1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-10-13 | Pixel 7 Pro is significantly newer, potentially benefiting from updated software and hardware. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162.9 × 76.6 × 8.9 mm | S21 5G is more compact and easier to handle one-handed, Pixel 7 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 212g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, easier to carry for extended periods; Pixel 7 Pro feels heavier and more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | Pixel 7 Pro offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking; S21 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 7 Pro has a noticeably sharper and more detailed display, enhancing the viewing experience, especially for high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 421 | 512 | Pixel 7 Pro has higher pixel density resulting in clearer text, images, and finer details on the display; S21 is adequate but less sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | Pixel 7 Pro will be easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Different processors. Pixel 7 Pro's Tensor G2 is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, potentially offering smoother real-time processing of computational photography and advanced features. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 831,716 | Pixel 7 Pro has a slightly higher benchmark score, indicating marginally better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different GPUs. Pixel 7 Pro's GPU is generally more modern. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Pixel 7 Pro has a larger battery, likely leading to longer battery life; S21 may require more frequent charging. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 23W Fast, 23W Wireless | S21 has slightly faster wired charging, but lacks wireless. Pixel 7 Pro has both wired and fast wireless charging. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse | 23W Wireless, Reverse | Pixel 7 Pro has faster wireless charging. Both support reverse charging. Samsung offers 15W standard wireless, while Pixel 7 Pro offers 23W. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.85 | Pixel 7 Pro has higher resolution and slightly narrower aperture; Pixel 7 Pro's larger sensor size often translates to better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0 | N/A | S21 has dedicated telephoto/portrait lens, which is important for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 10.8MP, f/2.2 | Pixel 7 Pro has a slightly larger sensor, potentially resulting in slightly better selfies; both have the same aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 48MP, f/3.5 | Pixel 7 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens which enables much greater optical zoom for distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.2 | Pixel 7 Pro offers a wider field of view for landscape or group shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | N/A | S21 has a wide-angle lens with macro capabilities for close-up shots |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 offers higher 8k video, while both offer excellent video stabilization and HDR. Pixel 7 Pro offers up to 240fps for slow-motion video. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 111 | 147 | Pixel 7 Pro has a much better camera performance in comparison to the S21, with a significant difference in video scores. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 132 | 142 | Pixel 7 Pro has a superior selfie camera performance in comparison to the S21, particularly in photo quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 13 (up to 14) | Pixel 7 Pro has a newer OS out of the box and will get updates directly from Google, often faster than Samsung. S21 started with Android 11, but has updates through 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pixel 7 Pro has a newer, more efficient and generally faster bluetooth connection. |
| GPS | More systems | More systems | Both phones provide accurate GPS functionality. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 7 Pro supports eSIM, allowing easy carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Pixel 7 Pro offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 7 Pro has more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and improved gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD card. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The S21 5G is significantly lighter (169g vs 212g) and smaller, making it more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. This benefits those who prioritize portability and comfort.
- 8K Video Recording: The S21 5G offers 8K video recording, which is more suited for professional video content creators. However, the real-world benefit for most is minimal, given the storage space required and lack of common display devices with 8k resolution.
- Telephoto + portrait + Wide Angle Macro Lens: S21 5G has some unique camera features in telephoto + portrait camera and Wide Angle Macro Lens, where Pixel 7 Pro does not offer those specific lenses.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: The 6.7-inch display with higher resolution (1440x3120) and pixel density (512 ppi) on the Pixel 7 Pro provides a superior viewing experience, especially for media consumption and reading.
- Significantly Improved Camera: The Pixel 7 Pro offers significantly better camera quality, with higher DXOMark scores for both the main and selfie cameras. This includes better low-light performance, optical zoom, and a dedicated wide angle lens.
- Significantly Better Battery: The Pixel 7 Pro has a larger battery at 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh on the S21 5G. This translates to longer battery life for the average user.
- More RAM: The Pixel 7 Pro has more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB), which provides smoother multitasking and overall user experience.
- Better Performance: The Pixel 7 Pro scored higher on benchmark tests, suggesting better performance, particularly in AI and machine-learning tasks.
- Faster Wireless Charging: The Pixel 7 Pro supports faster wireless charging at 23W vs 15W on the S21 5G. This offers additional convenience.
- Newer OS: The Pixel 7 Pro launches with Android 13 and will get faster updates from Google. S21 5G, launched with Android 11, will get updates through Android 15, however, not as quick as pixel updates.
- eSIM Support: The Pixel 7 Pro offers eSIM, which is convenient for travelers or users with multiple phone lines.
- Telephoto and Wide Angle Lenses: The Pixel 7 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens and wide angle lens, offering a more versatile camera system.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 5G is more compact but comes at the cost of smaller screen, lower resolution, and a smaller battery and has an older operating system.
- The Pixel 7 Pro is larger and heavier but provides a superior display, camera performance, and battery life, though it lacks a dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use: The S21 5G's compact size and lighter weight make it more convenient for users with smaller hands or who prefer a less bulky phone.
- Budget-Conscious buyers: Considering that the S21 5G is an older model, it may be available at a lower price point, making it a viable option for cost-conscious consumers.
- Users who need some macro photography: The dedicated macro lens on the S21 can offer the ability to get really close to subjects.
Ideal User for Google Pixel 7 Pro:
- Photography Enthusiasts: The Pixel 7 Pro's advanced camera system, superior image processing, and Google's computational photography prowess make it an excellent choice for users who prioritize camera quality.
- Power Users: The Pixel 7 Pro's larger screen, higher resolution, more RAM, and faster processor make it well-suited for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Media Consumers: The Pixel 7 Pro's larger, sharper display provides an immersive experience for watching videos, browsing photos, and reading content.
- Users who value software updates: Google provides frequent and timely OS updates, which is important to users who want the latest features and security patches.
- Travelers: The eSIM support in the Pixel 7 Pro makes it convenient to switch between carriers while traveling.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Everyday browsing and social media use
- Quick photos and videos in well lit areas
- Users who need a phone that will fit in a pocket easily
- Google Pixel 7 Pro:
- High-quality photography and videography
- Demanding gaming and intensive tasks
- Immersive media consumption
- Frequent travelers who need flexible SIM management
- Users who prioritize AI-driven features in Google ecosystem
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? Is it photography, gaming, daily use, content consumption, or a mix?
- Do you value portability or a larger display? Are you comfortable with a larger device, or do you prefer something more compact?
- How important is long battery life and timely OS updates? Do you require a device that can easily last you a full day, and do you value being on the most recent version of Android?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious & Portability): If you need a smaller phone and want to save money, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice if you don't mind the trade-offs on performance, screen, and camera.
- Scenario 2 (Photography & Performance): If you prioritize the best camera, smoother performance, larger display, and longer battery life, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Usage): If you want a balance of good camera, display, and performance without extreme demands, but are willing to give up some portability, the Pixel 7 Pro is still the recommended choice for its more modern features.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Here's why:
- Superior Camera System: The camera is a crucial component for me, and the Pixel 7 Pro has a significantly better system, both in hardware and software. The computational photography offered by the Pixel is unmatched. I value high-quality pictures and videos in various lighting conditions, and the Pixel 7 Pro delivers on that promise.
- Larger, Sharper Display: I prefer a larger screen for media consumption and general use. The Pixel 7 Pro's display is not only larger but also sharper, making the viewing experience much more enjoyable.
- Future Proofing: The Pixel 7 Pro is significantly newer and will likely get updates for a longer period. I like to keep my devices for 2-3 years, and the Pixel 7 Pro's newer hardware and software offer a better long-term value.
- Longer Battery Life: The larger battery of the Pixel 7 Pro gives me peace of mind, knowing that the phone will not run out of battery on me during a full day of use.
- Overall Performance: While I am not a hardcore gamer, I value speed and responsiveness in my device, and the Pixel 7 Pro will offer that based on its specs and benchmark scores.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has its merits in terms of portability, the Pixel 7 Pro offers a more significant advantage in the areas that matter most to me (camera, display, performance, battery). Thus, the trade-off of a slightly larger phone is worth it.
