Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Apple iPhone SE (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm | S21+ is significantly larger, which may be less comfortable for one-handed use. SE (2022) is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 200g | 144g | S21+ feels heavier, while SE (2022) is more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 4.7" | S21+ provides a much larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. SE (2022) is more compact, ideal for single-hand use and portability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 750x1334 | S21+ offers a much sharper and clearer display, noticeable in text and images. SE (2022) has lower clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 326 | S21+ has a higher pixel density resulting in a sharper and more detailed image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ provides richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and more efficient battery usage with dark themes. SE (2022) has a standard LCD which is less vibrant and has lower contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and overall user interface experience. SE (2022) is less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter outdoors, making it much easier to view in direct sunlight. SE (2022) display brightness is not specified and is expected to be much lower. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Different architectures; A15 Bionic generally performs better in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,225,939 | A15 Bionic provides significantly faster performance for gaming, app loading, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (4-core) | Different GPUs. Apple's generally perform better, especially for intensive graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 12.2MP | Comparable main camera resolutions. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP (with Portrait mode) | None | S21+ offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait mode, SE (2022) relies solely on digital zoom. |
| Ultra-wide Camera | 12.2MP | None | S21+ has a dedicated ultrawide camera for capturing a wide field of view, SE (2022) lacks this feature. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 7MP | S21+ has a higher resolution front camera, good for detailed selfies and video calls. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ supports higher resolution video recording (8K), whereas SE (2022) maxes out at 4K. |
| DxOMark Main Score | 111 | 100 | S21+ provides a higher main camera score. |
| DxOMark Photo Score | 118 | 126 | SE (2022) has a better photo score despite lacking multiple lenses. |
| DxOMark Video Score | 89 | 106 | SE (2022) has a better video score. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 2018mAh | S21+ has a much larger battery, likely offering significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 18W Fast | S21+ supports slightly faster charging. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Wireless | None | S21+ offers more charging options and features compared to SE (2022). |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | iOS 15.4 (upgradable to 18) | Different ecosystems and user interfaces. |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB | S21+ has double the RAM, which enhances multitasking and background process performance. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both offer 128 and 256 GB versions. SE (2022) also has a 64 GB option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Larger and Superior Display: Offers a much more immersive viewing experience with a larger AMOLED screen, higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and higher peak brightness making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes dedicated telephoto and ultra-wide cameras, offering more flexibility and features compared to the single camera on the SE (2022). 8K video recording is also a significant plus for professional-level video.
- Larger Battery & More Charging Options: Provides a much larger battery capacity and support for wireless and reverse wireless charging, which enhances convenience and battery life.
- Higher RAM: Double the RAM (8GB), making it better at multitasking and handling demanding apps.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Advantages:
- Smaller, Lighter, and More Pocketable: Easier to carry and use with one hand.
- Higher Benchmark Performance: Boasts a significantly more powerful processor in synthetic benchmarks, ensuring smoother operation and better performance in demanding tasks.
- Strong Video Performance: Despite lacking the advanced lens system and higher video resolution, it scores better in video quality on DxOMark.
- Later Software Support: Offers newer iOS version with future OS updates for longer.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Larger size may be cumbersome for some. DxOMark shows lower photo and video scores compared to iPhone SE 2022
- SE (2022): Small display, basic single-lens camera system, significantly shorter battery life, and lacks many premium display features like high refresh rate and high brightness
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is Ideal For:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, movies, and other content on their phones.
- Gamers: Those who want smooth gameplay with a large and responsive display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want versatile camera options, including telephoto and wide-angle lenses.
- Power Users: Individuals who need strong multitasking capabilities and longer battery life.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) is Ideal For:
- Users Preferring a Compact Phone: Those who want a highly portable and lightweight phone that's easy to use with one hand.
- Users on a Budget: Those who want the performance of an Apple A-series chip at a more affordable price point.
- Users Who Prefer iOS: People who are comfortable with Apple's ecosystem and prefer its simplicity and software support.
- Casual Photographers: Users who do not need versatility in the camera, just reliable photo and video capture.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Size and Quality: Do you prioritize a large, high-quality display for media consumption, or is portability more important?
- Camera Versatility vs. Performance: Do you need multiple camera lenses and advanced features, or is excellent single-lens performance sufficient?
- Battery Life and Ecosystem Preference: Do you need all-day battery life and wireless charging or you are willing to trade that for the small size of the iPhone SE and the iOS ecosystem?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy media consumption and gaming: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for the larger, more vibrant display, and better performance, though be mindful of its size and heavier weight.
- Scenario 2: Portability and single-hand use: Choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022) for its compact size and ease of use, despite its smaller display, basic camera system, and lower battery life.
- Scenario 3: A balance between performance and price: The iPhone SE is a more budget-friendly option with strong performance, while the S21+ comes at a higher cost. The choice depends on whether display quality and camera versatility are worth the extra expense.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
While I appreciate the compact size and strong processor of the iPhone SE (2022), my daily usage patterns heavily favor a larger, high-quality display for media consumption, reading, and general productivity. The significantly better display technology of the S21+ with its high refresh rate, high peak brightness, and AMOLED panel is a major draw for me. Additionally, the versatility of the camera system with dedicated telephoto and ultra-wide lenses, combined with the larger battery, would greatly enhance my overall user experience. The iPhone SE is good, but for my use cases, I would rather get the bigger screen and more versatile camera system of the S21+, I am also not as attached to the Apple ecosystem, so that is not a determining factor for me.
