1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Physical Size | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163.9 × 75.9 × 8.9 mm | The Pixel 6 Pro is noticeably larger, making it less pocketable and harder to use one-handed. The S21 5G is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 169g | 210g | The S21 5G is significantly lighter, resulting in better comfort during prolonged use. The Pixel 6 Pro's extra weight can be fatiguing. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | The Pixel 6 Pro offers a more immersive experience for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking due to its larger display. The S21 5G is easier to handle due to the smaller size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | The Pixel 6 Pro offers a significantly sharper and more detailed visual experience due to its higher resolution. |
| PPI | 421 | 512 | The Pixel 6 Pro has noticeably crisper text and images. The difference is significant for users who value display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. No practical difference in display technology |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. No practical difference in refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 5G is much better in bright sunlight, while the Pixel 6 Pro brightness information is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) | Different chipsets, meaning performance will vary depending on specific tasks. Both are high-end, but the user experience may differ. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 721,000 | Both phones offer nearly identical performance levels for everyday tasks. The difference won't be noticeable for typical usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G78 MP20 | The Pixel 6 Pro's GPU has more cores, potentially leading to better graphics performance, especially in gaming, but this may not translate directly into a better experience. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" | The Pixel 6 Pro's sensor is significantly larger and has higher resolution, resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | The S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto for portrait shots. The Pixel 6 Pro lacks this dedicated sensor |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.93" | The Pixel 6 Pro has a slightly better selfie camera with higher resolution and a larger sensor. It should provide higher quality selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | The Pixel 6 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos. The S21 5G doesn't have a dedicated telephoto sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9" | The Pixel 6 Pro offers more versatility with its wide angle lens. The S21 5G lacks dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | The S21 5G has dedicated wide-angle with macro capability. The Pixel 6 Pro lacks this feature. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The S21 5G can record higher resolution videos (8K vs 4K) , making it more suitable for professional video production. The Pixel 6 Pro does have OIS on all the video modes. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 111 | 134 | Pixel 6 Pro is better in overall image quality and video quality, according to DxoMark scores. |
| DxoMark Selfie Score | 132 | 138 | Pixel 6 Pro is slightly better in overall selfie quality, according to DxoMark scores. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Pixel 6 Pro's larger battery should offer longer battery life, especially for heavy users, although real-world usage varies by user. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | The Pixel 6 Pro will charge slightly faster. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging, No Charger in Box | 23W Wireless Charging | S21 5G has better wireless charging features, but no charger included. Pixel 6 Pro only includes wireless charging |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry, better for users who prefer a smaller phone.
- Brighter Display: Much better visibility in bright sunlight.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher video resolution for more professional video needs.
- Wider Wireless Charging Features: Includes Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Dedicated Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Provides dedicated zoom capability for portrait photos.
- Dedicated Wide Angle + Macro Camera: Provides dedicated wide-angle and macro capability for photos.
- Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone: Better audio features including better spatial audio and noise cancellation during calls
Google Pixel 6 Pro Advantages
- Larger, Higher Resolution Display: More immersive viewing experience, sharper images.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for heavy users.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Superior image quality, especially in low light.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Provides optical zoom capabilities, enhancing photo versatility.
- Dedicated Wide Angle Lens: Adds versatility to the camera system, allowing more expansive landscape photos.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Potentially faster and more energy-efficient.
- More RAM: Better performance in demanding tasks and multitasking
- Higher DxoMark Scores: Better photo and video quality.
- LDAC, AAC: Better audio codec.
Practical Implications and Trade-offs
- Size and Ergonomics: The S21 5G prioritizes portability, while the Pixel 6 Pro focuses on a larger display and higher battery.
- Display Performance: The S21 5G has better outdoor visibility due to brightness but smaller screen, while Pixel has more detail and bigger size, but brightness is missing.
- Camera System: The Pixel 6 Pro excels in primary image quality and zoom capabilities while the S21 5G has more dedicated cameras such as telephoto portrait lens and wide-angle + macro.
- Battery Life: The Pixel 6 Pro has a larger battery for extended use.
- Software Updates: Samsung's software upgrade is much more than Google's.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Users who prefer a compact and lightweight phone: Easy to handle and pocket.
- Users who prioritize outdoor visibility and brightness: Works very well under the sun.
- Users who need professional 8K video recording: Need high quality video footage.
- Users that want to have more dedicated camera sensors: Telephoto + Portrait, Wide Angle + Macro lens for better versatility.
- Users who prioritize audio quality: Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone.
- Users who prefer wireless charging capabilities: Includes reverse wireless charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- Commuters and travelers: Compact and light design ideal for travel.
- Video content creators: 8K video recording is a valuable feature.
- Outdoor photographers: Screen brightness makes shooting in bright sunlight easy.
Ideal Users for Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Users who value a premium camera experience: Superior image quality with a large main camera sensor.
- Users who want a large, high-resolution display: Immersive viewing experience for multimedia and gaming.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Larger battery for all-day usage.
- Users that want optical zoom: Telephoto lens provides better zoom.
- Users who prefer a clean Android experience: Google's software is known for its smoothness.
Specific Use Cases:
- Photography enthusiasts: Best-in-class camera performance and Google's image processing.
- Media consumers: Large screen and high resolution are great for watching videos and browsing.
- Power users: Benefit from larger battery life.
Price-to-Value Ratio
The pricing of these two phones will depend on current sales and regional availability. Generally, Pixel phones tend to be in the premium category.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Can provide better value if a smaller form factor with great display brightness and 8k video is what you are looking for.
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Great value for its excellent camera, large screen, and battery.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Do you prioritize portability and one-handed usability or a large, immersive display? This will determine whether the compact S21 5G or the larger Pixel 6 Pro is more suitable.
- Is camera performance or battery life more important for your typical usage? This will dictate whether the Pixel 6 Pro's superior camera and battery life are worth the trade-offs in size and brightness.
- Do you value 8K video recording and dedicated telephoto + portrait and wide angle + macro lens or better primary and telephoto zoom photo capabilities? This will help decide which camera features are more essential for your needs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: If you need a phone for daily commutes, taking quick photos, and creating occasional 8K videos, with emphasis on portability and bright screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is more suitable.
- Scenario 2: If you are a photography enthusiast who consumes a lot of media and is always on the go, needing a large screen and all day battery with an amazing primary camera, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: If you value top camera performance and don't mind a larger device, the Google Pixel 6 Pro offers better image quality.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would go with the Google Pixel 6 Pro. While I appreciate the compact design of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, the Pixel 6 Pro's camera system, larger battery, and high-resolution display align better with my priorities. I primarily use my phone for photography, video consumption, and extended use, and the Pixel's strengths in these areas are compelling. Although the S21 5G has better brightness and 8k video and more dedicated lenses, the Pixel's overall camera quality and bigger screen makes it a better choice for my use case. The missing brightness data of Pixel 6 Pro is a concern though.
