1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm | Pixel 7 is slightly larger and thicker, may be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 197g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, better for one-handed use and extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.3" | Negligible difference, both are very similar. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness, no visible difference. |
| PPI | 421 | 416 | Practically identical pixel density, both screens appear sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical technology, expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations; Pixel 7 will feel slightly less fluid in comparison. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1400 nits | Pixel 7 is slightly brighter, potentially more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Pixel 7 is expected to offer slightly better performance overall and better optimized AI tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 827,033 | Pixel 7 has marginally higher benchmark score, translates to slightly snappier overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Pixel 7's GPU is expected to perform slightly better in graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Pixel 7 captures more detail, better for cropping and large prints; S21 5G better in low light with larger pixel size. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.31" | Pixel 7's larger sensor gathers more light, better for overall image quality. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.80 µm | 1.20 µm | S21 5G will capture more light per pixel which can result in better low-light images. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | S21 5G offers dedicated optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes | Pixel 7 has an ultrawide for landscape/group shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro lens | Yes | No | S21 5G offers macro capability for close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 10.8MP | Practically similar resolution in selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.2" | 1/2.65" | Pixel 7's larger sensor captures more light in selfies |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | S21 5G capable of recording videos at 8K, but both offer excellent 4K video. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 140 | Pixel 7's camera is significantly better based on DXOMark. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 132 | 138 | Both have very similar selfie camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 4355 mAh | Pixel 7 has slightly larger battery; may offer marginally better battery life in normal usage. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 20W | S21 5G charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 23W | Pixel 7 has faster wireless charging capability. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | Pixel 7 starts with a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pixel 7 has newer, more efficient bluetooth version. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 7 supports eSIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer identical storage configurations. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both have similar performance in multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards for additional storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: More comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods of use.
- Higher refresh rate display: Smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming.
- Faster wired charging: Charges slightly faster with 25W vs 20W.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher resolution video recording for professional use cases.
- Telephoto camera lens: Offers dedicated optical zoom, useful for zoomed shots and portrait.
- Macro Camera: Offers macro lens for detailed close-up shots.
- More Bluetooth Audio Profiles: Supports various Bluetooth audio profiles for more versatility.
Practical Implications for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Better for users who prefer smaller, lighter devices.
- Better for gamers looking for a smoother display.
- Those needing a more diverse camera setup will be more interested in this phone's telephoto and macro cameras.
Google Pixel 7 Advantages:
- Newer Processor: Tensor G2 provides better AI and overall performance.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Improved image quality, especially in low light.
- Higher resolution main camera: Captures more detail in photos.
- Wide Angle Lens: Offers wider perspective in photos.
- Better benchmark scores: Slightly snappier and smoother day to day experience.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life.
- Faster Wireless Charging: Wireless charging is faster and more efficient.
- Newer Bluetooth version: More efficient power consumption with Bluetooth 5.2.
- Better DXOMark score: Significantly better overall camera performance.
- eSIM Support: More flexible for international travel or multiple carriers.
- Newer OS out of the box: Longer software support.
Practical Implications for Google Pixel 7:
- Better for users who want an outstanding camera with great AI features.
- Better for users who want a bit more battery life.
- Better for those who want to experience the latest Android features.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 5G provides a smoother display and a telephoto camera, but the Pixel 7's camera is significantly better.
- The Pixel 7 has a slightly larger size and weight, but has superior camera performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prefer a smaller, lighter phone that is more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Gamers who value the smoother 120Hz display for enhanced gaming visuals.
- Users who want a versatile camera system with both telephoto and macro capabilities.
- Users that prioritize slightly faster wired charging capabilities.
- Users that are looking for a phone at a potentially lower price point.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Casual gaming and entertainment consumption with smoother display.
- Photography with optical zoom and macro capabilities for detailed shots.
- Users needing a more versatile Bluetooth audio connection.
Google Pixel 7 is ideal for:
- Photography enthusiasts seeking the best image quality and advanced software features.
- Users wanting a more powerful phone with the latest AI capabilities.
- Users wanting the most recent OS and longer software support.
- Users needing a longer battery life.
- Users looking to use digital SIMs or eSIMs.
- Those who want to experience a pure Android experience.
Use Cases for Google Pixel 7:
- Serious photography, capturing high-quality images in various conditions.
- Users who enjoy AI-powered features and want the latest and greatest in Android.
- International travelers and those wanting to switch between carriers easily.
- Those who frequently rely on wireless charging capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What do you value most in a smartphone camera?
- If you need optical zoom and macro, the S21 5G is better.
- If you want the best image quality and AI features, the Pixel 7 is the better option.
- Do you prefer a more compact and lightweight design, or a bigger screen with a longer battery?
- The S21 5G is lighter and more compact.
- The Pixel 7 is heavier, but offers a better battery life.
- Do you prioritize software and software updates, or slightly faster charging?
- The Pixel 7 offers a newer OS and will get updates for a longer period.
- The S21 5G offers slightly faster wired charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User (Social media, browsing): Both phones are suitable, but the S21 5G's lighter weight and more compact design could be preferable.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: The Google Pixel 7 is the clear winner due to its superior camera performance.
- Scenario 3: Gamer: The S21 5G with its smoother display may be the better choice.
- Scenario 4: Power User: The Google Pixel 7 offers better performance and a slightly larger battery.
- Scenario 5: Budget Conscious: The S21 5G is likely to have dropped in price, making it a compelling choice for those on a tighter budget.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel 7. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a lighter build and a smoother 120Hz display, the Pixel 7's advantages are more compelling for me.
My decision is driven primarily by camera performance. The Google Pixel 7's camera, with its larger sensor, higher resolution, superior DXOMark score, and AI-powered features, significantly outweighs the S21 5G's camera system. While the S21 5G's telephoto and macro lens offers some versatility, the Pixel 7's overall image quality, dynamic range, and post-processing capabilities would be preferable for me.
The slightly larger battery and newer processor of the Pixel 7 also factor into my decision. Although the S21 5G has a slightly faster wired charging, the enhanced battery life and more efficient wireless charging on the Pixel 7 are more useful to me. Furthermore, I appreciate the Pixel 7’s pure Android experience and extended software support. Although the S21 5G is lighter, the performance and camera benefits of the Pixel 7 outweigh the size difference for me.
Ultimately, my priority lies with camera performance and software. The Google Pixel 7's camera system is a significant leap over the Samsung S21 5G making it the better pick for my use case.
