In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, two of the most prominent contenders are the iPhone 13 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S21. Both devices offer cutting-edge features, stunning designs, and powerful performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of these smartphones.
Specifications: iPhone 13 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21
| iPhone 13 Pro | Samsung S21 | |
| Size | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.30 inches) | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9mm (6 x 2.8 x 0.31 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.1-inches | 6.2-inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels | 2400 x 1080 pixels |
| Storage | 1286GB,256GB,512GB | 128GB,512GB |
| Micro SD card slot | No | No |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Camera | Dual-lens setup: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide | Triple-lens setup: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto |
| Fingerprint Sensor | No- Face ID instead | Yes |
| App Marketplace | Apple App Store | Google Play Store |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, White, and Red | Phantom Grey, Phantom White, Phantom Pink, Phantom Violet |
| Review Score | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Design: iPhone 13 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21
If you were anticipating a fresh new look from Apple with the release of the iPhone 13 Pro, you might be somewhat disappointed. The design of the iPhone 13 Pro closely resembles its predecessor, the iPhone 12, adopting the modern and sleek flat-edged sides introduced in the recent iPad Pro models. However, there is one noticeable change—the notch at the top of the display is slightly slimmer, breaking the otherwise seamless edge-to-edge screen. Additionally, the rear camera lenses now sit diagonally instead of vertically, adding a subtle twist to the overall aesthetic.
Samsung has indeed given the Galaxy S21 a refreshed design. The front of the phone boasts an almost bezel-less display with a small punch-hole camera positioned at the center top, providing a more immersive viewing experience. The rear camera module seamlessly blends into the frame, contributing to its sleek appearance.
Display: iPhone 13 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21
Both the Galaxy S21 and the iPhone 13 offer impressive displays. The Galaxy S21 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 2400 x 1080 pixels resolution. It also boasts an adaptive refresh rate that ranges from 48Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth and fluid visuals. On the other hand, the iPhone 13 Pro sports a 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels. While the iPhone 13 Pro has a higher pixel density, the S21 takes the lead with its support for a 120Hz refresh rate.
Performance, Battery Life, and Charging: iPhone 13 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21
The Galaxy S21 takes the lead in terms of processing power with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which currently stands as one of the most powerful processors available for Android devices. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the S21 offers seamless multitasking and a smooth gaming experience.
The iPhone 13 is equipped with Apple’s latest A15 Bionic chip, which also delivers exceptional performance. Built on a 5nm architecture, the A15 Bionic chip is highly capable and agile. Despite having 4GB of RAM, the iPhone 13 Pro ensures swift and efficient operation, matching the Galaxy S21 in terms of speed and responsiveness.
When it comes to storage, the Galaxy S21 provides options of 128GB or 256GB, while the iPhone 13 Pro expands on those choices by offering 128GB, 256GB, and a substantial 512GB of internal memory. However, it’s worth noting that neither phone supports external microSD cards, so if you exceed the chosen storage capacity, utilizing cloud storage becomes necessary. Keep this in mind when deciding which storage option suits your needs best.
Camera: iPhone 13 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21
The camera setup on the iPhone 13 Pro maintains a similar configuration to its predecessor, the iPhone 12. It consists of a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, with aperture sizes remaining unchanged. However, a noteworthy improvement in the iPhone 13 Pro is the inclusion of sensor-shift optical image stabilization for the wide lens. This particular feature was previously exclusive to the iPhone 12 Pro Max model. With the addition of enhanced image stabilization, the iPhone 13 Pro captures clearer and more usable photos in a wider range of situations, resulting in an improved photography experience.
The camera setup on the Galaxy S21 closely resembles that of its predecessor, the Galaxy S20. Both feature a triple-lens configuration consisting of a 64MP telephoto lens, along with 12MP wide and ultrawide lenses. However, Samsung has made improvements in the image signal processor and processing software of its new chipset, enabling better utilization of the captured sensor data. These enhancements result in improved image quality and overall photography performance on the S21 compared to its predecessor.
The iPhone 13′s camera builds upon the already impressive camera system found in the iPhone 12. It delivers natural and well-balanced shots with the flexibility to choose from various styles to cater to different preferences. The camera performs exceptionally well in a wide range of situations and environments, including low-light conditions. Overall, the iPhone 13 Pro surpasses the S21 in terms of camera performance, making it a favorable choice for photography enthusiasts.
Choosing between the iPhone 13 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S21 is a tough decision, but the iPhone 13 Pro ultimately emerges as the superior phone overall. Although both devices boast comparable performance and the S21 holds a slight advantage in terms of aesthetics, the iPhone 13 Pro takes the lead with its exceptional camera features, extended battery life, and user-friendly software. Furthermore, Apple’s consistent software updates further solidify its position. Nevertheless, if you’re an Android enthusiast, the S21 still offers a satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.