iPhone 13 Mini Versus Galaxy S21 FE

Samsung's newly unveiled Galaxy S21 FE looks like an obvious contender for Apple's iPhone 13 mini. But is it? Each priced at $699, the two 128 GB handsets have plenty in common. However, it's where they differ that's of greater importance. Before delving into these differences, though, let's take a closer look at the similarities.

In this sense, they're both colorful, well-equipped, and respond to customer demand. In Apple's case, the phone is a full-featured iPhone with a smaller form factor than the current flagship. Meanwhile, Samsung offers the Galaxy S21 FE, which is bigger than the standard Galaxy S21 that it sits alongside.

As you can see, there's more to it than simply pricing and the two handsets' positioning in the current smartphone market. Yet, there's no disputing that they're similarly colorful. Each is available in black and white. In addition, Samsung offers olive and lavender, and Apple offers pink, blue, and red.

So, which should you buy? A closer look at the differences between the Apple iPhone 13 mini and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE can help customers determine which will fit their needs and lifestyle.

First and foremost, it's important to point out that both the iPhone 13 mini and Galaxy S21 FE are suitably capable smartphones by any standard. Furthermore, while the iPhone 13 mini is based on Apple's current-generation flagship, the Fan Edition Galaxy S21 is Samsung's last hurrah to its outgoing S21 lineup.

This means that the iPhone 13 mini gets Apple's cutting-edge A15 Bionic processor while the Galaxy S21 FE from Samsung relies on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 chip. Strictly in terms of processing power, the iPhone 13 mini has the Galaxy S21 FE beat, hands down. In fact, the only smartphone currently on the market with a faster chip is Apple's iPhone 13 Pro.

Chips aside, where the latest Fan Edition Samsung smartphone really shines is when it comes to its size. While, by definition, one of the iPhone 13 mini's main selling points is its compact dimensions, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE's 6.4-inch display is likely to suit a larger number of buyers overall.

By contrast, the comparable iPhone gets just a 5.4-inch screen – a whole inch smaller than its Fan Edition-branded Samsung competitor. However, the Galaxy S21 FE is a touch heavier as a result.

While Apple's various iPhones have always been great all-around handsets, Samsung has increasingly taken a more focused stance with its models. In this instance, that means focusing on gaming and photography with the Galaxy S21 FE. Accordingly, numerous impressive camera options and various carefully considered additions for gamers should particularly appeal to many younger buyers.

While the iPhone 13 mini performs exceptionally well at what it does, it simply isn't as tailored toward individual buyers as the Galaxy S21 FE. Thankfully, for fans of all manner of activities across the board, both the iPhone 13 mini and Galaxy S21 FE boast IP68-rated waterproofing. With that, they're similarly well-equipped when it comes to facing many of the most common rigors of daily life.

While both the iPhone 13 mini and Galaxy S21 FE are waterproof up to five feet deep for as long as half an hour, neither handset is immune to the worst that life may have to throw at it. Still, all of Apple and Samsung's current-generation smartphones are supplied with limited warranties. Further protection is then available courtesy of AppleCare+ and Samsung's Extended Service Plans.

Unfortunately, warranties from manufacturers are often prohibitively costly. Instead, buyers can purchase comprehensive and flexible protection from Upsie for $9.99 per month. Upsie’s premium extended Apple iPhone warranties or Samsung Galaxy warranties protect from countless eventualities. For example, with an Upsie smartphone warranty, customers gain coverage against everything from manufacturer defects to accidental damage.

Benefits of choosing Upsie include industry-leading levels of protection and a choice of convenient local repair and replacement options as and when customers need them. In addition, eligibility is open to all iPhones and Samsung Galaxy smartphones, both new and used.

Both devices come at similar price points yet offer unique perks. As a result, the choice between Apple's iPhone 13 mini and Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE will come down to allegiance to one brand or the other. Where that's not the case, the iPhone 13 mini represents an outstanding all-around option with all of the benefits that come with purchasing an Apple smartphone. Yet, for those looking for a more focused option and one with a larger display, the Galaxy S21 FE from Samsung is the best option.

In conclusion, buyers will get great results with both the Apple iPhone Mini and the Galaxy S21 FE.