Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Google Pixel 6
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 158.6 × 74.8 × 8.9 mm | Pixel 6 is larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands, S21 is more compact and pocketable |
| Weight | 169g | 207g | S21 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for long periods of use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.4" | Pixel 6 offers slightly more screen real estate for viewing content |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp and detailed images |
| PPI | 421 | 411 | Both have nearly identical pixel density, resulting in sharp text and images |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 offers smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced games |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is better for outdoor use, especially in direct sunlight. Pixel 6 brightness data is missing and cannot be compared |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Google Tensor (5 nm) | Both offer fast and fluid performance for most daily tasks and demanding apps |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 721,000 | Similar benchmark scores, both offer nearly identical performance levels. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G78 MP20 | Both offer strong graphics performance for gaming, Pixel 6 has a slightly more powerful GPU |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.80 µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31", Samsung GN1, 1.20 µm pixels | Pixel 6 captures more detailed images due to a larger sensor and higher resolution. The S21 is a good performer in low light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung Bright S5KGW2 | Not Available | S21 has an optical telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities, allowing for more clear zoomed-in photos |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374, 1.22 µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355, 1.12 µm pixels | Pixel 6 has a wider aperture and slightly larger sensor for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", Sony IMX386 Exmor RS, 1.12 µm pixels | Pixel 6 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for more expansive shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.40 µm pixels | Not Available | S21 has a dedicated macro lens, good for capturing detail up close |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 offers higher resolution video recording for professional-grade content, both have great video stability features |
| DxOMark Mobile | 111 (overall), 118 (photo), 90 (video) | 126 (overall), 136 (photo), 133 (video) | Pixel 6 achieves a higher score, particularly in video and photo quality. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 132 (overall), 125 (photo), 145 (video) | 129 (overall), 130 (photo), 127 (video) | Samsung S21 scores slightly better overall with a higher video performance for selfies, Pixel 6 scores slightly higher for photo performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4600mAh | Pixel 6 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 23W fast charging | S21 has slightly faster wired charging speeds. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 21W | Pixel 6 has faster wireless charging. |
| Other Features | Reverse charging, Reverse wireless charging, No charger in-box | No charger in box | S21 offers reverse charging capabilities, which Pixel 6 lacks. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Pixel 6 offers a more modern Android experience out of the box. S21 has a longer software support window |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Pixel 6 has a newer version of Bluetooth, offering better performance and potentially better power efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 6 supports more satellite systems, resulting in better location accuracy in some situations |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Pixel 6 allows the use of an eSIM, making it more convenient for travel or switching between carriers |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both have identical storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both devices provide ample RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | S21 offers enhanced audio features with Dolby Atmos and a noise cancellation microphone |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have a basic fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Both phones offer a great selection of sensors. S21 has a Compass. Pixel 6 has Magnetometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more pocketable, beneficial for users with smaller hands or those who prefer a lighter phone.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz screen provides smoother animations and a more fluid user experience.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits of brightness allows better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Telephoto Lens: Optical zoom capability provides detailed zoomed-in photos.
- 8K Video Recording: Higher resolution video capture for professional video needs.
- Dolby Atmos and Noise Cancellation Microphone: Enhanced audio for immersive sound and clear calls.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices wirelessly with reverse charging.
- Slightly Faster Wired Charging: 25W charging is faster than the Pixel 6's 23W.
- Longer Software Support Window: Android 15 supported on the Galaxy S21.
Google Pixel 6 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 4600mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life for extended usage.
- Larger Camera Sensor: Larger main camera sensor captures more detail and performs better in low light.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Lens: Allows for versatile wide-angle shots not possible on the S21 without extra hardware
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 for better power efficiency and performance.
- eSIM Support: Offers an eSIM in addition to a physical SIM for flexible carrier options.
- Better Photo & Video Scores: DxOMark scores indicate superior photo and video quality on the main rear camera.
- Faster Wireless Charging: 21W wireless charging
- More Modern Android Experience Out of the Box: Ships with a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and Google's software experience.
- More Accurate GPS: Support for more satellite systems (QZSS, GLONASS (L1)).
Trade-offs:
- S21 trades a larger battery for a lighter body and more compact form factor.
- Pixel 6 prioritizes main camera quality and battery life over optical zoom.
- S21 uses physical dual SIMs; the Pixel 6 uses a physical SIM and eSIM.
- Pixel 6 lacks a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize a compact and lightweight phone: Prefer a phone that is easy to handle and carry.
- Multimedia Consumers: Enjoy watching videos and playing games and want a smooth display experience.
- Users who take a lot of videos for professional needs: Would like 8k video and the optical zoom capabilities of the telephoto lens.
- Users who want better audio clarity: Enjoy the sound quality of Dolby Atmos
- Power Users needing Reverse Charging: Need the ability to charge other devices and benefit from the S21 reverse charging feature.
Google Pixel 6 Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Prioritize camera quality, particularly in low-light conditions, and like having the versatility of wide-angle and ultrawide shots.
- Users who need a long-lasting battery: Want a phone that can easily last a full day on a single charge.
- Users who want the latest software: Prefer to have a cutting-edge software experience and want a modern version of Android with fast updates.
- Frequent Travelers: Prefer the convenience of an eSIM for switching carriers and managing international plans.
Specific Use Cases:
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Mobile gaming (120Hz refresh rate)
- Outdoor photography and videography (high brightness display)
- Content creation (8K Video)
- Using reverse charging to charge wireless headphones
Google Pixel 6:
- Everyday photography (excellent main camera and wide-angle lens)
- Travel photography (eSIM support, improved GPS accuracy)
- Long days without charging (larger battery)
- Enjoying the latest Android features and software updates
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is an older phone, so it might be available at a lower price than the Pixel 6, making it a good value for users on a tighter budget. The Pixel 6 provides a more modern experience, but it may still carry a higher price tag.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality? If your main priority is photo and video quality, particularly low-light performance, the Pixel 6 is a better choice. If you need an optical zoom, the S21 would be a good fit.
- Do you prefer a more compact phone or longer battery life? The S21 is lighter and more compact, while the Pixel 6 offers longer battery life.
- How important is the software experience and future updates? The Pixel 6 provides a more modern Android experience with a faster update cycle, but Samsung's software support may be longer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual Use with Occasional Photos - Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a great fit due to the lower cost, a smoother display, and good camera quality.
- Scenario 2: Heavy Photography User - Google Pixel 6 is better due to its exceptional camera performance, wide-angle, and larger sensor.
- Scenario 3: Frequent Traveler - Google Pixel 6 edges out the S21, especially for its eSIM feature, and GPS location features.
- Scenario 4: Mobile Gamer - Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is preferred for its higher refresh rate screen and better audio features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel 6. My main priority is camera quality, particularly for everyday photography and the occasional travel photos, which is a strong suit of the Pixel 6. Additionally, the larger battery of the Pixel 6 is more suitable for my daily needs, as it is more reliable. While the S21 has a better refresh rate, the Pixel's slightly better GPU performance will make up for this in most use cases.
