Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S21+
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone 15 delivers impressive performance with the A16 Bionic chip, superior display brightness at 2000 nits, and a lighter 171g build, all at a $200 price advantage. Samsung's Galaxy S21+ counters with a larger 6.7-inch display, 120Hz refresh rate versus 60Hz, more RAM (8GB vs 6GB), and a significantly larger 4800mAh battery with faster 25W charging. Camera capabilities favor Samsung with its telephoto lens and 8K recording, though iPhone's 48MP main sensor shows promise. Battery longevity and overall software polish give Apple an edge for daily users seeking efficiency and value. Samsung appeals to power users wanting larger screens, higher refresh rates, and camera versatility. iPhone 15 offers better value and performance-per-dollar, making it the stronger recommendation for most consumers.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 15 if…
- →Dynamic Island brought to base model
- →48 MP main camera upgrade
- →Switched to USB-C port
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21+ if…
- →Large 4800 mAh battery with great endurance
- →120Hz AMOLED display
- →Gorilla Glass Victus durability
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 15
Pros
- Dynamic Island brought to base model
- 48 MP main camera upgrade
- Switched to USB-C port
- Strong A16 Bionic performance
- Comfortable lightweight design
Cons
- Stuck at 60Hz refresh rate
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto camera
- No always-on display
Samsung Galaxy S21+
Pros
- Large 4800 mAh battery with great endurance
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- Gorilla Glass Victus durability
- Good triple camera system
- Flat display is easier to use with screen protectors
Cons
- FHD+ only, no QHD option
- Plastic back on some regions (Glasstic)
- Slow 25W charging
- No microSD card slot (removed in S21 series)
- No charger in the box
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 15 | Samsung Galaxy S21+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 17 | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 171 g | 200 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3349 mAh | 4800 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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