Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Apple iPhone 16 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-09-20 | The iPhone 16 Pro is significantly newer, with more modern features and software |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 149.6 × 71.5 × 8.3 mm | S21+ is larger and slightly thinner; iPhone 16 Pro is more compact and slightly thicker. Impact: Pocketability vs screen real estate, grip comfort |
| Weight | 200g | 199g | Negligible difference |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.3" | S21+ offers a larger viewing area. Impact: Better for media consumption, gaming, split-screen multitasking |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1206x2622 | iPhone 16 Pro has a higher resolution for sharper images and text |
| PPI | 394 | 460 | iPhone 16 Pro has significantly sharper display |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display technologies, excellent colors and contrast for both |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 Pro has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A18 Pro (3 nm) | iPhone 16 Pro has a newer, more powerful chipset. Impact: Faster processing, better gaming performance, more efficient power management |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,947,255 | iPhone 16 Pro offers significantly higher performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (6-core) | iPhone 16 Pro has a more powerful GPU |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 3582mAh | S21+ has a larger battery, potentially better battery life. Actual life depends on usage and optimization |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Similar wired fast charging speeds |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No charger in-box | 25W Wireless Charging | S21+ has more versatile charging options, but iPhone has faster wireless charging |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 48MP, f/1.78, 1/1.3", 1.22µm | iPhone 16 Pro has much higher resolution and larger sensor, better image quality |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | Not Available | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Available | 12MP, f/2.8, 1.12µm | iPhone 16 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 48MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 0.7µm | iPhone 16 Pro offers a much higher resolution wide-angle camera, but smaller pixel size |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 12MP, f/1.9, | iPhone 16 Pro higher resolution and wider aperture |
| ToF 3D sensor | Not Available | 0.8MP, | iPhone 16 Pro has depth-sensing capabilities |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@120fps, 1080p@240fps | S21+ supports 8K video, while iPhone 16 Pro has more frame rate options in 4K |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Available | S21+ has a known camera score; iPhone 16 Pro is untested |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | iOS 18 | Different ecosystems with distinct apps and user experiences |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | iPhone 16 Pro has a newer and faster Wi-Fi standard |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | iPhone 16 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | iPhone 16 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Similar dual SIM capabilities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | iPhone 16 Pro has more storage options up to 1 TB |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both are adequate for most tasks |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage on either device |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both have excellent audio output; S21+ supports Hi-Res Audio |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic security features | S21+ has a Fingerprint Sensor. iPhone 16 Pro details not specified |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has a known superior glass protection |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21+ has additional biometric sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking, offering a more immersive experience.
- Larger Battery: 4800mAh battery potentially offers better battery life, especially for heavy usage.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom capabilities.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to wirelessly charge other devices, adding versatility.
- Hi-Res Audio: Supports Hi-Res Audio for audiophiles seeking higher sound quality.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Biometric security offered by fingerprint sensor, a well established feature.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Advantages:
- Newer, More Powerful Chipset: The A18 Pro offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and future-proofing.
- Higher Resolution and Sharper Display: The increased resolution and pixel density provide better image and text clarity, and better outdoor visibility
- Superior Main Camera: Higher resolution and a larger sensor result in better image quality, especially in low light.
- Advanced Telephoto Camera: Dedicated telephoto lens with enhanced zoom capabilities.
- ToF 3D Sensor: Depth-sensing capabilities for AR applications and improved focus.
- More Storage Options: Up to 1TB of storage space for extensive media libraries.
- Newer Connectivity: Latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- OS: Newer OS with a longer software update period.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ has a larger display and battery, but it is less powerful and has an older chipset.
- The iPhone 16 Pro is smaller and has a higher display quality, but a smaller battery than S21+, and is more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and multitasking.
- Individuals who prefer longer battery life and more versatile charging options.
- Users who appreciate having a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Android users who prefer the Android ecosystem and customizability.
- Value conscious users looking for good features at a more affordable price (given its age)
- Users who prefer fingerprint security
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on a larger screen.
- Multitasking with multiple apps.
- Heavy users who need a large battery for a full day's usage.
- Capturing photos with a dedicated telephoto camera.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance, the latest technologies, and future proofing.
- Users who want the best possible camera quality for photos and videos.
- Users who prefer the iOS ecosystem and smooth user experience.
- Users who need more storage for apps and multimedia.
- Users who appreciate a compact and premium device.
- Users who prefer Face ID unlocking.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Accessing and using apps that are exclusively on the iOS platform.
- Users working in professional content creation or other tasks requiring top performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize a larger screen and longer battery life, or a compact design and top-tier performance?
- Are you more committed to Android or iOS ecosystem?
- Is top of the line camera quality and performance a must for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you're looking for a reliable phone with a large screen and don't need the absolute best performance, and a more affordable price, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a good option, but you need to consider the device's age
- Power User/Content Creator: The iPhone 16 Pro is better suited for power users, gamers, and content creators seeking top performance, a great camera, and advanced features, even if it comes with a higher price.
- Ecosystem Preference: If you prefer Android and its customization options, the S21+ is your obvious choice, while if you prefer the simplicity and seamlessness of iOS, the iPhone 16 Pro is the way to go.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 16 Pro. While the larger screen and battery of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G are appealing, the significantly better performance, superior camera quality, and overall more polished experience of the iPhone 16 Pro win me over. The newer chipset ensures a smoother experience for a longer period, and the camera's advantages in detail, clarity, and low-light performance are highly important for me.
I also value the premium build quality and the ecosystem of Apple products. Although the iPhone is more expensive, the value proposition is better for my needs, as it is a higher performing, more modern phone. The trade-off in battery size is acceptable, as I am not a user who spends many hours outside, or who will be taxing the phone all day, and fast charging is available for both phones if needed.
