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iPhone 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 - Complete Review

Battery Capacity: 3110mAh
Dimension: 194g, 8.3mm thickness
Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic
Storage: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB
Camera: Rear: 12 MP (Wide) + 12 MP (Ultra Wide) | Front: 12 MP
OS: iOS 13 (upgradable to iOS 18)
Battery Capacity: 4000mAh
Dimension: 169g, 7.9mm thickness
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 (region-dependent)
Storage: 128GB / 256GB (no microSD expansion)
Camera: Rear: 12 MP (Wide) + 12 MP (Ultra Wide) + 64 MP (Telephoto) | Front: 10 MP
OS: Android 11 (upgradable to Android 14 / One UI 6)


iPhone 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S21: The Value Kings — Which Flagship Gives You More in 2025?

What if you could get flagship power, great cameras, and long-term support — for under $200? That’s the magic of the iPhone 11 and Galaxy S21 — two of the most beloved budget flagships ever made. The iPhone 11 (2019) brought dual cameras, Night Mode, and all-day battery to the masses. The Galaxy S21 (2021) delivered 120Hz smoothness, triple cameras, and 5G in a compact, colorful design. In 2025, **both are still officially supported** — making them rare, responsible choices in a world of disposable phones. So which one gives you more joy, power, and longevity today? Let’s break it down — screen, camera, battery, soul — so you can pick the perfect 2025 value king.

Design & Feel: Bold Colors vs Sleek Minimalism

The iPhone 11 is joyful. Purple! Yellow! Green! It’s made of glass and aluminum, but feels substantial (194g). The Galaxy S21 is sleek. Phantom Violet! Navy! It has a futuristic “Contour Cut” camera design, flat display, and feels lighter (169g) and more modern in hand. If you want fun and nostalgia, go iPhone 11. If you prefer clean, contemporary design, go S21.

Display: Smoothness Wins

This is no contest. The iPhone 11’s 6.1-inch LCD is bright and color-accurate — but it’s still an LCD. Blacks are gray, resolution is low (326 ppi), and it’s capped at 60Hz. The Galaxy S21’s 6.2-inch AMOLED has deep blacks, vibrant colors, **120Hz Adaptive refresh rate**, and higher brightness. Scrolling, gaming, watching videos — everything feels smoother and more premium on the S21. If screen quality matters (and it should), the S21 wins easily.

Performance in 2025: Both Still Supported — But Differently

The iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic is still fast — and it’s getting **iOS 18 in 2025**, with likely support until 2026. The Galaxy S21’s Snapdragon 888 is powerful (and has double the RAM: 8GB vs 4GB), and Samsung promises updates until **early 2026**. Both are safe for banking, shopping, and social apps in 2025. The iPhone 11 feels smoother in daily use thanks to iOS optimization. The S21 handles multitasking and heavy apps better thanks to more RAM. For pure longevity, iPhone 11 wins. For raw power, S21 wins.

Camera: Simplicity vs Creativity

The iPhone 11 has two great cameras: wide + ultra-wide. Night Mode works beautifully, and video is stabilized at 4K@60fps with natural colors. The Galaxy S21 has **three cameras**: ultra-wide, wide, and a 64MP telephoto for 3x hybrid zoom. Plus **Single Take mode** (auto-captures photos/videos in multiple styles) and **Super Steady video**. For everyday photos, both are excellent. But the S21 gives you more creative tools — zoom, ultra-wide landscapes, AI-powered modes. If you love photography, the S21 is more fun.

Battery & Charging: S21 Pulls Ahead

The iPhone 11’s 3110 mAh battery was legendary in 2019 — and it still lasts a full day for light users in 2025. But the Galaxy S21’s 4000 mAh battery lasts longer, charges faster (25W vs 18W), and supports **Wireless PowerShare** (charge your earbuds by placing them on the back). The iPhone 11 only does basic Qi wireless. If you hate midday charging, the S21 is the better choice.

The Hidden Perks: Ecosystem vs Features

The iPhone 11 shines in the Apple ecosystem: AirDrop, iMessage, iCloud Photos, AirPods — everything just works. The Galaxy S21 offers more features: **120Hz display**, **Wireless PowerShare**, **Single Take**, **DeX wireless**, and **Edge Panels** (swipe from side for quick tools). Neither has a headphone jack or microSD. If you’re in Apple’s world, the 11 feels seamless. If you love Android customization and fun tricks, the S21 delights.

How to use them safely in 2025 (simple steps)

For both: Update to the latest OS (iOS 17/18 or Android 14). Use normally — both are still secure. Enable “Adaptive Battery” (S21) or “Low Power Mode” (11) for longer life. Use “Dark Mode” to save battery and reduce eye strain.

What to avoid

Don’t pay more than $150–$180 for either. Don’t expect telephoto zoom on the iPhone 11 (it doesn’t have one). Don’t play heavy games for hours on the S21 — the Snapdragon 888 can overheat.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the **iPhone 11** if: You’re in the Apple ecosystem, love iOS simplicity, want slightly better video quality, and don’t mind 60Hz or no zoom. You want the most reliable, smooth, long-term iPhone under $200.

Choose the **Galaxy S21** if: You want 120Hz smoothness, triple cameras, longer battery, Wireless PowerShare, and more creative features. You love Android flexibility and modern design. You want the most feature-rich, powerful Android under $200.


In 2025, **both are brilliant choices** — but for different people. If you value ecosystem and simplicity, the **iPhone 11** is your perfect match. If you crave smoothness, features, and creative freedom, the **Galaxy S21** is the smarter pick. Neither is perfect — but both are honest, powerful, and still supported. Grab one in Purple or Phantom Violet, update it, and enjoy a flagship experience without the flagship price. In a world of planned obsolescence, these two are rare gems that still give back. And in 2025, that’s more than enough.


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