Galaxy S21 Vs. iPhone 12: Which Phone Is A Better Long-Term Purchase?
Samsung released the Galaxy S21-series in January, just three months after Apple’s iPhone 12 lineup arrived. Considering these phones can cost as much as $1,200 (depending on which model is purchased), it is worth taking a moment to question which type of smartphone will best stand the test of time and provide longer-lasting value.
A recent analysis of buyback costs showed that the iPhone retains its value nearly twice as well as an Android phone during the first two years, though that began to level out after owning the device for four years. Samsung’s phones were not exempt from the quick drop in resale value that affects other Android devices. However, understanding the value of a phone has more complexity than simply the amount that can be recovered when it’s time to upgrade. For some, a used phone won’t be resold, but instead retained as a back-up phone, gifted to someone else or even recycled.
When deciding how long a smartphone is useful, considering how long the current level of technology will meet the owner’s needs, both hardware and software, is important. Apple and Samsung are top-tier manufacturers, so every component will be very good quality and will serve most users well for at least one year or two. However, considering long-term needs can shine a light on details that may be lacking and inspire an earlier upgrade to a new phone. For example, a processor that is sufficient for current apps may feel strained if something new comes out and demands greater performance. Smartphones are already capable of good quality gaming and fairly proficient with augmented reality, but the limits will continue to be pushed by developers. Having a fast CPU, GPU and neural processor are therefore important. Both the iPhone 12 with its A14 chip and the Galaxy S21 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 have users covered with blazing fast speeds that should stand up well over time.
When it comes to cameras, Samsung has an edge in telephoto, so if a sudden interest in bird photography were to arise in the next year, an iPhone owner would find themselves wishing for more range. Samsung can literally take photos of moon craters with its 110-times Space Zoom, though they are a bit noisy. The very best Apple camera has a 2.5-times zoom. Each offers varying levels of storage topping out at 512-gigabytes, so planning ahead for what is needed will help increase the lifespan of a phone.
The operating system (OS) is a critical part of any computer technology and smartphones are mobile computers. Regular updates to the OS maintain compatibility with new apps and resolve newly discovered errors. More importantly, OS patches may come frequently to protect the security of the device and the privacy of the owner. Samsung has a good policy that provides updates for new phones for three years. This is fairly standard in the smartphone industry. Apple goes beyond, currently offering its newest iOS 14.4 to iPhone models as old as the first generation iPhone 6S, which launched in 2015, so that is over 5 years of support. For those likely to update within three years, the difference may not matter, but the Apple device will remain usable by the original owner (or others) for longer.
Another measure of long-term value is durability. Apple engineered a new type of glass, Ceramic Shield for the iPhone 12 which it claims is the toughest smartphone glass in terms of drop resistance. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 uses Gorilla Glass Victus, the best available for Android devices and it can withstand drops better than the previous generation. In real-world drop tests both prove to be quite durable. When it comes to water resistance, Apple again claims better performance with the iPhone 12 capable of withstanding being submerged to a depth of six meters for half an hour. The Galaxy S21 is rated at 1.5 meters for the same duration. This means either phone should be able to survive use in the rain and accidental drops into the sink or even a shallow pool or stream. The iPhone may actually withstand a drop into the deep end of the pool or near the edge of a lake. As a measure of durability, Apple has a slight edge for anyone spending a good amount of time around water.
Both Samsung and Apple make among the best phones in the world, so opting for a device from either company will likely serve the user well over a long period. However, knowing some of the longevity concerns in advance can help to make the next purchase decision between Samsung and Apple phones a little easier.
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