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Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs iPhone 17 Pro

  • 1-year minimum warranty
  • Free delivery on all items
  • Free 30-day returns
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£154.00

Versus £829.91 new

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iPhone 17 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£954.75

Versus £1,099.00 new

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Differences at a glance

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (2022) and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro (2025) are advanced smartphones from different generations designed to cater to distinct user preferences and mobile ecosystems. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a balanced Android experience with a focus on everyday functionality, the iPhone 17 Pro brings a newer generation of hardware, significantly updated processing capabilities, and advanced optics. Operating on Android and iOS respectively, these devices provide contrasting software environments alongside different physical layouts and capabilities.

Available Models

Colour

Storage (GB)

Scores

Durability

When evaluating software longevity and hardware endurance, both devices offer distinct timelines shaped by their respective release years and software update policies.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The iPhone 17 Pro benefits from a more recent release date and Apple's extended update windows, ensuring support for several more years compared to the earlier-generation Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
  • Repairability and Build Endurance: Both models incorporate robust structural engineering and durable outer materials, though finding quality-assured refurbished options provides an eco-friendly alternative that extends device life cycles sustainably.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: The newer internal architecture of the iPhone 17 Pro allows it to maintain software compatibility further into the future, whereas the Galaxy S21 FE 5G suits users seeking a reliable device for medium-term daily utility.

Year of Release

2022

2025

Performance

System responsiveness and day-to-day speed differ notably due to the generational gap between the internal components of each smartphone.

  • Multitasking and App Handling: The iPhone 17 Pro utilizes advanced internal architecture to handle demanding resource-heavy applications and complex multitasking smoothly, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G manages standard daily apps and casual tasks reliably.
  • Storage Configurations: Apple provides larger baseline storage capacities on the iPhone 17 Pro, whereas the Samsung model offers fixed internal storage sizes suited to moderate media libraries and applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 17 Pro incorporates energy-efficient processing that maintains power through extended use cycles, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G requires standard daily recharging during heavier usage periods.

Screen quality

Visual immersion and screen responsiveness vary between the two displays, highlighting different priorities in panel technology and refresh rates.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature vibrant OLED displays with sharp resolutions, ensuring deep contrast levels and crisp text rendering for reading and media viewing.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPhone 17 Pro includes an adaptive high refresh rate panel for fluid scrolling and animations, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a smooth fixed high refresh rate experience.
  • Outdoor Visibility: High peak brightness capabilities on both screens allow content to remain legible under direct sunlight, though newer panel engineering offers enhanced outdoor clarity on the iPhone 17 Pro.

Audiovisual

Optics and media consumption hardware reflect different design choices for capturing memories and enjoying audio-visual content.

  • Camera System Versatility: The iPhone 17 Pro equips a triple-lens arrangement with high-resolution sensors and extensive optical zoom options, whereas the Galaxy S21 FE 5G relies on a dependable triple-camera setup covering standard, ultra-wide, and telephoto focal lengths.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: Advanced image processing on the iPhone 17 Pro supports professional-grade video formats and clear low-light captures, while the Samsung model delivers sharp everyday photos and reliable stabilization.
  • Audio and Media Output: Stereo speaker setups on both devices offer clear sound reproduction for calls and casual video streaming, complemented by sensitive microphone arrays for accurate voice recording.

Miscellaneous

Practical daily features such as connectivity standards, physical dimensions, and security sensors influence overall handling and convenience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both models support rapid 5G cellular networks and modern Wi-Fi standards, utilizing USB-C connectivity for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features an in-display optical fingerprint sensor alongside facial recognition, whereas the iPhone 17 Pro relies exclusively on secure 3D facial mapping.
  • Physical Handling: Ergonomic dimensions and balanced weight distribution make both devices comfortable for one-handed use, though material choices result in distinct tactile finishes.

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.3

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

What the community thinks

User feedback and community discussions highlight distinct preferences for each device based on individual daily workflows and ecosystem habits. Owners of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G frequently praise its balanced feature set, lightweight feel, and reliable performance for standard messaging, browsing, and media tasks. Conversely, users of the iPhone 17 Pro regularly emphasize satisfaction with its processing headroom, sophisticated camera versatility, and extended battery resilience during heavy workflows.

Users prioritizing a straightforward Android interface with dependable core capabilities for everyday communication will find the Galaxy S21 FE 5G well-suited to their needs. Meanwhile, users prioritizing advanced photographic tools, high-tier processing performance, and long-term software support may prefer the iPhone 17 Pro. Exploring quality-assured refurbished options provides an eco-friendly alternative for acquiring either model sustainably without compromising on functional reliability. Ultimately, the choice depends on matching personal software preferences and task demands with the appropriate device architecture.