It seems to be a fundamental question among smartphone users: iOS or Android? iPhone or Samsung Galaxy? In this article you will learn the fundamental differences between the two big players in the smart cell phone market.
One thing first: Both smartphone manufacturers are rightly asserting their position on the market. Both companies release new products every year with the aim of astonishing users and setting themselves apart from the competition.
This means that you can't really go wrong with any smartphone from these producers. Samsung Galaxy and iPhones represent the height of current technology. What is much more important is the question of which cell phone suits you and your needs better.
So that you can make an informed decision, we present you the differences based on the flagship products of both manufacturers: the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the iPhone 13.
Design: The external impression
When it comes to design, Apple is often referred to as a pioneer thanks to its simplicity and functionality. The iPhone 13 also looks extremely elegant with a glass back. The iPhone 13 Pro also impresses with a stainless steel frame. This combination not only feels comfortable to hold, it also visually exudes robustness and durability.
The standard version of the Samsung Galaxy S21, on the other hand, has a plastic back, which is somewhat unusual for an expensive flagship product. Only the upgrades called S21 5G and S21 Ultra come with a glass back.
Since the iPhone X, Apple has been working with a so-called notch at the top edge of the display. The front camera and speaker are placed in this black notch. This optical element meets with a very mixed response.
In the Samsung Galaxy universe, however, the front camera is hidden in a small punch hole. A very subtle solution.
The display: resolution and display
The two competitors don't differ much when it comes to resolution, image playback speed and display size.
|
|
Samsung Galaxy S 21 |
Ipone 13 |
|
Display size |
6.2 inches |
6.1 inches |
|
Resolution |
2.400x1.080 pxl |
2.532 x 1170 pxl |
|
Image playback speed |
120 Hertz |
120 Hertz |
When it comes to the question of which is better, iPhone or Samsung, the category of the ad doesn't get you anywhere. If you like slightly more compact smartphones with slightly higher resolution, the Apple model is slightly ahead.
The eye of the smartphone: The cameras
When buying a new smartphone, the camera is becoming increasingly important. And that's no wonder. The small cameras produce incredible results.
In fact, Apple and Samsung have completely different strategies here. The Galaxy devices impress with an exceptional resolution. 108 megapixels and 4 lenses speak for themselves. This means they clearly outperform the iPhone 13. A 100x space zoom and 30x hybrid zoom deliver exceptional images even on distant objects.
100x zoom on the Samsung Galaxy S21
As an additional gimmick, the Samsung Galaxy S21 has smart photo functions. With the One Take function, the same image is taken at the same time with different lenses. So in the end you just have to choose the best photo.
When it comes to the camera, Apple is also relying on perfect interaction between the lenses and the software with the 13 model of the iPhone. The iPhone 13 has a dual camera. The iPhone 13 Pro comes with a triple camera.
With Dolby Vision HDR, the camera from Apple impresses with realistic colors and brightness differences.
The operating system: iOS vs Android
Nowhere are opinions more divided than when it comes to the question of the operating system. When someone asks, “Which is better?” iPhone or Samsung?” Then what is often meant is: Is iOS or Android better?
The operating system largely determines the user experience. If you want to switch from one operating system to another, you have to learn a completely new control system. This is one reason so many people remain loyal to one operating system. Because if you're used to iOS, for example, Android controls seem very unintuitive. The same applies to the other path.
Neither the Samsung Galaxy S21 nor the iPhone 13 have a home button. Android relies on 3 “on screen buttons” for this. These fields stand for “Home”, “Back” and “App Overview”. iOS keeps it even more minimalistic. Just like the previous models, the iPhone 13 is operated using gesture control.
In addition to the familiarity and preferences of the operation, there are also objective points that should be taken into account when selecting the operating system.
iPhone:
Apple has created a relatively closed universe with iOS. This means that many third-party apps are not available through the AppStore. The reason for this is the high quality criteria that Apple sets for app providers. This limits the Apple user’s customization options.
In return, the criteria increase the average quality of applications. The closed system also ensures a certain level of basic security. Because the likelihood of the user downloading malware with an app decreases.
Another reason for iOS: Apple continues to provide software updates to old cell phone models for a very long time. This means that the high purchase costs of an iPhone can be compensated for over longer use.
Samsung Galaxy:
With a Samsung Galaxy, the relationship between security and openness is exactly the opposite. In addition to the preinstalled “Play Store” from Google, you can download applications from “Samsung’s Galaxy Store” and the “Huawei App Gallery”. This allows a cell phone to be maximally individualized. You will not be restricted in this regard.
However, the user buys this openness with a certain security risk and sometimes lower quality of the apps.
Compatibility (USB-C vs Lightning)
The unity of Apple products does not just refer to the software. iPhone users also depend on the manufacturer when it comes to hardware.
Because with the Lightning cable you can only do one thing: charge Apple devices. Nothing else. This means that if you forget your own cable while you're out and about, you'll need someone else to have a Lightning cable on hand.
With the USB-C cable that the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses, the chances of a cable rental are much greater. Because this type of cable is more versatile and more widely used than the Lightning cable.
Even when traveling and in other countries, you will find a replacement cable for the Samsung Galaxy much more quickly than for an iPhone. For this reason, Samsung no longer supplies new charging cables with their smartphones. Most people already have a suitable cable at home
Which is better iPhone or Samsung: unlocking the phone
The user experience of a cell phone is also expressed in the way you unlock your smartphone.
Of course, both companies' products can be unlocked using a code. But who wants to enter a 4-6 digit code every time to read a message? Smart technology can help.
What stands out: Neither the Samsung Galaxy S21 nor the iPhone 13 have an analog field for unlocking with a fingerprint.
With the Samsung model, your finger is scanned directly on the screen and opened in this way. This saves valuable space that is used for the display. Unfortunately, problems can arise if your finger is dirty or wet. These moments can be very annoying when you just want to quickly check something.
Apple offers a different solution here with Face ID. With the exception of the iPhone SE 2020, all iPhones since the X model work with facial recognition technology. Facial recognition starts as soon as you lift your smartphone, so your phone is usually unlocked before you can enter anything.
Unfortunately, this method doesn't work if you're wearing a face mask. Nevertheless, Face ID seems to be ahead when it comes to unlocking convenience.
No matter which cell phone you choose: The flagship models from Apple and Samsung are both performance monsters. “Which is better iPhone or Samsung” is not really appropriate when it comes to performance as both compete at a very high level.
With the A15 chipset, the iPhone 13 houses the most powerful processor an iPhone has ever seen. The Samsung Galaxy impresses with its in-house Exynos 2100, which even beats the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888.
When it comes to RAM, the Koreans are definitely ahead of their American competitors. The Samsung Galaxy S21 has 8GB of RAM memory. The Ultra version even offers the option of choosing between 12 and 16 GB of RAM.
Apple does not make an official statement regarding the RAM. Various sources report 4-6 GB of RAM. This means that it is definitely behind the Galaxy, even with the strong A15 chipset.
For a long time, the battery was the Achilles tendon of iPhones. And this despite optimal coordination between the battery and the iOS operating system. Charging your cell phone slowly every day is a well-known ritual for every iPhone owner.
Apple has recognized this problem and installed the largest battery to date in the iPhone 13. Apple is shrouding itself in a cloak of silence here too, but measurements by professionals showed a battery size of approx. 3200mAh
How long does a smartphone run on it? There is no general answer to this. In the basic version of the iPhone 13, Apple specifies the following runtimes:
With a quick charger, the iPhone 13 shows 50% battery after half an hour.
The iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max last even longer (with a charging capacity of approx. 4200mAh). Even if battery life should be viewed with caution, with normal use you can assume that you will only have to connect your smartphone to the cable at most once a day.
The battery of the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a capacity of 4000 mAh. The S21 Ultra and Ultra 5G versions even have a charging capacity of 5000 mAh. Despite Apple's big leap, they still can't get past Samsung Galaxy when it comes to battery life.
The current Samsung Galaxy devices can be used for a day and a half without charging.
Samsung could only go one step further in the area of fast charging.
Please note that Samsung no longer supplies charging cables with their cell phones for environmental reasons (see compatibility).
The most striking innovation that could change our behavior with smartphones comes from Samsung. Because with the foldable Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, real eye-catchers were presented.
In terms of price, the so-called foldables are not yet competitive. But if the Koreans find a way to lower the selling price, this innovation will likely dominate the market for the next few years.
Apple was previously said to only pay for the name. But if you look at the price tags, you'll notice that the flagship models from Samsung and Apple have become very similar.
In fact, the current smartphones iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S21 5G both cost exactly 899.00 euros when new.
Note that Android models are cheaper to purchase just a few months after release. Apple products, on the other hand, are much more stable in price development.
In addition to the pricing policy, both companies also differ in their product strategy.
While every new iPhone is seen as an upgrade to the previous version, Samsung releases devices tailored to specific target groups. This means that in addition to their high-end products, they also develop and release cheaper smartphones. This gives you the opportunity to purchase a cell phone tailored to your needs without sacrificing the latest technology.
At Janado you get top node technology, whether from Apple or Samsung, for a cheaper price. This product has been polished by us and comes with a 12-month guarantee.
Which is better? iPhone or Samsung? - A conclusion
Are you an Apple guy or are you into maximized technology and hard numbers? Ultimately, your purchasing decision depends on your personal preferences and needs.
If you are a price-conscious person who is not impressed by brand names, then Samsung is the right place for you. The Galaxy universe with its Android operating system rewards you with a maximum degree of customization, impressive key figures for cameras, batteries and performance.
If you want something a little more elegant, secure and prestigious, Apple is the right choice for you. The optimized interaction of hardware and software, the long update supply even for older iPhone models, the high quality criteria of the apps and the associated security speak for the iPhone.
You should also ask yourself whether you find the operation more pleasant with an iOS or Android operating system. Because the best camera and high key figures are less fun if you find the operation strenuous.
No matter which brand you choose, you will get the best price-performance ratio at Janado. A clear conscience included.
