1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and Google Pixel 9, highlighting practical impacts of the differences:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 152.8 × 72 × 8.5 mm | Pixel 9 is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling a bit bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 169g | 198g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended single-hand use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.3" | Negligible difference in screen size, both offer a similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2424 | Virtually identical sharpness, difference is unnoticeable to the human eye. |
| PPI | 421 | 422 | Identical pixel density; both offer sharp, clear visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display tech; both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations; great for gaming and media consumption. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G's screen is brighter and much more visible in direct sunlight. Google Pixel 9 brightness is not available so it's impossible to determine its quality compared to the S21. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Pixel 9's newer chip should offer better performance, efficiency and enhanced AI capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,071,616 | Pixel 9 is considerably faster; expect smoother app loading, multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Pixel 9 likely provides better graphics processing, leading to enhanced gaming and video editing. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4700mAh | Pixel 9 offers significantly better battery life, for a longer use without needing to recharge. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 27W fast charging | Pixel 9 charges slightly faster, saving a few minutes while charging. |
| Features | Reverse, Non-removable, 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No charger in-box | Reverse, Non-removable, 15W Wireless | Both support wireless charging, S21 5G has a slightly more versatile feature set, whereas Pixel 9 lacks the reverse wireless charging feature. S21 does not come with a charger in the box, while Pixel 9 does not specify. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | |||
| Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Pixel 9 captures much more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. |
| Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.69 | Pixel 9's wider aperture allows more light to enter, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.3" | Pixel 9's larger sensor captures more light, better low light capabilities and overall image quality. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | |||
| Resolution | 64MP | None | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto for optical zoom and portrait photography. Pixel 9 does not have this lens. |
| Selfie Camera | |||
| Resolution | 10MP | 10.5MP | Comparable selfie camera performance, very similar. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | |||
| Resolution | 12.2MP | 48MP | Pixel 9 captures much more detailed wide-angle and macro shots. |
| Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.7 | Pixel 9 has better low-light performance for wide-angle shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 5G can shoot higher resolution videos, offering a slightly more versatile option for video makers. Pixel 9 video records up to 4K, with improved video stabilization and quality. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 111 | 154 | Pixel 9 is far superior in mobile camera performance, better overall image and video quality. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 132 | N/A | S21 5G has a great selfie camera score. No score is available for Pixel 9. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, OIS, various modes | Flicker sensor, Noise reduction, Pro Video, Dual camera, OIS, Ultra Stable, various modes | S21 offers optical zoom and 8K video while Pixel 9 offers features focused on stabilization and video quality. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 14, upgradable to 21 | Pixel 9 comes with a newer OS and more future updates, offering improved security and more modern features. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, MIMO | Both have fast WiFi, Pixel 9's MIMO may offer improved performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Pixel 9 has more up to date Bluetooth for better connectivity and features. |
| GPS | Multiple systems, L1+L5, E1+E5a | Multiple systems, QZSS, L1, NavIC, GNSS | Both have accurate GPS but Pixel 9 supports more satellite systems, leading to better accuracy in varied situations. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 9 offers the flexibility of using an eSIM, useful for international travel, whereas the S21 can use two physical SIMs. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | Both phones offer similar storage capacities; choose based on individual needs. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | Pixel 9 has significantly more RAM, better handling for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for adding more storage; plan your storage use carefully. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic, 3 Microphones | S21 offers Dolby Atmos, providing enhanced audio for media. Pixel 9 has 3 mics for better audio recording in different situations. Both have stereo speakers. |
Security & Build
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar biometric security. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Similar screen protection, offering excellent scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive, Incl. Compass | Comprehensive | S21 has compass, geomagnetic, and hall sensors whereas Pixel 9 does not. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: Significantly lighter at 169g, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits display brightness, much better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Telephoto Camera: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait photography.
- 8K Video Recording: Capable of recording higher resolution videos, useful for professionals.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Ability to charge other devices using reverse wireless charging.
- Dolby Atmos Support: Enhanced audio quality for media consumption.
- Compass: The phone has a compass and geomagnetic and Hall sensors.
Google Pixel 9 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: Google Tensor G4 offers improved performance, efficiency and AI capabilities.
- Higher AnTuTu Score: Significantly higher benchmark score means faster overall performance.
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger battery capacity (4700mAh) offers longer battery life.
- Improved Main Camera: Higher resolution (50MP) main camera, larger sensor and wider aperture.
- Improved Wide Angle Camera: Higher resolution (48MP) wide angle camera and better low-light performance.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 for better wireless connectivity.
- eSIM Support: Flexibility of using eSIM for digital carrier switching.
- More RAM: 12 GB of ram improves multitasking and demanding apps.
- More Satellite Systems: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- 3 Microphones: Better audio recording in different scenarios.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with a newer operating system and will get more future updates.
- Superior Mobile Camera: Better DXOMark score for mobile camera quality and video capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21: While it excels in display brightness and camera features, it is older and has lower processing power, smaller battery, and a lower main camera quality than Pixel 9.
- Google Pixel 9: Heavier and potentially bulkier, the Pixel 9's screen brightness is unavailable and could be inferior in comparison to the S21, and it does not have a telephoto lens, or Dolby Atmos.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight phone: The lighter design makes it better for one-handed use and long-term comfort.
- Users needing a very bright display: The bright screen is ideal for outdoor use.
- Users who want a telephoto lens: The dedicated lens for optical zoom makes the camera more versatile.
- Users who shoot 8K video: The ability to shoot very high-resolution videos is useful for professional content creators.
- Users who want a compass: The compass is a useful tool for outdoor activities.
Use Cases:
- Bright sunlight photography and videography.
- Daily use with a focus on comfort.
- Users who take advantage of reverse wireless charging.
Google Pixel 9 Ideal User:
- Users who want the best performance: The newer chipset and higher benchmark score mean smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Users who need long battery life: The larger battery makes the phone more reliable for all-day use.
- Users who prioritize photo and video quality: The higher resolution, larger camera sensor, and wider aperture camera provide superior photo quality.
- Users who want more RAM: The extra RAM improves multitasking and game performance.
- Users who need eSIM support: Useful for travelling or switching between networks digitally.
- Users who want the most up to date software: Newer software and better update support.
Use Cases:
- Heavy smartphone use, gaming and multitasking.
- Professional level photography and videography.
- International travel and digital SIM use.
- Users who want the best all-around modern features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
Do you prioritize performance and battery life, or a lighter device with a brighter screen?
- If performance and battery are crucial, the Pixel 9 is better. If you want a lighter phone with a bright display the S21 is better.
Is a dedicated telephoto lens and 8K video recording important for your photography needs?
- If the optical zoom and 8K recording are important then the S21 is better. Otherwise, the Pixel 9 camera is the better option for most situations.
Is a newer operating system and better update support a priority for you?
- If so, the Pixel 9 would be a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Traveler: If the user travels often, the eSIM support on the Pixel 9 makes it a more practical choice.
- Photographer: The Pixel 9's higher camera quality and features make it a better pick for most photography purposes. If the photographer wants a telephoto lens and 8k recording, they should choose the S21.
- Power User: The Pixel 9's higher performance and larger battery are ideal for users who use their phone heavily throughout the day.
- Everyday User: The S21 has a bright screen and comfortable design. If the user wants a long-lasting battery, they should choose the Pixel 9.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 9. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has its merits with a brighter display and telephoto lens, the Pixel 9 offers a more compelling overall package. The significantly improved performance, battery life, and camera quality of the Pixel 9 are far more important for my needs. As a power user I value long-lasting battery and quick processing to allow me to get the most out of my phone throughout the day. The Pixel 9 also comes with a newer operating system and will receive more software updates than the S21. The only sacrifice is the loss of the telephoto camera and the potential loss of brightness, as the specifications for the Pixel 9's screen brightness were not listed. The advantages of the Pixel 9, however, far outweigh the disadvantages and thus it's the better choice overall.
