The recently launched iPhone SE 2022 came to market with a proposal similar to that of the Galaxy S21 FE: to be an “affordable” smartphone, but with features present in high-end models. Both have similarities in the technical sheet, such as access to the 5G network and wireless charging. The screen size and camera system, on the other hand, are features that differ between them; check out all the details in the lines below.
Apple iPhone SE 2022 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
| iPhone SE 2022 | Galaxy S21 FE | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | March 2022 | January 2022 |
| Current price | $429.99 | $529.99 |
| Screen | 4.7 inches | 6.4 inches |
| screen resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels | 2400 x 1080 |
| Processor | A15 Bionic (Apple) | Snapdragon 888 |
| RAM | 3 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage | 64, 128, and 256 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory card | no support | no support |
| Main camera | 12 MP main (f/1.8) | 12MP Ultra Wide (f/2.2), 12MP Main (f/1.8) and 8MP Telephoto (f/2.4) |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 32 MP (f/2.2) |
| Operating system | iOS 15 | android 12 |
| Battery | 1,821 mAh (estimated) | 4,500 mAh |
| Dimension and weight | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm 144 g | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm and 177 g |
| Colors | black, white, and red | green, violet, white and black |
Screen and design
The look of the phones is one of the points of major difference. Some prefer the large screen with greater usage of Samsung, and there is also the public who is more interested in the diminutive size of Apple’s cell phone. The panel is 4.7 inches in the apple model, which follows the same design as the iPhone 8, while in the South Korean manufacturer’s phone the display is 6.4 inches.
The screen technology is also different. The Galaxy S21 FE delivers Full HD+ resolution and modern 2X Dynamic AMOLED technology (the same as in the Galaxy S22), which brings vivid colors and high contrast. On the other hand, the iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a Retina IPS LCD with HD-format resolution.
Samsung comes out ahead also when it comes to refresh rate. The S21 FE’s screen has 120 Hz, as opposed to the 60 Hz present in the apple phone. This means more fluid images on the phone from the South Korean company. The device also has a higher pixel density per inch: 403 PPI, while the iPhone SE has 326 PPI. In practice, the difference is not noticeable to the naked eye.
Both smartphones are scratch and scuff-resistant. However, the iPhone SE 2022 promises greater durability, as Apple equips the device with the same glass present in the iPhone 13. According to the company, it is the toughest on the market. On the other hand, the Galaxy S21 FE delivers Gorilla Glass Victus, which also gives good resistance to the product.
Unlike the iPhone SE 2022 which has a glass back, the Galaxy S21 FE is covered by plastic in that area. It is worth mentioning that both devices have aluminum edges and a glass front.
Cameras
The Galaxy S21 FE is equipped with a triple set of rear cameras, while Apple’s competitor features only one camera. As such, Samsung offers features that are not possible with the iPhone SE 2022, such as the ability to take wide-angle photos.
The camera setup of the iPhone SE 2022 is as follows:
- 12 Megapixels main (f/1.8)
- 7 MP front camera (f/2.2)
The Galaxy S21 FE’s sensors, on the other hand, are divided into:
- 12 MP main (f/1.8)
- 12 MP Ultra Wide (f.2 and 123º)
- 8 MP telephoto lens (f/2.4)
- 32 MP front camera (f/2.2)
As can be seen, Samsung’s model has a more robust setup. However, despite looking simple, the iPhone SE 2022’s cameras also achieve good results. It is worth noting that the rear camera is capable of portrait mode (which blurs the background), even with the absence of a second sensor.
Apple promises great photos, even in low-light situations. Both smartphones deliver good pictures, but only Samsung has an ultra-wide lens – for more open shots – and a telephoto lens – which gets closer without losing quality. It is worth mentioning that the front camera of the S21 FE has a higher resolution, but this is not a determining factor for higher quality selfies.
Both devices can record video in up to 4K at 60 frames per second, but slow-motion recording is different: the Galaxy S21 FE captures a maximum of 960 frames per second, while the iPhone SE 2022 is limited to 240 frames per second.
Performance and Storage
The version of the Galaxy S21 FE sold is equipped with the Snapdragon 888, a 5nm and octa-core processor, while some countries have the Exynos 2100 the same one present in the more expensive brother Galaxy S21. This means that the phone has enough power to perform the most demanding tasks, as well as run heavy games.
The iPhone SE 2022 is not far behind when it comes to performance. Apple has implemented the same chip in the little guy as in the iPhone 13, the A15 Bionic – the company’s most powerful and latest chip to date.
Regarding multitasking, the Galaxy S21 FE datasheet mentions 6 GB of RAM. Although Apple does not specify the amount of memory, the value is estimated to be 3 GB. It is worth mentioning that iOS, present in apple smartphones, demands fewer resources than Android. Therefore, models with Google’s operating system tend to have more generous amounts of RAM.
The iPhone SE 2022 is available in three storage options: 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB. On the other hand, the Galaxy S21 FE offers a single 128 GB version. Neither offers support for memory expansion via a microSD card.
Battery
In the specifications of Samsung’s smartphone, there is a 4,500 mAh capacity battery. Apple does not usually reveal this datasheet detail, but it is estimated that the model has a cell of around 2,000 mAh. It is worth remembering again that despite the discrepancy between the two, iOS consumes fewer hardware resources than Android. In any case, both brands promise at least a day away from the outlet with moderate use of the device.
Both devices support fast or wireless charging, but only Samsung has support for Wireless PowerShare, which passes power from one phone to the other just by touching different devices. The feature is also capable of charging wireless headphones and even smartphones from other brands that support the Qi standard induction charging technology.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 FE runs Android 12, the latest released by Google. The phone still delivers the One UI 4 interface, developed by the South Korean manufacturer with several unique features. The system features fixes and improvements to tools previously implemented by Google, especially on the security and privacy side.
The iPhone SE 2022 was announced with iOS 15, which also has new features in the security part similar to those found in Android 12. One system feature is Live Text, which can extract texts from photos and transcribe them to the smartphone’s notepad, just like Google’s Lens app.
Additional Features
Both phones come with features such as 5G and NFC connectivity. Thus, both can make nearby payments. Another common feature is the presence of a biometric reader. The iPhone SE 2022 is present on the home button, with Touch ID. The Galaxy S21 FE comes with an ultrasonic fingerprint reader on the screen.
On the connectivity side, the two are almost identical with 802.1 Wi-Fi, plus Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP/LE, which uses less power than the old standards.
Whichever model is chosen, the user will be guaranteed water and dust resistance certification, being IP67 on the iPhone SE 2022 and IP68 on the more advanced Galaxy S21 FE.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy S21 FE hit the market in January in the colors green, violet, white and black, and it is already possible to find it for $549.99 on Amazon. The iPhone SE 2022 was announced this March by Apple and is available in white, black, and red. The starting price is $429 for the 64 GB option.
- Buy Galaxy S21 FE
- Buy iPhone SE 2022
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