1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163 × 77.6 × 8.3 mm | iPhone 16 Pro Max is slightly larger and thicker, making it feel more substantial in hand, but less pocketable. S21+ 5G is more compact and likely more comfortable for smaller hands |
| Weight | 200g | 227g | S21+ 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both have a standard build (no foldable or unique features) |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.9" | iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming, S21+ is a bit smaller and easier to handle |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1320x2868 | iPhone 16 Pro Max has a significantly sharper display with higher detail and clarity, especially noticeable for reading fine text |
| PPI | 394 | 460 | iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a noticeably sharper display, resulting in more detail and clarity |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction and contrast; minimal practical difference |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 Pro Max is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, making it easier to see the screen |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A18 Pro (3 nm) | iPhone 16 Pro Max offers significantly faster processing, resulting in snappier app launches and faster overall performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,947,255 | iPhone 16 Pro Max is dramatically more powerful, making it suitable for demanding tasks, intensive gaming, and future-proofing |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (6-core) | iPhone 16 Pro Max has a more powerful GPU, offering better graphics performance for gaming and graphically demanding apps |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 48MP, f/1.78, 1/1.3", 1.22µm | iPhone 16 Pro Max captures much more detailed images, and its larger sensor should perform better in low light situations. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | Not Available | S21+ offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 12MP, f/1.9, Sensor Model: Sony IMX714 | iPhone 16 Pro Max captures better selfie photos and performs better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Available | 12MP, f/2.8, Sensor Model: Sony IMX913, 1.12µm | iPhone 16 Pro Max offers zoom capabilities with its dedicated telephoto lens. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Not Available | 0.8MP | iPhone 16 Pro Max has depth-sensing capabilities, enhancing AR experiences and portrait mode depth. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 48MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 0.70µm | iPhone 16 Pro Max captures significantly higher resolution and more detailed wide angle shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@120fps | S21+ offers 8K recording, ideal for high-resolution content; iPhone 16 Pro Max offers higher frame rates and more dynamic range for smoother and more flexible video. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 | 157 | iPhone 16 Pro Max has a significantly better camera performance overall, especially in photo and video quality |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Not Available | 151 | iPhone 16 Pro Max produces high quality selfies |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Triple camera, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (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, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Samsung offers 8k video recording while iPhone has a more advanced video stabilization and additional modes, with additional lens as well. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4685mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life for typical usage |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Charging speed is similar for both phones |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | 25W Wireless Charging | S21+ offers more wireless charging versatility while the iPhone has a faster wireless charging |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | iOS 18 | Different user experience; Android provides greater customization while iOS is generally considered more intuitive for beginners and seamless integration with Apple ecosystem |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 7 (802.11be) | iPhone 16 Pro Max offers newer, faster WiFi standard |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | iPhone 16 Pro Max has a newer and more efficient Bluetooth version, potentially better range and stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | iPhone 16 Pro Max has more satellite support, which will likely result in better accuracy and reliability, especially in challenging environments |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Both phones support dual SIM use, S21+ offers both nano and eSIM, which may be helpful for travelers with more physical SIMs |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB or 1024 GB | iPhone 16 Pro Max offers significantly more internal storage, great for storing large media files and apps |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both phones have same RAM, good for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phones offers external storage capabilities |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both offer good audio experience, S21+ has higher-resolution audio and iPhone has improved noise cancelation with 3 microphones |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic Security Features | S21+ offers fingerprint security, iPhone is missing the specifics |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung has better known screen protection |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | S21+ has more environmental and biometric sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry around, better for single-handed use.
- Reverse charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices, providing additional convenience.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient security measures.
- 8K video recording: Higher resolution video recording for professional video purposes.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Better audio quality for enthusiasts with high-fidelity audio equipment.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful processor: Offers significantly better app performance, responsiveness and ideal for gamers.
- Sharper and brighter display: Superior screen quality for viewing media, reading text, and outdoor visibility.
- Superior camera performance: Takes significantly better photos and videos overall, especially in low light and with wider lens.
- More advanced connectivity: Supports the latest WiFi and Bluetooth standards for better transfer speeds.
- Larger internal storage options: Great for storing more photos, videos, and apps directly.
- More satellite support: Greater location accuracy and reliability using a variety of satellite systems.
- Better Selfie Camera: More detailed selfies.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Sacrifices raw power and camera quality for a lighter, more versatile charging experience and a more affordable option
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Higher price, may be too large and bulky for some, lacks some charging versatility
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Users wanting a more compact phone: People who find large phones cumbersome.
- Users who prioritize battery versatility: Great for users who need reverse wireless charging for headphones and other devices.
- Users who want a more affordable option
- Users who are fans of Android
- Users who want Hi-Res Audio
Use Cases for S21+ 5G:
- Everyday use: Browsing, social media, communication.
- Travel: Dual SIM and reverse charging is handy for travelers.
- Multimedia consumption: Decent screen and good speakers for watching videos.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Ideal Users:
- Power users: Those who demand the fastest possible performance for gaming, video editing, and other intensive tasks.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want the best mobile camera system.
- Users who value display quality: Great for users who consume lots of media, read on their phones, or have vision requirements.
- Users who are invested in the Apple Ecosystem: Great for users who need seamless compatibility with other Apple devices.
- Users who want long term support with iOS and frequent updates
Use Cases for iPhone 16 Pro Max:
- Professional photography and videography: Highest quality images and video for professional or hobby use.
- Gaming: Smooth and immersive gaming experience.
- Demanding workflows: Multitasking, running intensive apps and data processing.
- Outdoor use: Excellent brightness for use in bright sunlight.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What are my priorities?
- Do you value portability and charging versatility (S21+), or raw performance and superior camera (iPhone 16 Pro Max)?
- What is my budget?
- Is the price difference significant enough to choose a lighter and smaller option?
- What kind of user am I?
- Are you a casual user who mostly browses, or do you require top-tier performance and camera quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious, basic needs: If budget is your main concern and you only need a capable device for everyday tasks, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a more affordable option with good performance and wireless capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Photography, videography focused user: If you value a top-tier camera system and don't mind the size and weight, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max will deliver the best results, especially in low light.
- Scenario 3: Performance is key: If you are a gamer or you regularly use demanding apps, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's significantly better processor and graphics capabilities will provide a much better experience.
- Scenario 4: Portability and versatility: If you need a smaller and more convenient phone for everyday use and additional charging options, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G would be more ideal.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a capable phone, the advancements in the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max are simply too significant to ignore. The iPhone's significantly superior processor, camera system, and display would greatly enhance my day-to-day experience as someone who values photography and performance. The significantly brighter screen would be more comfortable to use outdoors.
The higher price is a trade-off, but for me, the enhanced user experience in core areas is worth the extra cost, also for the extra storage space, and better performance.
