Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Apple iPhone 13 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2021-09-24 | The iPhone 13 Pro is newer by approximately 8 months. May have longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.7 mm | S21+ is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use, while the iPhone 13 Pro is more compact. |
| Weight | 200g | 204g | Virtually identical weight. Both feel substantial in hand. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones with premium materials. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior screen protection. iPhone 13 Pro's screen protection is unknown, but is assumed to be a strong material like Ceramic Shield glass. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | S21+ offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking; iPhone 13 Pro is more pocketable and suitable for those who prefer smaller devices. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1170x2532 | iPhone 13 Pro has a slightly sharper display due to higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 460 | iPhone 13 Pro's higher pixel density results in a noticeably sharper and more detailed image, enhancing text clarity and overall visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality OLED technologies with excellent contrast and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21+ has a slightly brighter screen, which can make it easier to see in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | The A15 Bionic chip is generally faster and more power-efficient, leading to smoother performance in demanding tasks, while the Exynos 2100 is still a capable processor but often has a little less performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,325,768 | iPhone 13 Pro has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating superior real-world performance, including faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | iPhone 13 Pro's custom GPU generally delivers better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.80 µm pixel size | 12MP, f/1.5, 1/1.66", Sony IMX703, 1.90 µm pixel size | The iPhone 13 Pro's wider aperture and larger sensor size allow for better low-light performance and improved image quality. Larger pixel size can also capture more light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung Bright S5KGW2, 0.80 µm pixel size | N/A | S21+ features a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities and portrait photography, but it is not as good as the iPhone's Telephoto and the quality is lower. |
| Selfie Lens | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374, 1.22 µm pixel size | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX514 | iPhone 13 Pro's higher resolution front-facing camera allows for slightly sharper selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.8, Sony IMX713, 1.00 µm pixel size | iPhone 13 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens which can be used for zoom and portrait images, and is a higher quality lens than the S21+'s "Telephoto + Portrait" lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX772, 1.00 µm pixel size | iPhone 13 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | N/A | 12MP, 1/3.4", Sony IMX590, 1.00 µm pixel size | iPhone 13 Pro's ToF sensor enhances depth sensing, improving AR experiences and portrait mode accuracy. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.40 µm pixel size | N/A | S21+ has a wide-angle lens that can also be used for macro photography. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps (S21+) | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps (iPhone 13 Pro) | Both offer excellent video capabilities, but S21+ has a higher 8k resolution for recording. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main Score: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Main Score: 141, Photo: 140, Video: 146 | iPhone 13 Pro demonstrates superior camera performance with significantly higher DxOMark scores in all categories. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | N/A | Main Score: 134, Photo: 128, Video: 143 | The iPhone 13 Pro has a dedicated score for its selfie camera and the camera is really good compared to others. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 3125 mAh | S21+ has a larger battery, which could translate to longer battery life, though the efficiency of both chips and software will affect real-world endurance. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | S21+ supports slightly faster charging (25W vs 20W). |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | MagSafe Wireless charging 15W, Qi magnetic fast wireless charging 7.5W | Both offer wireless charging, but S21+ offers reverse charging, allowing it to charge other devices wirelessly. iPhone has MagSafe charging. |
| Charge in box | No | No | Neither phone includes a charger in the box. |
| ### Software |
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | iOS 15 (upgradable to 18) | Android provides more customization options, while iOS is often praised for its stability, ease of use, and ecosystem integrations. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both offer Wi-Fi 6, but S21+ supports Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Display. iPhone supports Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, ANT+, APT-x, SBC | 5.0 LE, A2DP, LE, AAC | S21+ supports a wider range of Bluetooth codecs and profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | S21+ supports more satellite systems, potentially leading to more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality, with eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1024GB | iPhone 13 Pro has more storage options, especially for those who need a lot of space for media files. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB | S21+ has more RAM, which can lead to smoother multitasking and better app performance for heavy tasks. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via SD cards. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic, 3 microphones | iPhone 13 Pro has a more advanced sound system and additional microphones for better audio recording and spatial sound. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Security Features | S21+ has a fingerprint sensor for fast and reliable biometric authentication. iPhone relies on Face ID for biometric unlock (not explicitly listed). |
| ### Sensors |
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21+ has a more comprehensive sensor suite including fingerprint, compass, hall, and geomagnetic sensors; useful for advanced features, gaming and augmented reality, and unlocking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen is ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and those who prefer a larger screen.
- Larger Battery: 4800 mAh battery may provide longer battery life, though real-world usage will depend on software and usage patterns.
- 8k Video Recording: Ability to record videos in 8k resolution.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices.
- Wider range of bluetooth codecs and profiles: More compatibility with different audio devices.
- Fingerprint sensor: Provides additional security and a reliable option for unlocking.
- More sensors: More versatile sensor suite.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: A15 Bionic chip offers significantly better performance than the Exynos 2100 chip.
- Better Camera: Higher DxOMark scores, with better low-light performance and telephoto capabilities.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (460 PPI) results in a sharper and more detailed screen.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 1 TB storage option.
- Advanced Audio: Has more advanced audio features with spatial audio and Dolby audio.
- Software Support: Apple provides updates for longer durations.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Larger size may be cumbersome; performance is inferior compared to the iPhone; camera is not as good as the iPhone.
- iPhone 13 Pro: Smaller screen may not suit all users; battery is smaller; lacks reverse wireless charging; missing fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Those who frequently watch videos and movies on their phone will appreciate the larger screen.
- Power Users: May benefit from the larger battery for longer use between charges.
- Android Enthusiasts: Prefer Android's customization options and open ecosystem.
- Users who appreciate additional features like Reverse Wireless Charging and Fingerprint sensors.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Demand the best camera performance for both photos and videos.
- Performance Seekers: Need a powerful device for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- iOS Ecosystem Fans: Prefer the simplicity, stability, and seamless integration of the Apple ecosystem.
- Those who need a compact phone People who like to use their phone with one hand.
- Those who prioritize sound quality - The better microphones and audio quality will be great for them.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Binge-watching videos, mobile gaming, everyday work, power users who need the battery, and prefer Android.
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro: Professional photography/videography, gaming, creative tasks, fast/seamless app usage, preference for iOS.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Media consumption, gaming, professional photography, etc.)
- Do I prefer a larger screen or a more compact form factor?
- Which operating system and ecosystem do I prefer (Android or iOS)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Content Consumption & Battery Life Priority - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its larger screen and potentially longer battery life.
- Scenario 2: Camera & Performance Priority - Choose the Apple iPhone 13 Pro for its superior camera quality and processing power.
- Scenario 3: Ecosystem Loyalty - Choose the phone that aligns with the user's existing ecosystem preference (Android or iOS).
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G due to its significantly lower price point, and it is still a very good phone.
What I Would Choose
Personally, I would choose the Apple iPhone 13 Pro. While the Samsung S21+ offers a larger screen and battery, the iPhone's A15 Bionic chip's performance is a significant advantage, leading to a smoother, faster, and generally more enjoyable experience. Furthermore, the iPhone 13 Pro's superior camera system is a major draw for me, as I prioritize camera quality for both still photography and video. The ecosystem also has its draw due to its tight integrations. Though the battery is smaller, I have never had an issue with its endurance and I can charge it through many different methods, including MagSafe. The additional storage options is also something that would be valuable for me.
