Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications for both phones, focusing on the practical implications for the user.
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162.6 × 76.5 × 8.8 mm | Pixel 8 Pro is noticeably larger and may be less comfortable for smaller hands. S21 5G is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 213g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold. Pixel 8 Pro feels more substantial but can be fatiguing. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both offer very good screen protection, Pixel 8 Pro uses a newer generation of Victus glass. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | Pixel 8 Pro offers a larger display, better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. S21 5G is more compact for single-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1344 x 2992 | Pixel 8 Pro’s higher resolution results in a sharper, clearer image, especially noticeable for detailed content. |
| PPI | 421 | 489 | Pixel 8 Pro's higher pixel density offers a sharper visual experience with finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both provide excellent colors, contrast, and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations making for more fluid user interface. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2400 nits | Pixel 8 Pro has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to much higher peak brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Pixel 8 Pro’s newer chip provides faster performance, better efficiency, and advanced AI capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,142,984 | Pixel 8 Pro offers noticeably faster performance in benchmarks, translating to quicker app loading and better multitasking for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Pixel 8 Pro’s GPU is more powerful, offering superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 8 Pro's larger RAM allows for smoother multitasking and handling of more demanding applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.31" sensor | Pixel 8 Pro captures much more detailed images with a larger sensor and wider aperture, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0 | Not present | S21 5G has a dedicated Telephoto + portrait lens allowing more flexibility for portraits and zoomed shots, but the Pixel 8 Pro has a dedicated Telephoto lens. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not present | 48MP, f/2.8, 1/2.55" sensor | Pixel 8 Pro features a dedicated telephoto lens offering optical zoom capabilities missing on the S21 5G. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 48MP, f/1.95 | Pixel 8 Pro takes higher resolution and better low-light wide-angle pictures. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor | Pixel 8 Pro has a larger sensor, for better low-light performance and detail. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 5G offers higher resolution video recording but Pixel 8 Pro has better stabilization and features. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 90) | 153 (Photo: 155, Video: 149) | Pixel 8 Pro has significantly better overall camera performance, especially in video. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 (Photo: 125, Video: 145) | 145 (Photo: 143, Video: 149) | Pixel 8 Pro has better overall selfie camera quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5050mAh | Pixel 8 Pro has a larger battery for potentially longer battery life. Actual endurance varies based on use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Pixel 8 Pro charges faster, getting you back to full power more quickly. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 23W | Pixel 8 Pro offers faster wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | Not present | S21 5G can wirelessly charge other devices with reverse charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for extended use and easier to carry in smaller pockets.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices, which can be useful in a pinch.
- 8K Video Recording: Provides higher video resolution for users who need professional-grade video content.
- Lower weight: Easier to hold for a longer period of time.
- Compass Sensor: Can be important for navigation for some users.
- Lower price: Can be found for a significantly lower price compared to the Pixel 8 Pro.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, brighter, sharper and provides a more immersive experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: Newer processor and more RAM provide faster and smoother performance, superior for multitasking, and gaming.
- Superior Camera Quality: Much higher DxOMark scores, better low-light performance, and versatile camera system with better zoom capabilities.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for all-day usage.
- Faster Charging: Faster wired and wireless charging speed.
- More Storage Options: Up to 1TB of storage compared to max 256GB of S21 5G.
- Software Updates: Guaranteed longer and more consistent software updates directly from Google.
- Newer Bluetooth and Wifi: Better connectivity and data transfer speeds
- Thermometer: Can be useful for taking temperature readings.
Trade-offs:
- Size and Weight: The Pixel 8 Pro is noticeably larger and heavier, which may not be comfortable for everyone.
- Price: The Pixel 8 Pro is significantly more expensive than the S21 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Ideal User
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for good performance and camera capabilities at a more affordable price point.
- Users Preferring Compact Phones: Those who value portability and ease of single-handed use.
- Casual Photographers: Users who take occasional photos and do not require the absolute best camera performance.
- Users with Older Phone: Ideal for users upgrading from an older phone that don't require the highest-end of specs and features.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks (browsing, social media, basic apps)
- Casual photography and videography
- Users who prefer a compact and lightweight device
Google Pixel 8 Pro: Ideal User
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize top-tier image and video quality.
- Power Users: Those who need the fastest performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Users Who Value Screen Quality: Users who want a large, high-resolution, and bright display for media consumption.
- Users Wanting Latest Software: Users who want regular software updates and newest android version
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography
- Mobile gaming and demanding applications
- Media consumption with a top-tier display
- Those wanting the most cutting-edge Android software and features
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? The Pixel 8 Pro is significantly more expensive than the S21 5G.
- Priority: What is most important: top-tier camera performance, a large screen, or portability and affordability?
- Usage: What are your primary use cases? Do you need a phone for everyday use, or are you a power user?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You want the best possible camera and performance, regardless of price and size. Recommendation: Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Scenario 2: You need a reliable phone for everyday tasks with good camera quality at a lower price. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Scenario 3: You want a compact phone that's easy to handle with long battery life. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, though battery is inferior to the Pixel.
- Scenario 4: You want a larger display with the best quality. Recommendation: Google Pixel 8 Pro.
- Scenario 5: You want the newest software and connectivity: Recommendation: Google Pixel 8 Pro.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 8 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a very solid phone at an excellent price, the Pixel 8 Pro offers a dramatically better user experience in almost all the areas that matter most to me.
Here's why:
- Camera Performance: As someone who uses my smartphone as my main camera, the Pixel 8 Pro's superior sensor, image processing, and versatile lens system are major advantages. The significantly higher DxOMark scores, especially for video, justify the additional cost for my use case.
- Display: The larger, brighter, and sharper display of the Pixel 8 Pro makes media consumption and general usage much more enjoyable, which is something I value.
- Performance: The newer processor and greater amount of RAM mean that my phone would be able to keep up with my daily usage for years without slowdowns. This is vital since I tend to multitask heavily with my phone.
- Software Updates: I prioritize the latest software updates and the Pixel provides access to the latest features and security patches directly from Google with guaranteed future upgrades.
- New Features: The thermometer, newest bluetooth and wifi standards are future-proof additions that add to the value of the device.
While I appreciate the S21 5G's more compact size and lighter weight, the advantages of the Pixel 8 Pro in display quality, camera performance, processing power, and software support make it worth the higher cost and larger size for my needs. The Pixel 8 Pro provides a top-tier experience that is worth the investment.
