Apple iPhone SE (2020) vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE (2020) offers excellent value for budget-conscious users, delivering the powerful A13 Bionic chip and solid 12MP camera in a compact 4.7-inch form factor at $399. Its lightweight 148g design and IP67 water resistance make it durable, though the 1821 mAh battery struggles with longevity and the 60Hz IPS LCD display lacks vibrancy. Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE costs $75 more but provides substantially better specifications: a larger 6.4-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with 1300 nits brightness, triple camera system including 8MP telephoto and 12MP ultrawide, and a massive 4500 mAh battery. The S21 FE's 6GB RAM, Snapdragon 888 processor, and 5G connectivity offer more modern features, though the polycarbonate body feels cheaper than iPhone SE's glass and aluminum construction. If you prioritize screen quality, camera versatility, battery life, and 5G capability, the Galaxy S21 FE justifies its higher price. However, if you prefer a compact phone, iOS ecosystem loyalty, and premium materials at the lowest price point, the iPhone SE remains compelling. Samsung wins for most users seeking balanced specs and features.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (2020) if…
- →Incredibly affordable at $399 with flagship A13 chip
- →Compact and lightweight design
- →Touch ID home button
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE if…
- →Flagship Snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price
- →Excellent 32 MP selfie camera
- →Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 177 g
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Pros
- Incredibly affordable at $399 with flagship A13 chip
- Compact and lightweight design
- Touch ID home button
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Long software support from Apple
Cons
- Tiny 1821 mAh battery with poor endurance
- Dated design with thick bezels
- Single rear camera with no ultrawide
- 750p LCD display
- No 5G support
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Pros
- Flagship Snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price
- Excellent 32 MP selfie camera
- Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 177 g
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Wireless charging included
Cons
- Only 6 GB RAM in the base model
- Snapdragon 888 runs warmer than newer chips
- Slow 25W wired charging
- Main camera sensor is just 12 MP despite the price
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (2020) | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 13 | Android 12, One UI 4 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 148 g | 177 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, glass back | Polycarbonate |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 155.7 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 32 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | — | 8 MP 3x optical |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 3 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 1821 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic | Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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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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