In the ever-changing market of mobile phones, it is a challenging task to select the right one. In this article, we’ll compare the iPhone 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE in a friendly competition so you can easily understand the features without the technical terms. Both phones have many extraordinary features and attractive looks, but they are different. So, if you are an Apple lover or a supporter of the Android operating system, this comparison will reveal the differences between the two phones. Let’s explore and find out which smartphone is the perfect fit for you as we go through this fun tech adventure.
Comparison Chart of Features of iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
In this detailed comparison article, we shall compare the iPhone 12 with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G to help you identify the ideal phone for your usage. Now that we have given an overview of the product let us look at the specifics, from design to function and beyond.
Feature |
||
Launch Date |
October 23, 2020 |
January 7, 2022 |
Dimensions |
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm |
155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm |
Weight |
164 g |
177 g |
Build |
Glass front and back (Ceramic Shield), aluminum frame |
Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame |
SIM |
Nano-SIM and eSIM or Dual SIM |
Single SIM or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM) |
IP Rating |
IP68 (up to 6m for 30 min) |
IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
Display Type |
Super Retina XDR OLED |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
Display Size |
6.1 inches |
6.4 inches |
Resolution |
1170 x 2532 pixels |
1080 x 2340 pixels |
Protection |
Ceramic Shield glass |
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
OS |
iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18) |
Android 12 (up to 4 major updates) |
Chipset |
Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 |
CPU |
Hexa-core |
Octa-core |
GPU |
Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
Adreno 660 / Mali-G78 MP14 |
Internal Storage Options |
64GB, 128GB, 256GB (4GB RAM) |
128GB (6GB/8GB RAM), 256GB (6GB/8GB RAM) |
Main Camera |
Dual: 12 MP (wide) + 12 MP (ultrawide) |
Triple: 12 MP (wide) + 8 MP (telephoto) + 12 MP (ultrawide) |
Video Recording |
4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps |
4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
Selfie Camera |
12 MP |
32 MP |
Battery Capacity |
2815 mAh |
4500 mAh |
Charging |
20W wired, 15W wireless |
25W wired, 15W wireless |
Audio |
Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack |
Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack |
Bluetooth |
5.0 |
5.0 |
NFC |
Yes |
Yes |
Colors |
Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, Purple |
White, Graphite, Lavender, Olive |
Check Out: Pixel 8 Pro vs S24 Ultra: Which Flagship Smartphone is Right for You?
1) Design
The iPhone 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G are unique in their design, but each has its benefits. The iPhone 12 design is sleek and modern, featuring flat edges that make the phone look fantastic. It offers a Ceramic Shield front, which makes the device much more resistant. It also has an IP68 water—and dust-resistant feature that makes it suitable for use in almost any environment. It also has a glass back, thus giving it that elegant look and classy design.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has an elegant look with a smooth back panel and a seamless contour-cut camera module that gives the whole device the look of a futuristic gadget. While the phone's back is made of plastic and lacks the fancy touch felt on the iPhone’s glass back, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. This screen is very well protected against scratches and shocks, which makes it very good in the ruggedness aspect.
The iPhone 12 has a classical, high-end design focused on durability and construction. However, the Galaxy S21 FE is in sync with the present-day design, with good screen protection even though the plastic back panel may not give a premium feel.
2) Display
The iPhone 12's body has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen supporting a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels. This display is colorful and easy to read, perfect for everyday use. While the panel has a rather unimpressive 60Hz refresh rate, which is standard, it performs well in most situations.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has an almost identical 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution. A distinct feature is the 120Hz refresh rate, which gives a better and smoother performance, especially when playing games and watching videos. There are also thin bezels and, most importantly, no notch on the screen, which is excellent for viewing.
With the iPhone 12, you will get great color and contrast for daily usage. However, with the S21 FE, you will get smoother frame rates due to its higher refresh rate, which is better for gaming and video watching.
Check Out: Galaxy S23 vs S23 FE: Which Smartphone is Right for You?
3) Performance
Performance-wise, both the iPhone 12 and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G can offer a perfect user experience. The iPhone 12 comes with the A14 Bionic chipset, one of the fastest for gaming and multitasking. Apple's software optimization plays a significant role in helping it handle complicated applications easily without delay or sluggishness.
On the same note, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G features the Snapdragon 888 processor and two RAM options: 6GB or 8 GB. This configuration makes work efficient, handling intensive applications and multitasking without glitches. Both devices are competent, but you may opt for one that works with the iOS or Android operating system.
Check Out: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Which Is Best?
4) Cameras
These two devices, the iPhone 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, have great camera features for their users. The iPhone 12 has two 12 MP cameras with wide and ultra-wide lenses. It is known for computational photography, which improves pictures in different illumination settings. This phone also boasts a good video recording feature because it supports Dolby Vision in producing quality videos.
At the same time, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a triple camera system. These models include a 12 MP primary sensor and ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. They also provide one more variety of photography, for example, space zoom for shooting at a distance and night mode for shooting in the dark.
As for the cameras, both the S21 FE and the S21 Ultra provide excellent photo and video quality. However, the S21 FE features an extra telephoto lens that will surely be very helpful for anyone who likes to play around with different photography modes and settings.
Check Out: iPhone 11 vs iPhone 14 Comparison: Which Is the Best Choice for You?
5) Battery Life
The iPhone 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G have different approaches to battery management. The iPhone 12's battery allows users to use it for six hours with an active display. This is suitable for general use, but power users may need to recharge before the day ends. It can also endure daily use, although frequent users should carry a charger.
Likewise, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a larger battery capacity of 4500 mAh than the Apple iPhone 13. This means longer battery life, which is suitable for those who use their phones throughout the day. It also has more time for use than the iPhone 12, which is helpful for those who need to travel and their phones accompany them. Regarding battery life, the S21 FE is the most suitable device.
Check Out: iPhone 13 vs 13 Pro: Which One Should You Buy?
6) Additional Features
Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G have similar features, but this aspect differs significantly. The two phones are both 5G capable and also feature wireless charging. The Galaxy S21 FE has a few additional features, like support for reverse wireless charging, which allows you to charge other devices with your phone.
The company has provided the user with stereo speakers for better sound output in the iPhone 12. It fits well within the Apple ecosystem, and the benefits include frequent software updates and enhanced security features. Although the Galaxy S21 FE runs on One UI, you can have your phone however you prefer. It also has an in-display fingerprint scanner to help unlock the phone quickly. Each phone has its feature or attribute that aligns with the user's inclination.
Discover Roobotech: Your Go-To for Refurbished Tech in Australia
Roobotech has a wide selection of the best-used technology brands, such as Apple, Samsung, Google, and Oppo. Here, you will get phones like iPhones and tablets like Samsung, designed to suit your desires.
Trusted Quality Assurance
All the products we offer are tested for performance and durability to provide you with a quality product as guaranteed.
Budget-Friendly Options
In this case, you can get high-quality products at low costs that, by being refurbished, will also help protect the environment.
A Guide to Shopping Made Easy in Australia
Roobotech is committed to ensuring you have the most comfortable shopping experience, with quick delivery and good customer relations. Welcome to our community, and find out why it is excellent to use remanufactured products.
Conclusion
Therefore, the iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G are both excellent in their design. If you want the best design and perfect synchronization with other Apple products, choose the iPhone 12. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G if you have something versatile, long battery life, and the possibility to customize your Android. Consider your requirements and desires to better understand which one is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which iPhone model can be compared to the S21?
It's the iPhone 13. Both are in the market to produce high-end features every year and have similar qualities.
Samsung S21 Vs iPhone: Which Phone Is Better?
If you want more power, Samsung’s S21 is better than the iPhone. It has a better camera, more RAM choices, and supports longer battery life.
Which Samsung is similar to the iPhone 12?
The Samsung S21 is quite identical to the iPhone 12. In terms of the camera, it’s a tie since the S21 has a more powerful 3x telephoto lens than the iPhone 12.
Is the Samsung S21 FE a flagship phone?
Yes, the S21 FE 5G is a feature-packed smartphone that offers much of what we love from the Galaxy S21 lineup.
Is Samsung's camera better than that of the iPhone?
The former typically has better camera features when comparing Samsung Galaxy phones with iPhones. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has 108MP, while the iPhone 14 Pro has 48MP.