This video is a comparative review of the 2021 Apple iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S21, evaluating them as used devices. The Galaxy S21 is positioned as a value proposition, priced at approximately $169, substantially lower than the iPhone 13's $327 price point. The S21's key advantages are its 120Hz display, which provides smoother system animations and a better high-frame-rate gaming experience, and its more versatile triple-camera system featuring a telephoto lens. The iPhone 13's strengths lie in its more powerful A15 processor, superior speaker quality, more premium glass and metal construction, and longer-term software support. Key trade-offs are noted: the iPhone is limited by its 60Hz screen, while the S21 uses a plastic back and its Snapdragon 888 processor is prone to running warm. As far as I can tell, the choice depends entirely on whether a user prioritizes display fluidity and camera zoom over raw performance and build quality.
iPhone 13 vs. Galaxy S21: A 2021 Flagship Comparison
00:00:16 Price Discrepancy: The Galaxy S21 ($169) is significantly cheaper than the iPhone 13 ($327) on the used market.
00:00:44 Design & Build: The S21 is described as more comfortable to hold but has a plastic back. The iPhone 13 has a more premium glass and metal build with boxy, sharp edges. Both are IP68 rated.
00:01:51 Display Technology: The S21 features a 120Hz 1080p AMOLED display, offering much smoother animations than the iPhone 13's 60Hz OLED screen. The iPhone's screen, however, has a slightly higher pixel density.
00:03:32 Performance & Longevity: While the iPhone's A15 chip benchmarks higher than the S21's Snapdragon 888, the S21's 120Hz refresh rate makes its perceived speed feel comparable in daily use. The iPhone will receive software updates for a longer period.
00:05:35 Gaming Experience: The S21's 120Hz screen allows for gaming at 90fps in supported titles, an option unavailable on the 60Hz iPhone. The S21's processor, however, is noted to get warmer during gameplay.
00:06:31 Audio Quality: The iPhone 13's speakers are judged to be clearly superior, providing a fuller sound with better bass.
00:07:15 Biometrics: The S21 offers both face unlock and an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. The iPhone 13 is limited to Face ID.
00:07:44 Camera Systems: The S21 has a more versatile triple-camera system with a dedicated 64MP telephoto lens enabling up to 30x zoom. The iPhone 13 has a dual-camera system without a telephoto lens.
00:09:57 Battery Life: Battery performance on both devices is described as merely "decent" and likely insufficient for heavy users without a midday charge.