As Apple's latest gizmo, the iPhone 13, hit the shelves, people are naturally inclined to make comparisons and, this time, it is with the Samsung Galaxy S21.
Apple just took the wraps off its newest flagships for the year, comprising of four handsets. Ranging from the Pro Max to the Mini, the iPhone 13 lineup looks like an iterative update.
But how does the iPhone 13 stack up against the Galaxy S21 lineup? Both smartphone series are as feature-packed as they have been. The S21 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro Max are undoubtedly the leading phones in the market as we speak.
Display
The iPhone 13 series remains mostly the same on the surface, apart from a more compact notch. This time around, the iPhone 13 Pro get another leg up with 120Hz displays that provides a smoother experience compared to the 60Hz panels featured on the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini.
Refresh rate
The iPhone 13 features a bright, 6.1-inch OLED display panel with a 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 features a 6.2-inch screen with a variable refresh rate that changes from 48Hz to 120Hz .
The Galaxy S21 had its own significant design upgrade as well. Samsung replaced the unattractive camera protrusion from the Galaxy S20 with a "contour cut" camera that connects directly into the metal body.
Resolution
The Galaxy S21 range has a faster 120Hz display refresh rates. However, the company ditched the resolution of the standard S21 and S21 Plus to Full HD+ while keeping the S21 Ultra at QHD+.
While Samsung has a slight edge in terms of display resolution, it doesn't mean much. Both handsets' displays are so crisp and clear it would be impossible to spot which has a higher pixel density.
Apple's displays are significantly brighter, however, compared to the Galaxy S21 series, making them better for HDR content and use in bright light.
Processor
The iPhone 13's chip, the A15 Bionic, may very well be the fastest processor in the market today, so it will likely outperform the Snapdragon 888-toting Galaxy S21 in performance analytics.
Durability
Both the Galaxy S21 and iPhone 13 series feature an IP68 rating, and can withstand dips in almost 5 feet of water for 30 minutes. Beyond that, there are some key differences as far as durability goes.
Pricing
Pre-orders for the iPhone 13 ($799) series started Sept. 17. Carriers are offering different modes of trade-in deals. Samsung's flagship S21 ($800; S21 Ultra is at $1,200) is currently on sale.
