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 | The iPhone 16 is significantly newer, meaning it likely has more up-to-date software and potentially longer support. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | S21+ is noticeably larger, which may be better for media consumption but less convenient to carry. Both have the same thickness. |
| Weight | 200g | 170g | iPhone 16 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | S21+ offers a larger screen, which is better for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1179x2556 | iPhone 16 offers a slightly sharper display, with more pixels for a clearer image, especially noticeable for fine details. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 460 | iPhone 16's higher pixel density provides a sharper and clearer image, especially for text and high-resolution content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Differences in specific panel technology may exist, but general user experience will be similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ has a much smoother display with its 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in a more fluid visual experience when scrolling or gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 provides much better outdoor visibility with higher brightness, making it easier to use in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Apple A18 (3nm) | The A18 chip in iPhone 16 is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 1,753,018 | iPhone 16 is substantially more powerful, which will translate into a much more responsive user experience and ability to handle intensive applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (5-core/6-core) | The iPhone's GPU is likely significantly more powerful leading to a better gaming experience. Specifics depend on game design and optimization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 3561mAh | S21+ has a larger battery, which might result in longer battery life, but software optimization and chipset efficiency play a big role. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support 25W fast charging. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless 15W, Reverse 4.5W | Wireless 25W | S21+ offers more versatile wireless charging options. iPhone 16 offers faster wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12MP | 48MP | iPhone 16 has a higher resolution main sensor, which will capture more detail and allow for better cropping. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | iPhone 16 has a wider aperture allowing more light to hit the sensor and thus should perform better in low-light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.3" | iPhone 16 has a larger sensor, which will help with low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP | None | S21+ has a telephoto camera, which allows for optical zoom capabilities. iPhone 16 would rely on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 10MP | 12MP | iPhone 16 has a slightly higher resolution front camera, capturing slightly more detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.9 | iPhone 16 has a wider aperture, potentially resulting in better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP | 12MP | Both offer similar wide-angle performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K @ 24fps | Up to 4K @ 60fps | S21+ can record at a higher 8K resolution, which is useful for professional applications. Both offer HDR and slow-motion recording but the iPhone offers more fps options in non-8k. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | iOS 18 | Different operating systems with distinct user interfaces, app ecosystems, and update cycles. Choice depends on personal preference. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6E | iPhone 16 has a newer Wi-Fi standard providing faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | iPhone 16 has a newer Bluetooth, potentially improving range and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1), NavIC | iPhone 16 has more satellite system for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Both support dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | iPhone 16 offers a larger storage option (512GB), suitable for users who store a lot of media. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both have adequate RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choosing the right storage tier is critical. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | S21+ has hi-res audio, a feature missing on the iPhone, however the iPhone features more microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Security Features | The S21+ features a dedicated fingerprint sensor, while the specifics of the iPhone's "Basic Security Features" are not listed in the provided data. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ provides a higher degree of drop protection. The iPhone's screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21+ has a broader sensor array, including fingerprint sensor, which might improve usability for some users. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Provides a smoother visual experience, especially when scrolling and gaming.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher resolution video recording capabilities.
- Telephoto Lens: Provides optical zoom for better close-up photography.
- More Versatile Wireless Charging: Includes reverse wireless charging functionality, which is helpful for charging accessories.
- Hi-Res Audio: Suitable for audiophiles.
- Fingerprint Sensor: A physical fingerprint sensor is a familiar security method for some users.
- More Sensors: A wider array of sensors may be useful for some specific applications.
Apple iPhone 16 Advantages:
- More Powerful Chipset: The A18 chip provides significantly higher performance, leading to faster app loading and smoother overall operation.
- Higher Pixel Density: The display has a higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper image.
- Significantly Higher Brightness: Provides better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Significantly Higher Main Camera Resolution & Larger Sensor: The main camera captures more detail and performs better in low-light conditions
- Newer Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: Supports faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- 512GB Storage Option: Offers more storage space for users with extensive media libraries.
- Newer Software: Runs on a newer version of iOS, which might have new features and security updates.
- Significantly Better Benchmarks: Offers a much faster overall performance and better for gaming.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: The large size and weight might be less comfortable for smaller hands.
- iPhone 16: The smaller display may not be preferred for media consumption, and the refresh rate is lower than the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is Ideal For:
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, browsing social media, and playing games on a large screen.
- Users Who Prefer Higher Refresh Rate: Users who want the smoothest scrolling and gaming experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts (limited): Users who value the inclusion of an optical zoom lens.
- Users Who value a physical fingerprint sensor: People who have grown used to the speed and convenience of physical sensors.
- Budget Conscious Users: May be available at a lower price than a newer iPhone.
- Audiophiles: People who require Hi-Res Audio quality.
Use Cases:
- Enjoying movies and TV shows on a large, vibrant display.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Capturing photos with the optical zoom and wider sensor.
- Using reverse wireless charging to charge accessories on the go.
Apple iPhone 16 is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Users who need the best possible performance for multitasking, gaming, and resource-intensive apps.
- Users Who Value Brightness: Users who spend a lot of time outdoors and need excellent screen visibility in sunlight.
- Users Who Want Sharper Display: Users who value the highest resolution display.
- Users in the Apple Ecosystem: Users who are heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem and want seamless integration.
- Users Who Value the Highest Quality Photos: The Main camera is significantly better for everyday photo capture.
Use Cases:
- Running demanding productivity apps and editing videos.
- Using the phone in bright outdoor conditions.
- Taking pictures and videos with high detail.
- Integrating seamlessly with other Apple devices and services.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do I prioritize a larger screen and smoother refresh rate or raw performance and sharper screen? If you primarily consume media and appreciate a large, smooth display, the S21+ is suitable. If you need the most powerful phone with a sharper display for demanding tasks, the iPhone 16 is the better option.
- Do I value photography versatility or higher image quality? The S21+ offers an optical zoom lens, while the iPhone 16 has a significantly superior main camera.
- How important is battery life, wireless charging versatility, and Hi-Res audio, versus top-tier performance? The S21+ has a larger battery and more wireless charging options, while the iPhone 16 is more powerful. Consider which is more important for your needs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the iPhone 16 for its superior performance.
- Frequent Traveler: If portability is important and you want to have a brighter screen, choose the iPhone 16. If you want longer battery life or the option to charge accessories, the S21+ may be better.
- Casual User: If you are budget-conscious and prefer Android, the S21+ is a viable option.
- Apple Ecosystem User: The iPhone 16 is the clear choice due to ecosystem integration and overall performance.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you prioritize the highest quality images from the main camera, the iPhone 16 is better. if you prioritize versatility and optical zoom, the S21+ is better.
My Choice:
Based on the information, I would choose the Apple iPhone 16.
Reasoning: While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a larger display and a 120Hz refresh rate, which are nice for media consumption, the performance gap is too large to ignore. The Apple A18 chipset in the iPhone 16 provides a significantly faster, more fluid, and more future-proof experience. I also value the superior display brightness for outdoor use and the superior main camera, which I think is more important than a telephoto camera. The iPhone 16 also offers the benefit of a newer version of iOS and a longer support lifespan, making it the better long-term option. The newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards are also a significant bonus for anyone valuing the latest and greatest in connectivity options. The combination of these factors outweighs the benefits of the S21+'s larger screen and battery for my use cases.
