Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Apple iPhone 14 Plus. I'll break down the specs, provide real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be a better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Apple iPhone 14 Plus:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2022-10-07 | iPhone 14 Plus is newer, potentially longer software support. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm | iPhone 14 Plus is larger, might be less pocketable. |
| Weight | 177g | 203g | S21 FE 5G is significantly lighter, better for extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | iPhone 14 Plus has more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1284x2778 | iPhone 14 Plus is sharper, more detail visible. |
| PPI | 403 | 458 | iPhone 14 Plus looks noticeably crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use vibrant OLED tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 FE 5G is smoother, better for gaming and UI. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 FE 5G is slightly better in bright sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Apple A15 Bionic | iPhone 14 Plus has superior performance in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,330,312 | iPhone 14 Plus is faster for apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Apple 5-core GPU | Different architectures, iPhone generally better for graphics. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4325mAh | Similar capacity, likely comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Li-Ion | S21 FE 5G has fast charging, can refuel faster. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | MagSafe, Qi Charging | Each has unique wireless charging options. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 12MP (f/1.5, 1/1.66") | iPhone 14 Plus has better light capture with wider aperture and slightly bigger sensor. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.0) | None | S21 FE 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | 12MP (f/1.9) | S21 FE 5G has higher resolution, iPhone has better light sensitivity. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP (f/2.4, 1/2.55") | iPhone 14 Plus has a dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Ultra Wide + Macro | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06") | None | S21 FE 5G has a ultra wide + macro lens for more versatility. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 4K@60fps, HDR, Stereo | Both offer excellent video capabilities. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 | 133 | iPhone 14 Plus has superior main camera performance in all aspects (photo, video) |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 127 | 144 | iPhone 14 Plus has a superior front facing camera performance in all aspects (photo, video) |
| Features | Optical Zoom, Triple Cam | Audio Zoom, Dual Cam | S21 FE 5G offers optical zoom and has a triple camera system, iPhone 14 plus uses audio zoom and has a dual camera system. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | iOS 16 (upgradable to 18) | Different ecosystems, personal preference is key. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Direct, Display | Wi-Fi 6 | S21 FE 5G has more versatile Wi-Fi options. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | iPhone 14 Plus has newer Bluetooth, potentially more efficient. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | iPhone 14 Plus has better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | iPhone 14 Plus uses eSIM, S21 FE uses two physical SIMs. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | iPhone 14 Plus has a higher storage option. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6 GB | S21 FE 5G offers a higher RAM option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support microSD cards. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | iPhone 14 Plus provides better audio immersion and clarity. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Security Features | S21 FE 5G has a physical fingerprint sensor. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE 5G has better screen scratch resistance. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Compass, Hall, Geomagnetic | Basic Sensors | S21 FE 5G offers a more comprehensive suite of sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeable advantage for scrolling and gaming.
- More Versatile Camera: The inclusion of a telephoto lens and a wide-angle + macro lens adds flexibility to photography.
- Faster Charging: The 25W fast charging can top up the battery quicker.
- Lighter Weight: The S21 FE 5G is significantly lighter and easier to handle than the iPhone 14 Plus
- Better Sensor Suite: The S21 FE 5G has a more comprehensive sensor suite, allowing for a wider range of features
- Price: Typically more affordable than the iPhone 14 Plus.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Ideal for users who prioritize display smoothness, versatile photography, and faster charging.
- Trade-offs:
- Slightly lower resolution display and older chipset might not be suitable for high-end gaming and performance tasks.
- Main camera performance is not as good as the iPhone 14 Plus, according to DXOmark results.
- Lacks the overall polish and performance of the iPhone 14 Plus.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip offers top-tier performance in benchmarks.
- Higher Quality Display: Noticeably sharper and more vibrant screen.
- Better Camera Performance: Superior main camera and selfie camera performance.
- Better Audio Quality: More immersive audio with the addition of Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS / DTS X support.
- Longer Software Support: Expect to receive updates for a longer period.
- Greater Storage Capacity: Optional 512 GB variant for storing more data.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Best for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and the iOS ecosystem.
- Trade-offs:
- 60Hz refresh rate might feel less smooth than the S21 FE 5G.
- Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Significantly heavier and larger than the S21 FE 5G
- More expensive than the S21 FE 5G.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal For: Gamers who value display smoothness, users who want versatile camera options, and those who prefer Android and value budget-friendly options.
- Use Cases: Daily social media, gaming, photography with varying focal lengths, and users who need fast charging.
- Why: The S21 FE 5G offers a very good balance of features at a lower price point.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus:
- Ideal For: Users who want the best performance, those heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, and those who value camera quality above all.
- Use Cases: High-performance apps, video editing, professional photography, and users who need consistent software updates.
- Why: The iPhone 14 Plus provides an exceptional user experience, with a premium build and top-of-the-line performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these two phones:
Do you prioritize a smooth display or top-tier performance?
- If you prioritize a smooth display, go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
- If you need top-tier performance, the Apple iPhone 14 Plus is the better choice.
What is your primary use for the camera?
- If you need a versatile camera with multiple lenses (telephoto + macro), the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has an advantage.
- If you prioritize the best overall photo and video quality, the Apple iPhone 14 Plus will give you better performance in the main and selfie camera.
Are you invested in a specific ecosystem and do you care about software updates?
- If you prefer Android, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is your pick.
- If you want consistent software updates for longer periods and love the iOS ecosystem, the Apple iPhone 14 Plus is better suited for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
For the Gamer: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is better because of the 120Hz display for smoother gameplay.
For the Photographer: The Apple iPhone 14 Plus has better main camera performance, but the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers more lens options. It really comes down to preference, but overall the iPhone 14 Plus will perform better.
For the Everyday User: The Apple iPhone 14 Plus provides a more complete user experience with a better camera and performance.
For the Budget Conscious: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the more affordable option while still offering great performance.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Apple iPhone 14 Plus. While the S21 FE 5G's 120Hz display is a definite draw, the iPhone's A15 Bionic chip offers top-tier performance. The camera performance is significantly better, particularly in video, which I value for my work. Moreover, the longer software update support and overall premium experience make the iPhone 14 Plus a worthwhile investment for me, even though it comes with a higher price tag. The combination of performance, superior camera and better audio is what makes me pick the iPhone 14 Plus.
