Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. It's a classic Android versus iOS battle, but with a twist—we’re looking at the Samsung’s "Fan Edition," which targets a sweet spot between price and performance, up against a brand-new flagship iPhone. Let’s break it down with a focus on how these specs translate to real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of key specifications, focusing on their practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | S21 FE is more compact; 16 Plus is taller and wider. |
| Weight | 177g | 199g | S21 FE is noticeably lighter, better for one-handed use; 16 Plus feels more substantial |
| Foldable Type | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE offers known great screen protection. The 16 Plus is still unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | 16 Plus offers a larger canvas for viewing, S21 FE is easier to manage in one hand |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1290x2796 | 16 Plus offers significantly sharper, crisper visuals due to higher pixel count (42.7% more). |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 460 | 16 Plus has a noticeably sharper display with 57 PPI difference |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both technologies provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 FE has smoother animations and scrolling compared to 16 Plus |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | 16 Plus is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Apple A18 (3nm) | Apple A18 is faster and more energy-efficient due to smaller process node |
| Antutu Score | 923,836 | 1,753,018 | 16 Plus provides drastically faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and app load times (90% more score). |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Apple GPU (5-core) | 16 Plus will have better graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 48MP | 16 Plus captures far more detail with its higher-resolution sensor |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | 16 Plus' wider aperture performs better in low light |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.3" | 16 Plus has bigger sensor that results in better light capture and image quality |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP | N/A | S21 FE offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming capabilities; the 16 Plus is missing one |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 12MP | S21 FE is higher resolution but that does not mean higher quality in real world. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.9 | 16 Plus' wider aperture is better in low light |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP | 12MP | Similar wide angle lens resolution. |
| Wide Angle Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/2.55" | 16 Plus has slightly larger wide angle sensor size |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 4K 60fps | Both record excellent quality videos with image stabilization. |
| Video Features | HDR, EIS | HDR, Stereo Sound | 16 Plus records in stereo sound giving you a far better audio for your videos |
| DxOMark Mobile Camera | Main 117, Photo 119, Video 107 | Not tested | S21 FE's camera is very good as per scores; 16 Plus is unknown yet |
| DxOMark Selfie Camera | Main 127, Photo 126, Video 130 | Not tested | S21 FE's selfie camera is excellent as per scores; 16 Plus is unknown yet |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Optical zoom, OIS | Dual camera, Pro Video Mode, OIS | S21 FE has a triple camera system with zoom; 16 Plus offers Pro Video features and Dual Camera. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4674mAh | Battery capacities are similar; should have comparable endurance |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both phones have similar charging speed. |
| Features | Reverse, wireless 15W | Wireless 25W | S21 FE has reverse wireless charging; 16 Plus has faster wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | iOS 18 | Android offers open-source flexibility; iOS provides simplicity and ecosystem integration |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | 16 Plus supports the latest standard with better speed and efficiency |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | 16 Plus has faster data transfers with higher speed |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | 16 Plus has better location accuracy due to more satellite support |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | 16 Plus offers flexible carrier switching with eSIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512GB | 16 Plus offers a higher storage option for media-heavy users |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | 16 Plus offers good ram performance for all users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support MicroSD cards |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | 16 Plus has better audio due to 3 microphones |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | S21 FE has an additional fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 FE includes additional sensors for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Strengths: The S21 FE is a well-rounded phone, offering a smooth 120Hz display, solid performance, and a versatile camera system. It includes a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities, and its reverse wireless charging is a handy feature.
- Competitive Advantages: Its biggest advantage is its price. It’s generally more affordable than a new flagship iPhone while still delivering a premium experience. The 120Hz refresh rate is fantastic for smooth scrolling and animations, and it has a fingerprint sensor for quick security access.
- Trade-offs: It uses a slightly older chipset and lacks the latest connectivity features such as WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Its display isn't as sharp or bright as the iPhone, and its camera tech isn’t quite as advanced.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
- Strengths: The iPhone 16 Plus boasts cutting-edge performance with its A18 chip and a brighter, sharper display. Its camera system captures superior image quality and video.
- Competitive Advantages: Its main advantage is its power. The A18 chip delivers incredible performance, making it great for gamers and power users. The higher resolution display and significantly brighter screen make for a better viewing experience. It has a newer, more advanced connectivity, better audio with 3 microphones, and a much stronger performance score
- Trade-offs: The iPhone 16 Plus has a higher price tag, lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, and its display refresh rate is capped at 60Hz which isn't great. Additionally, it lacks reverse wireless charging, a feature found on the Samsung.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best for: Users who value a good balance of features, performance, and price. Those who enjoy a smooth display, flexible camera system, and the openness of Android.
- Specific Use Cases: Great for daily media consumption, social media, casual gaming, and general photography.
- Value Proposition: Offers a flagship-like experience without the full flagship price, making it a good value-for-money option.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus:
- Best for: Power users who demand top-tier performance, a superior display, and the best camera quality. Those who are deeply invested in the iOS ecosystem.
- Specific Use Cases: Ideal for advanced gaming, professional-grade video creation, photo enthusiasts, and anyone needing maximum performance and an extremely reliable device.
- Value Proposition: Justifies its premium price with its state-of-the-art hardware, providing the most cutting edge specs for a smartphone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide:
- Do you prioritize budget over top-tier specs, or are you willing to pay a premium for the absolute best performance and display quality?
- If budget-conscious: The S21 FE provides great bang-for-your-buck.
- If seeking best-in-class: The iPhone 16 Plus delivers the most power and cutting edge specs.
- Is a smooth 120Hz display refresh rate important, or are you more interested in a sharper, brighter screen?
- If smooth scrolling is key: The S21 FE's 120Hz screen is better.
- If screen clarity and brightness is a priority: The iPhone 16 Plus wins.
- Do you prefer the openness and flexibility of Android, or the simplicity and tight ecosystem of iOS?
- If you prefer customization and open-source flexibility: the S21 FE’s Android is the way to go.
- If you love the intuitive simplicity and Apple ecosystem: the 16 Plus is your best bet.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the casual user: The S21 FE provides a very good experience, it's great for daily tasks, social media, and photography, at a more affordable price.
- For gamers: The iPhone 16 Plus is the better phone due to its powerful A18 chipset, better GPU performance, and its brighter, sharper display.
- For photographers: The iPhone 16 Plus has a better main camera, and although it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens it has more camera features and better low-light performance.
- For daily drivers: Both are great. The S21 FE is slightly more affordable and lighter for one-handed use; The iPhone is the superior phone with the newest specs.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. While I appreciate the value and smooth display of the S21 FE, I prioritize performance, camera quality, and a top-tier screen for my own use. I am a power user, I like to play games on my phone from time to time, and also like a good camera for those unexpected photo opportunities; the iPhone 16 Plus offers a higher performance across the board making it the better choice overall. The significantly faster chipset, the brighter and higher resolution display, and the superior camera system (despite the lack of a dedicated telephoto) make it a more compelling device for my needs. While the price is a factor, I believe the long-term value and superior experience of the iPhone justify the higher cost for me personally. The 16 Plus represents the best technology out there, and I want that.
