iPhone 13 vs Samsung S21 – Which Is Better?
With the Samsung S24 now out and Apple’s next series (probably called the iPhone 16) likely to be introduced in September, now is the perfect time for anyone looking to upgrade their mobile to get a great deal on the two tech giant’s previous models. When companies launch new models, the prices of existing phones tend to drop, meaning you can pick up a handset packed with tech and power for much less than this time last year.
If you’re due an upgrade, you might have your eye on either the iPhone 13 or Samsung S21. They may be a couple of years old now, but they’re still an excellent choice for those looking to spend a little less on their new model! But how do the devices shape up when compared with one another? Here, we’ll be looking at the entry-level models in both series for this comparison so you can decide on team Android or team Apple for your next device.
iOS or Android?
Of course, the first thing to ask yourself when comparing the iPhone 13 and Samsung S21 is whether you have a preference for iOS or Android. Some people love Apple’s iOS because they find it easy to use and like the interface. Others prefer Android devices because it’s open-source software that offers more flexibility.
There’s no right or wrong answer. Both iOS and Android have pros and cons, and in the end, it’s completely up to user preference. If you have a favourite, though, and you know you want to stick to what you know, the decision between an iPhone 13 and an S21 could be a relatively easy one. In that case, maybe you’re ready to head over to sell my iPhone or sell my Samsung and find out how much you could get for your old device.
Display
Anyone with an older Apple device than the iPhone 13 will be familiar with the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, as it hasn’t changed much over the last few years. Improvements to the display have been reserved for the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro of this series.
With Samsung, the top specs have also been reserved for the S21 Ultra, but the entry-level S21 still offers a crystal clear 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and an improved 120Hz refresh rate, which isn’t offered on the iPhone 13. If you’re not a fan of the notch at the top of the screen, the S21 is arguably sleeker than the iPhone 13, with only a single black punch out for the front-facing camera.
Cameras
The iPhone 13 comes equipped with dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide angle lenses. The camera can reach 5x digital zoom and is complemented by a 12MP TrueDepth front-facing camera for selfies. If you use your phone for videos, the iPhone 13 can record 4K video at 60fps, backed up by Dolby Vision and Apple’s own Cinematic Mode for shooting professional-looking videos right from your phone.
The Samsung S21, on the other hand, has a triple camera, giving it an extra lens over the iPhone 13. Much like its competitor, the S21 has dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide lenses, with the addition of a third 64MP telephoto lens for 3 x hybrid optic zoom. For video, the S21 is capable of capturing 8K video at 24fps, 4K at 60fps and also boasts a 10MP front-facing camera for selfies.
For everyday use, both models take fantastic photos. There’s very little difference in sharpness and exposure between the two devices. The area in which the S21 stands out against the iPhone 13 is camera zoom, thanks to the additional 64MP telephoto camera that the iPhone doesn’t have.
Battery Life
In terms of battery life, the iPhone 13 can comfortably last throughout the day thanks to the introduction of MagSafe Wireless charging and its 23W fast charging capabilities (50% in 30 minutes). This, combined with Apple’s software optimisation, means that even though the iPhone 13 has a smaller battery capacity on paper (3240mAh compared to the S21’s 4000mAh), it will likely outlast the S21.
The Samsung S21 will generally last a day on a full charge; however, with heavy usage or power-hungry settings like GPS, the battery may struggle to make it to bedtime. Even though it has a larger battery capacity than the iPhone, Samsung’s software optimisation isn’t nearly as good, meaning the battery has to work harder.
Design
Both phones have modern and attractive designs that are sleek and feel great in your hand. The iPhone 13 has a classic look with flat-edged sides, while the Samsung S21 has a slightly more substantial form. But don’t worry, the S21 is still lightweight thanks to its non-conventional plastic casing.
The iPhone 13 comes in five gorgeous colours, including sierra blue, graphite, gold, silver, and alpine green. While the Samsung S21 is available in four elegant colours: phantom white, grey, pink, and violet. So, regardless of the device you choose, you’ll definitely find a colour that suits your style!
Both phones are also designed to be durable. They each have a water-resistant rating of IP68, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5m of water for half an hour. Whether you want to take your phone to the beach for some sea photography or you find yourself in the (usually) unfortunate position of having dropped it in the bath, there’s no need to worry about water damage.
Upgrading Made Easy with Mazuma
It’s never easy to pick a winner when it comes to Apple vs Samsung, and a lot of the time, it boils down to personal preference. That said, if you’ve been considering making the switch from one camp to the other, these series of iPhone and Samsung devices are a great place to start, as both flagship models are high-performing, durable and boast impressive specs.
Or, if you’re firmly in team Apple, or Android, and just fancy an upgrade from an older phone to the iPhone 13 or S21, we can help, too! Don’t just upgrade and leave your old device gathering dust. Sell it with Mazuma Mobile! We offer a fast, efficient, and hassle-free service to trade-in your old device for cash, which you can then put towards your dream upgrade. Our process is easy, so start today and fund your new iPhone 13 or Samsung S21 while promoting sustainability and reducing electronic waste!
We’re with you every step of the way on your smartphone journey, so when the time comes to move on to an even newer model, you can head over to Sell My Samsung S21 or iPhone 13 Trade In and find out how much money you could get for your device by selling it to Mazuma Mobile!