Google Pixel 6 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 28, 2021 January 7, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 105.58 cm³ 91.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.09 "/g 3.62 "/g
Weight 207 g 177 g
Height 158.6 mm 155.7 mm
Width 74.8 mm 74.5 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Sorta Seafoam
  • Kinda Coral
  • Stormy Black
  • White
  • Graphite
  • Lavender
  • Olive

Display

Screen Size 6.4 " 6.4 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.4 % 86.7 %
Pixel Density 411 PPI 403 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 112.65 mAh/in² 109.86 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.7 mAh/cm³ 49.11 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4614 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Google Tensor (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - Version 1
CPU Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version 1
GPU Mali-G78 MP20 Adreno 660 - Version 1

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 N/A
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1 USB Type-C, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 12 12
Maximum OS Version 14 16

Comparison Summary

The Pixel 6 vs. Galaxy S21 FE 5G: A Tale of Two Experiences

Let's embark on a journey beyond the cold, hard specifications and delve into the heart of what makes the Google Pixel 6 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G tick. We'll uncover how their design philosophies translate into distinct user experiences, empowering you to choose the device that truly resonates with your needs.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

FeaturePixel 6Galaxy S21 FE 5GUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignClean, minimalist Stock AndroidSamsung One UI, feature-rich, customizablePixel offers a pure Android experience, while Samsung provides more customization options.
Interaction FlowSmooth, intuitive, focused on essentialsFeature-packed, potentially overwhelmingPixel prioritizes ease of use; Samsung offers broader functionality but may require a learning curve.
Accessibility FeaturesStrong Google integration, Live CaptionSamsung's extensive accessibility suiteBoth offer robust accessibility, but specific needs may favor one over the other.
Design ErgonomicsDistinctive camera bar, noticeable weightSleek, lightweight, comfortable gripPixel's design is bold but potentially less comfortable; Samsung prioritizes a slim and comfortable profile.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: Imagine you're a photographer capturing a bustling street scene. The Pixel 6, with its superior camera hardware and Google's computational photography magic, effortlessly captures stunning images with vibrant colors and incredible detail, even in challenging light. Its Magic Eraser tool allows you to remove unwanted distractions from your photos with a simple tap, revealing the essence of the moment.

On the other hand, the S21 FE 5G, with its versatile triple-camera system including a telephoto lens, empowers you to zoom in on distant subjects without sacrificing clarity. Its 120Hz refresh rate display provides a buttery smooth experience while reviewing your shots, making every interaction delightful. The Single Take feature captures a variety of photos and videos with a single press of the shutter button, giving you multiple options to choose from.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

User Persona 1: A tech-savvy individual who values a pure Android experience, seamless performance, and cutting-edge camera technology would likely gravitate towards the Pixel 6.

User Persona 2: A user who enjoys customizing their phone, exploring extensive features, and desires a smooth, high refresh rate display would likely prefer the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

The Pixel 6 embraces a bold, minimalist design philosophy focused on essential features and seamless integration with Google's ecosystem. The S21 FE 5G, while still sleek, offers a more conventional design with a broader array of features and customization options. Your choice depends on your prioritization of simplicity versus feature richness.

My Choice: The Google Pixel 6

While both phones are excellent, I would choose the Google Pixel 6. My decision hinges on the seamless integration of hardware and software, the clean and intuitive user interface, and the emphasis on user-centered design. The Pixel's commitment to a pure Android experience, coupled with its exceptional camera capabilities and innovative features like Magic Eraser, resonates deeply with my appreciation for simplicity and functionality. While the S21 FE 5G offers a compelling package, the Pixel 6's focus on core user needs and its distinctive design philosophy ultimately align more closely with my personal preferences.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.