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What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value a larger screen and longer battery life at a lower price point, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a solid choice, especially considering it also has a high refresh rate screen which is great for smooth scrolling and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer stronger performance, a better camera system, and you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 13, despite its higher price, may be more suitable for you, with its superior still photo and video quality and sleek integration with other Apple services and devices. Keep in mind that the iPhone 13 has a smaller screen size and lacks the high refresh rate found in the S21+, but it excels in performance and camera capabilities. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple iPhone 13
- Very good performance
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21+
- Very good battery life
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
7.7
7.2
The Apple iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S21+ both have good overall camera quality, though the Apple iPhone 13 has somewhat better overall camera quality.
The Apple iPhone 13's cameras are considered very good mainly due to its higher selfie quality and strong software experience for both photos and videos, while the Samsung Galaxy S21+ has good cameras with its strengths lying in video features and camera versatility, though it falls slightly behind in selfie quality and photo software experience.
Photo Quality
7.5
7.0
The Apple iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S21+ both have good photos, though the Apple iPhone 13 takes somewhat better photos.
The Apple iPhone 13 takes very good photos because it scores higher in the selfie quality, suggesting a better front-camera experience for users who prioritize self-portrait shots, along with strong photo software experience and dynamic range which enhances overall image quality. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ captures good photos with a solid dynamic range and low light performance, but it doesn't match the iPhone 13's capabilities in selfies and photo software agility, which can be essential for nuanced photo editing and effects.
Video Quality
8.0
6.6
The Apple iPhone 13 takes very good videos, while the Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes only fair videos.
The Apple iPhone 13 provides a superior video capturing experience, with top-notch video stabilization, dynamic range, and low light performance, which results in very high-quality videos and sound recording. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ also offers good video capabilities with high-quality stabilization and good dynamic range, but falls slightly behind the iPhone 13, especially in terms of microphone quality.
Battery
7.1 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple iPhone 13 has 7.1 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has 8 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Apple iPhone 13 has a screen size of 6.1 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is 6.7 inches.
Cost
$630
$340
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
The Apple iPhone 13 has a price of $630 and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ costs $340.
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How the Apple iPhone 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple iPhone 13 | Samsung Galaxy S21+ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$630 | $340 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Samsung | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | iOS | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 24, 2021 | January 29, 2021 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2400 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | No | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 394 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | A15 | SD888 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 7.7/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 8.1/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 12 megapixels + OIS | 12 megapixels + OIS | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.1 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 3240 mAh | 4800 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 15 W | 15 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | No | Yes (4.5 watts) | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 5.78" x 2.81" | 6.36" x 2.98" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 6.14 oz | 7.05 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Glass | Glass | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | Yes | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6 | 6 | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 258, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Face unlock | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | No | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Blue, Pink, Midnight, Starlight, Green, Red | Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink, Phantom Gold, Phantom Red | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | N/A | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
Apple iPhone 13
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Dig into reviews and images
TechRadar
James Peckham | September 2022
"The iPhone 13 isn’t a game changer for Apple’s series of smartphones, but it’s an important iteration that offers better battery life, a better processor and an upgraded camera setup than iPhones that have gone before it. If you’re looking for a fast and capable smartphone, and don’t need the extra features of the pricier Pro model, this is a top choice."
Samsung Galaxy S21+
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Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Guide
Jordan Palmer | May 2022
"All told, Samsung nailed it with the Galaxy S21 Plus. It has most of the strengths of the smaller S21 in a bigger package. It’s got a lot going for it. If you’re coming from an older device, like the Galaxy S10 series, this is a solid upgrade."
Get a great deal on the Apple iPhone 13 or the Samsung Galaxy S21+
About Apple
The tech giant called Apple is synonymous with the most popular smartphone in the world: the iPhone. Known for their build quality and aesthetics, as well as for their excellent integration between hardware and software, iPhones have defined the smartphone industry ever since their conception and they continue to do so by setting new industry standards. Apple's own operating system, called iOS, is known for its simplicity and ease of use, and the company tends to complement it well by creating devices with some of the most powerful processing hardware available in the mobile world. The iPhone is also known for its robust ecosystem of accessories, as it facilitates a very seamless experience when interacting with other Apple products, more so than most of its competitors.
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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