" sensor | iPhone 16 has much higher resolution and better sensor for clearer, more detailed photos, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | None | S21 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom; iPhone 16 lacks dedicated telephoto capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 12MP f/1.9, sensor size not known | iPhone 16 has a higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies, particularly in low light. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 12MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | Similar performance in wide-angle shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, various modes | 4K@60fps, various modes | S21 offers 8K video recording, iPhone 16 maxes at 4K, both offer high quality recording with stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not Available | S21 has a decent camera score; iPhone 16 performance is unknown. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera | Cinematic Mode, Pro Video Mode, Dual camera | S21 has optical zoom and 8K, while iPhone 16 focuses on cinematic video features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | iOS 18 | Different ecosystems, choice depends on user preference for Android or iOS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | iPhone 16 has the newer WiFi 6E which offers better performance in crowded networks, less interference, faster speed. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | iPhone 16 has a more recent Bluetooth version, potentially offering better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | iPhone 16 supports more satellite systems, providing more reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | S21 allows two physical SIMs, iPhone 16 uses one physical and one digital (eSIM). |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB or 512 GB | iPhone 16 offers a higher maximum storage option (512GB), helpful for users with many photos and videos. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both phones have enough RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which could be a limitation for some. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | iPhone 16 has 3 microphones and might offer slightly better spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic Security Features | S21 offers a convenient fingerprint sensor, while the iPhone 16 security features are not clearly defined |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 offers superior screen protection, where iPhone 16 is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | S21 includes additional sensors, such as a fingerprint sensor, and geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid experience in daily usage.
- Telephoto Camera: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, helpful for photography enthusiasts.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- Physical Dual SIM: Ability to use two physical SIM cards simultaneously.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient biometric security feature.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a fingerprint sensor, Hall and Geomagnetic sensors.
Apple iPhone 16 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The A18 chip provides a massive performance leap, noticeable in all aspects.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper text and images due to the higher pixel density.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Superior Standard Camera: 48MP sensor captures more detail and performs better in low light.
- Latest Software: Runs iOS 18, offering new features and longer software support.
- Larger Maximum Storage: Up to 512GB, beneficial for media hoarders.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 offer improvements in wireless performance.
- Advanced Audio Features: Equipped with 3 microphones for better audio capture.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Older chipset leads to lower overall performance.
- Lower maximum brightness affects outdoor visibility.
- Lacks the computational photography features of the iPhone 16.
- Older software may not receive updates as long as the iPhone 16.
- Apple iPhone 16
- Lacks a dedicated telephoto camera, limiting optical zoom.
- 60Hz refresh rate is less smooth than the S21's display.
- Relies on eSIM, which may not be suitable for all users.
- Battery capacity is smaller, may require more frequent charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Users who value a smoother display experience: The 120Hz refresh rate is a big plus for those who prioritize fluidity in UI.
- Photography enthusiasts who prefer telephoto zoom: The dedicated zoom lens is better for varied photography needs.
- Users who prefer Android: Good option if you prefer Android software, with a large ecosystem of apps.
- Users with specific need for physical dual SIM support: It supports two physical SIM cards simultaneously.
- Price-conscious buyers: The older S21 5G should be available at a lower price point than the newer iPhone 16.
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 16:
- Power users and gamers: Those needing maximum performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Users who prioritize camera quality: The iPhone 16’s standard camera is much better in overall quality.
- Users who want excellent screen visibility outdoors: The higher brightness is essential for bright sunlight conditions.
- Users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
- Users who prefer the latest software: Those who want to run the newest version of iOS with longer software support.
- Users who prioritize audio: People who frequently use their microphones or speakers, for calls and media consumption.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Everyday use with smoother navigation, enjoying social media and media consumption.
- Photography enthusiasts who enjoy zoom capabilities, taking photos in various scenarios.
- Users needing two physical SIM cards for travel or dual-line usage.
- Apple iPhone 16:
- Mobile gaming and heavy multitasking requiring top-notch processing power.
- Professional photographers and videographers needing great camera performance.
- Users who spend considerable time outdoors where display visibility is paramount.
- Users who prioritize a seamless ecosystem experience with Apple products.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize display smoothness or outdoor visibility? (120Hz vs. higher brightness)
- Do you need the best overall performance or a more versatile camera with zoom? (Chipset performance vs. telephoto lens)
- Are you invested in the Apple or Android ecosystem? (iOS vs. Android)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious: If cost is a major factor, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, if available at a significantly lower price, is a viable option.
- Performance Seeker: If you absolutely need the best available performance and gaming, the Apple iPhone 16 is the clear winner.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you need a telephoto zoom lens, the S21 is more suitable; for the best overall image quality in varied scenarios, including low light, the iPhone 16 is better.
- Outdoor User: If you need to use your phone outdoors regularly, the iPhone 16's much higher brightness is a game-changer.
- Audio User: If you frequently use your microphones for phone calls or audio capture the iPhone 16 is better suited for you.
My Choice
Based on the provided specifications, I would choose the Apple iPhone 16. Here's why:
- Performance: The A18 chip offers a significant performance boost, which directly translates to a smoother, faster, and more responsive user experience. This is crucial for daily usage and demanding applications, ensuring the phone remains performant for a longer period of time.
- Camera Quality: The 48MP main camera, with its larger sensor, provides superior image quality in various conditions, which is important to me as a general-use camera.
- Display Brightness: The higher brightness is a significant advantage, making the phone usable under bright sunlight. This is essential for comfortable outdoor usage.
- Connectivity: The newer Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 standards offer better performance and more efficient connections, which are essential for modern wireless devices.
- Software and Updates: I prefer iOS over Android and prioritize long-term software updates, which the iPhone 16 is likely to receive.
- Audio: Having 3 microphones, the iPhone 16 will provide better audio capture, which is important for phone calls, video creation and voice recording.
Although the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, the overall benefits of the iPhone 16, especially in performance, camera quality, display brightness, connectivity and software updates outweigh this one advantage, for my use case. While I recognize the value in the S21's telephoto lens and reverse charging capabilities, the core improvements of the iPhone 16 are more compelling for my personal requirements.
