Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. As always, we'll be focusing not just on the specs, but on what these numbers mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a look at the key specs, what they mean in the real world, and a side-by-side comparison.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-09-22 | iPhone 15 Pro Max has newer tech by 20 months, and should have better software support. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both phones have a standard (non-folding) form factor. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 159.9 × 76.7 × 8.3 mm | iPhone 15 Pro Max is a bit larger and thicker, which affects pocketability. |
| Weight | 177g | 221g | S21 FE is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a slightly larger viewing area for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1290x2796 | iPhone 15 Pro Max’s higher resolution delivers sharper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 460 PPI | iPhone 15 Pro Max has a noticeably crisper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality display tech; differences are minor. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Pro Max is significantly brighter, much better in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | A17 Pro (3 nm) | iPhone 15 Pro Max's chip is significantly more powerful, faster, and more energy-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,641,883 | iPhone 15 Pro Max has significantly higher performance overall and for gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Apple 6-core GPU | iPhone 15 Pro Max's GPU is significantly more powerful for graphics intensive tasks such as gaming and video editing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4441mAh | Similar battery capacity; expect comparable battery endurance for normal use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | iPhone 15 Pro Max has slightly faster charging capabilities. |
| Features | Reverse, 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No Charger | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi, No Charger | S21 FE offers reverse charging; iPhone 15 Pro Max features MagSafe wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8 | 48MP f/1.78 | iPhone 15 Pro Max captures far more detail, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto | 8MP f/2.0 | 12MP f/2.8 | iPhone 15 Pro Max has a dedicated telephoto lens, whereas the S21 FE has a telephoto and portrait combined. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/1.9 | iPhone has better sensor, better low light performance. |
| Wide/Macro Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.2 | iPhone 15 Pro Max's sensor size is bigger and will lead to better images, better low light. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 4K 60fps | Both record high-quality video with stabilization and slow-motion options. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 154 | iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera is significantly better overall. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 127 | 149 | iPhone 15 Pro Max’s selfie camera is significantly better overall. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Cinematic Mode, Noise reduction, Face unlock, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | iPhone 15 Pro Max has additional video features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 16) | iOS 17 (Upgradable to 18) | Different OS ecosystems; choice depends on preference. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | Wi-Fi 6E | iPhone 15 Pro Max offers newer Wi-Fi 6E with better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | iPhone 15 Pro Max has a more advanced Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | iPhone 15 Pro Max has more advanced GPS with improved precision |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | iPhone 15 Pro Max offers an eSIM for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB | iPhone 15 Pro Max offers far more storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | Sufficient RAM for both phones to handle multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Canceling Mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise Canceling Mic, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 3 microphones enhance call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Basic | S21 FE has fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 FE has a fingerprint sensor |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Strengths:
- Lightweight and Comfortable: The S21 FE’s lighter build makes it ideal for long usage sessions.
- Versatile Charging: Reverse wireless charging, and a robust feature set for different use cases.
- Great Display: High refresh rate and bright AMOLED for excellent media consumption.
- Cost-Effective: A solid performance at a more accessible price point.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Fingerprint Sensor: The fingerprint sensor offers an extra layer of security and convenience.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: You can charge other devices wirelessly off the S21 FE, a handy feature.
- Customizable Android OS: Android allows for a great amount of customization.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Older Chipset: The Snapdragon 888, while still capable, is noticeably less powerful than the A17 Pro.
- Camera Performance: Not as strong as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, especially in low light and video.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Strengths:
- Top-Tier Performance: The A17 Pro chip delivers blazing-fast performance for any task.
- Superior Display: Sharper and brighter OLED screen, ideal for media consumption and outdoor use.
- High Quality Camera: Excellent photos and videos in any lighting conditions.
- Advanced Features: MagSafe charging, eSIM support, and a highly optimized iOS ecosystem.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Camera System: Significantly better main camera, telephoto lens, and overall video recording capabilities.
- Longevity: The A17 Pro chipset ensures the iPhone will stay powerful for years to come with great software support.
- Video Quality: Superior video quality thanks to enhanced color, better focus, and video stabilization.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Heavier: The weight may be a concern for some users.
- Lack of Reverse Charging: A feature the S21 FE provides.
- Price: Significantly more expensive than the S21 FE.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Ideal User: Value-conscious users who want a great display, smooth performance, and versatile features without breaking the bank. Good for those who prioritize a lightweight phone with wireless charging versatility.
- Best Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, casual gaming, and media consumption. Suitable for someone who appreciates having a fingerprint sensor and the ability to reverse charge other devices.
- Price-to-Value: Offers great value with a mix of solid performance and desirable features at a mid-range price point.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Ideal User: Professionals and tech enthusiasts who demand top performance, the best camera quality, and a premium ecosystem experience. Perfect for users who prioritize the best display, and camera capabilities.
- Best Use Cases: Professional photography and video editing, intensive gaming, demanding productivity apps, and users who want the latest and greatest Apple has to offer.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price point, but justifies the cost with best-in-class performance and features, and will last many years due to the A17 chip and amazing software support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Questions to Ask Yourself
- How important is the camera? If you are a serious photographer or videographer, the iPhone is the better choice with far more advanced cameras.
- Do you need the highest level of performance? The iPhone 15 Pro Max is for those who want the absolute best performance in processing power, and graphic capabilities.
- How much does price matter? If you're on a tighter budget, the Galaxy S21 FE will offer you a good set of features at a much more affordable price point.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Budget-Conscious Shopper: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It offers a well-rounded experience with a great display and solid performance for daily use at a much lower price than the iPhone.
- Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. Its superior camera system is unmatched, offering the best image and video quality.
- Performance Junkie: Choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. The A17 Pro chip will future-proof the phone with its raw power and its overall software support.
- Practical User: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a great mix of features such as the fingerprint sensor, reverse charging, and good performance at an affordable price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Here's why: While the S21 FE is a very capable and affordable phone, my priorities lie with performance and camera quality. I frequently use my phone for more than just casual tasks, including photo editing, recording video, and sometimes playing demanding mobile games. The A17 Pro chip will ensure my phone will not lag behind for the next couple of years, and the superior camera system on the iPhone would be worth the investment. Additionally, the brighter display and the excellent software ecosystem would enhance my overall usage and experience. While it's more expensive, the iPhone 15 Pro Max would provide the experience I'd prefer.
