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Updated January 10, 2024·
If camera quality is important to you, the iPhone 14 Plus has better overall camera performance, perfect for crisp photos and high-quality videos. However, if battery life is your priority, both phones offer similar longevity, so it won't be a major differentiator. When it comes to screen refresh rates, the Galaxy S21+ boasts a higher rate, which means smoother visuals, especially noticeable in fast-paced content like games or videos. Considering operating systems, the iPhone uses iOS while the Galaxy has Android; if you have a preference, this could be a decisive factor. If you're looking for more value for money and enjoy having a high refresh rate display, the Galaxy S21+ is the more budget-friendly choice. 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 14 Plus
- Very good performance
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21+
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has no clear advantages over the Apple iPhone 14 Plus.
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
8.0
7.2
The Apple iPhone 14 Plus has very good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S21+ has good overall camera quality.
The Apple iPhone 14 Plus boasts superior selfie performance compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21+, making it a better choice for self-portrait enthusiasts, thanks to its higher selfie quality evaluation. However, both phones offer good camera versatility and low light performance, with the S21+ providing a very good overall photo software experience, which may appeal to users looking for a balance between features and cost.
Photo Quality
7.9
7.0
The Apple iPhone 14 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S21+ both have good photos, though the Apple iPhone 14 Plus takes somewhat better photos.
The Apple iPhone 14 Plus takes excellent photos due to its top-tier software experience for photography and very good scores in dynamic range and low light performance, along with a very good selfie score. On the other hand, while the Samsung Galaxy S21+ provides a very good photography software experience as well, it falls behind in dynamic range and low-light performance and has a good selfie score which is lower than the iPhone's.
Video Quality
8.8
6.6
The Apple iPhone 14 Plus takes very good videos, while the Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes only fair videos.
The Apple iPhone 14 Plus captures excellent videos due to its superior video stabilization and dynamic range capabilities, leading to clearer and more detailed footage across different lighting conditions; coupled with excellent microphone quality, it enhances overall video and audio recording quality. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ produces good videos with commendable stabilization and good dynamic range but may not perform as well in low light conditions or capture audio with the same clarity as the iPhone 14 Plus.
Battery
9.3 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple iPhone 14 Plus has 9.3 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$829
$340
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Apple iPhone 14 Plus has a price of $829 and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ costs $340.
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Key similarities
Screen Size
The Apple iPhone 14 Plus has a screen size of 6.7 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is 6.7 inches.
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How the Apple iPhone 14 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S21+ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$829 | $340 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Samsung | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | iOS | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 7, 2022 | January 29, 2021 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2778 x 1284 | 2400 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | No | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 394 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | A15 | SD888 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 7.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 8.8/10 | 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 | 9.3 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 4325 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 | 6.33" x 3.07" | 6.36" x 2.98" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 7.16 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 | 5.3 | 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, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 79, 258, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 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, Purple, Yellow, Midnight, Starlight, 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 14 Plus
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Dig into reviews and images
The Verge
Allison Johnson | October 2022
"If it’s time for an upgrade and you’ve been eyeing the big iPhone, but you’d rather get the best battery life possible than the very latest features, then the iPhone 14 Plus is for you. You get a significant boost in battery life, no matter what iPhone you’re upgrading from. That’s a combination of features that a lot of people will find appealing, and the 14 Plus delivers on its promises."
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 14 Plus 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
68
Phones evaluated
7,820
Phones stats compiled
8
Proprietary Phones ratings developed
108,600
Recommendations made
61,540
Consumer hours saved
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.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Seth Peoples
Phones Expert
Seth is a US-based product expert focusing on smartphones and he is a moderator of one of the largest smartphone subreddits. His tailored recommendations have helped him earn over 87k comment karma, putting him in the top 1% of Redditors.
Efthimis Kotanidis
Phones Expert
Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.
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