S21 vs iPhone 11: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options available. The battle between Android and iOS is a classic, and today we’re diving deep into a comparison of two popular choices: the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the iPhone 11. These phones offer different experiences, but both aim to provide a top-tier mobile experience.
The Samsung Galaxy S21, with its sleek design and powerful features, often appeals to Android enthusiasts. It boasts a vibrant display and a versatile camera system. On the other hand, the iPhone 11 continues to be a strong contender, known for its user-friendly interface and reliable performance.
This comparison will explore various aspects, from performance and camera quality to battery life and overall value. We’ll break down the key differences between the s21 and the iPhone 11, helping you decide which phone best suits your needs and preferences. Get ready to find out which device comes out on top!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s21 | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Liquid Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 828 x 1792 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 | Apple A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 12MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 3110 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- S21: Features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Its smaller size makes it easier to handle. However, the display can be power-hungry.
- iPhone 11: Boasts a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display. While it lacks the high refresh rate of the S21, it provides excellent color accuracy and good brightness. The display’s overall performance is still very good, but not as advanced as the S21.
- Winner: s21
Processor
- S21: Powered by either a Snapdragon 888 (in the US) or Exynos 2100 (in other regions), delivering exceptional performance for gaming and multitasking. Performance varies slightly depending on the processor, but both are powerful.
- iPhone 11: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, which remains a highly capable processor, offering smooth performance and efficient power management. It’s still fast, but it is an older chip.
- Winner: s21
Camera
- S21: Features a versatile triple-camera system with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lens, providing excellent image quality in various conditions, and strong zoom capabilities.
- iPhone 11: Has a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultrawide lenses, delivering great photos in good lighting. Low-light performance is good, but lacks the versatility of the S21’s telephoto lens.
- Winner: s21
Battery Life
- S21: Comes with a 4000mAh battery. Battery life is decent, but can be impacted by the 120Hz display usage.
- iPhone 11: Offers a 3110mAh battery, generally providing all-day battery life for moderate use. Battery life is competitive.
- Winner: iphone 11
Design
- S21: Features a modern design with a sleek, flat back and a stylish camera module that blends into the frame. It’s more contemporary in appearance.
- iPhone 11: Retains the familiar iPhone design with a glass back and aluminum frame, offering a comfortable feel. It has a more dated design.
- Winner: s21
Software
- S21: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, offering extensive customization options and features. Android updates can be slower.
- iPhone 11: Runs on iOS, known for its user-friendliness, smooth performance, and consistent updates. Offers a more streamlined experience.
- Winner: iphone 11
Price
- S21: Generally available at a premium price point, although prices have decreased over time. The initial cost can be a barrier for some.
- iPhone 11: Typically available at a lower price point compared to the S21, offering excellent value.
- Winner: iphone 11
Water Resistance
- S21: Offers IP68 water and dust resistance, providing excellent protection against the elements.
- iPhone 11: Also offers IP68 water and dust resistance, providing robust protection.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | s21 |
| Performance | s21 |
| Camera Versatility | s21 |
| User Experience | iPhone 11 |
| Video Recording | iPhone 11 |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Connectivity | s21 |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both phones boast an IP68 rating, offering excellent protection against water and dust. This means both devices can withstand submersion in water up to a certain depth for a specified duration.
- Wireless Charging: Both the Galaxy S21 and iPhone 11 support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to top up the battery without the need for cables. This feature adds to the overall user experience.
- Fast Charging: Both phones support fast charging technologies, allowing users to quickly replenish their batteries when plugged in. This is a crucial feature for modern smartphones.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both devices support Bluetooth connectivity, enabling users to connect to a variety of accessories, such as headphones, speakers, and other devices. This enhances the versatility of the phones.
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Both phones support dual-band Wi-Fi, which provides faster and more reliable internet connectivity. This is essential for streaming, browsing, and other online activities.
S21 Vs Iphone 11 Buying Guide
Performance
The Samsung S21 boasts a more powerful processor, the Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100 depending on region), offering superior performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The iPhone 11, with its A13 Bionic chip, still delivers impressive speed and efficiency. However, the S21’s newer architecture generally results in faster application loading times and smoother overall responsiveness. This difference is more noticeable when running resource-intensive applications or multitasking heavily. The S21 also excels in graphics performance.
Camera
The S21 features a versatile triple-lens camera system with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lens, providing greater flexibility in capturing various shots. The iPhone 11 has a dual 12MP camera system offering excellent image quality with its primary and ultrawide lenses. While the iPhone excels in natural-looking photos and video recording, the S21 provides more zoom capabilities and higher resolution images. Both phones produce high-quality photos, but the S21 offers more advanced features.
Display
The S21 sports a vibrant AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone 11 features a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, which is bright and sharp, but it lacks the faster refresh rate of the S21. The S21’s display offers richer colors and deeper blacks, enhancing the viewing experience, especially when watching videos or playing games. The higher refresh rate on the S21 contributes to a more fluid user interface.
Battery Life
Battery life can vary depending on usage, but the iPhone 11 generally provides a slightly longer battery life than the S21. The S21’s higher refresh rate and more powerful processor can consume more power. However, both phones can easily last a full day with moderate use. The iPhone 11 is optimized for power efficiency. The S21 supports faster wired and wireless charging, which can make a difference for users who require a quick top-up.
Design and Build Quality
The S21 features a sleek design with a metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on the back, offering a premium feel. The iPhone 11 has an aluminum frame and glass back. Both phones are well-built and resistant to scratches. The S21 offers a more modern aesthetic with its contoured camera module. The iPhone 11 retains the familiar design language of its predecessors. Both phones are water-resistant, providing added durability.
Software and Ecosystem
The S21 runs on Android, offering more customization options and open-source flexibility. The iPhone 11 uses iOS, known for its user-friendliness, security, and seamless integration with other Apple products. The Android ecosystem offers a wider variety of apps, while iOS boasts strong app optimization. Both platforms provide regular software updates and a robust app store experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on user preference for either Android or iOS.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s21 If…
- You want a more advanced display with a higher refresh rate.
- You prioritize having the latest processor and more RAM.
- You want a versatile camera system with more features and higher resolution.
- You want 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
Buy iphone 11 If…
- You prefer the iOS ecosystem and user experience.
- You value a simple and intuitive interface.
- You prioritize a long-lasting and reliable user experience.
- You want a phone with excellent video recording capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera?
The S21 and iPhone 11 both have excellent cameras. The S21 offers more versatility due to its triple-lens system, including a telephoto lens for optical zoom. The iPhone 11 excels in its image processing and produces natural-looking photos and videos. The “better” camera depends on your specific needs and preferences. The S21 also produces higher-resolution images and offers more features.
Which phone has a better display?
The S21 has a superior display with a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Its AMOLED panel offers richer colors and deeper blacks. The iPhone 11’s LCD is bright and sharp, but lacks the higher refresh rate. The S21 is the clear winner for a more immersive and responsive viewing experience, especially for gaming and video consumption.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 11 generally has slightly better battery life due to its efficient software and hardware integration. However, both phones should easily last a full day with moderate usage. The S21 supports faster charging options if you need a quick top-up. Battery life will always vary depending on individual usage patterns and settings.
Which phone is more powerful?
The Samsung S21, with its Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100) processor, has the edge in raw processing power. It handles demanding tasks like gaming and video editing more smoothly than the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic chip. While the iPhone 11 is still very capable, the S21’s newer architecture gives it a slight advantage in overall performance and application loading times, especially in demanding applications.
Which phone offers more storage options?
Both the S21 and iPhone 11 offer multiple storage options at the time of their release. The availability varies depending on the specific model and region. The S21 does not provide expandable storage through microSD card. The iPhone 11 also does not have expandable storage. It is important to consider your storage needs and select the appropriate model.
Which phone is easier to use?
The iPhone 11 is widely known for its user-friendly iOS interface, which is intuitive and easy to navigate. The S21 runs Android, which offers more customization options but may have a slightly steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with the operating system. Both phones are relatively easy to use, but the iPhone 11 might be preferred by those seeking a simpler user experience.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S21 offers a slightly better gaming experience due to its more powerful processor and higher refresh rate display. This translates to smoother gameplay and more responsive controls. The iPhone 11, however, still provides a great gaming experience and offers access to a vast library of games optimized for iOS. The choice also depends on game availability and personal preference.
Final Verdict
The Samsung S21 excels with its superior display, versatile camera system, and more powerful processor. While the iPhone 11 offers a user-friendly experience and reliable performance, the S21 provides a more modern and feature-rich experience. The S21 delivers a noticeable performance boost and a smoother visual experience with its 120Hz display.
Winner: Samsung S21