1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, comparing the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the Google Pixel Fold, with a focus on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Pixel Fold can transform into a tablet-like device, offering a larger screen for media consumption and multitasking, while the S21 5G is a traditional phone. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mm (unfolded) | The Pixel Fold is significantly wider when unfolded and thinner, making it more pocketable when folded but larger when in tablet mode. The S21 is more compact for one-hand use. |
| Weight | 169g | 283g | The S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods. The Pixel Fold feels heavier and bulkier. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 7.6" | The Pixel Fold offers a much larger screen area, ideal for multitasking, watching videos, and reading. The S21 5G's smaller screen is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1840 x 2208 | The Pixel Fold offers sharper visuals with significantly more pixels, leading to more detail in images, text and video. |
| PPI | 421 | 378 | The S21 5G has a slightly higher pixel density, resulting in a very marginal increase in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Not Specified | The S21 5G's AMOLED display offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. The display technology for the Pixel Fold is not specified making it hard to compare in detail. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | The Pixel Fold is slightly brighter, making it easier to view in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Both are 5nm chips, but the Tensor G2 is optimized for Google's AI and machine learning features, potentially offering faster performance in tasks such as image processing, voice recognition, and translation and general use of the phone. The Exynos 2100 is a capable chipset for general tasks but may not perform as well as the Tensor in the mentioned fields. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 793,800 | The Pixel Fold scores slightly higher in benchmarks, suggesting a marginally better overall performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G710 MP7 | The Mali-G710 in the Pixel Fold may have better energy efficiency, while the Mali-G78 is likely more powerful on paper although not in the benchmarks. Real world performance depends on optimization and usage. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4821mAh | The Pixel Fold has a significantly larger battery, offering longer battery life, particularly when using the larger screen for media consumption or multitasking. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | The Pixel Fold offers slightly faster charging, reducing time spent tethered to a power outlet. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charger in-box | Non-removable | The S21 5G offers more convenient charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging, while the Pixel Fold lacks these features and comes without a charger. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.7 | The Pixel Fold captures more detailed images with its higher resolution sensor, especially in good lighting. Wider aperture suggests better performance in low light. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | The S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto camera for zoomed photos. The Pixel Fold relies on digital zoom or its telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/1.9 | The S21 5G has a slightly higher resolution, while the Pixel Fold has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. The S21 5G selfie camera has been tested by DxoMark and was shown to be a capable sensor. |
| Telephoto lens | None | 10.8MP, f/3.0 | The Pixel Fold has a telephoto lens that allows for optical zoom, while the S21 5G only has digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle lens | None | 10.8MP, f/2.2 | The Pixel Fold has a dedicated ultrawide lens for capturing wider scenes in good lighting, while the S21 5G relies on its standard wide-angle lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro lens | 12.2MP f/2.2 | None | The S21 5G has a macro lens that allows for close-up photos, which the Pixel Fold does not have. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The S21 5G is capable of recording video in 8K, providing more detail but taking up more storage. The Pixel Fold offers high quality 4K recording |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 | 133 | The Pixel Fold has a significantly higher DxOMark mobile score, suggesting superior overall camera performance and better image and video quality than the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 | Not Specified | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G performs well as a selfie camera, but the Pixel Fold was not tested by DxoMark. |
| Features | 8K Video, RAW, Night Mode, Manual Focus | Face unlock, CDAF, LAF | The S21 5G offers more manual controls and features for advanced users, while the Pixel Fold has features like face unlock and contrast detection autofocus. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The significantly lower weight and smaller size make it easier to handle and carry for extended periods, and is better for one-handed use.
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED provides excellent contrast and color reproduction.
- More Versatile Charging: Wireless and reverse wireless charging options offer more convenient options when on the go.
- Additional Camera Features: 8K video recording, Macro and telephoto lens and Manual mode offer more flexibility for experienced users.
- Lower Price: Being an older device, the S21 5G is typically more affordable than the Pixel Fold.
- Tested Selfie Camera: The Selfie camera has been tested by DxoMark and has shown to be capable.
Google Pixel Fold Advantages:
- Larger, Foldable Display: The expansive screen is ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and reading, making it an interesting device to have and use.
- Significantly Improved Camera System: The camera on the Pixel Fold is far more capable than the S21 5G in terms of mobile photography and videography.
- Better Performance: Google Tensor G2 offers a slight performance advantage and is optimized for Google’s AI features.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for heavier use cases.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More modern and convenient sensor placement.
- Modern OS: Running a newer version of android, this can be an important factor in the long run.
- Modern Connectivity: Offering a newer WiFi standard, and a newer Bluetooth version.
- Telephoto Lens The Pixel Fold has a telephoto lens that offers more flexibility than the digital zoom on the S21 5G.
- Wide Angle Lens The Pixel Fold has a dedicated ultrawide lens which offers more flexibility than the standard wide angle on the S21 5G.
Significant Trade-offs:
S21 5G:
- Smaller screen size.
- Older chipset may not perform as well in modern applications.
- Less flexible Camera capabilities.
Pixel Fold:
- High cost.
- Significantly heavier and bulkier design.
- Lacks the more convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging of the S21 5G.
- No dedicated Macro lens.
- Selfie camera not tested by DxoMark.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Everyday users who prioritize portability, a compact design, and a reliable camera experience at a more accessible price point.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and social media browsing.
- Photography for social media sharing, general use and family photos.
- Users who like to watch content casually.
- Users who want to have a small and easily pocketable device.
- Users who value being able to wirelessly charge their device.
- Users who value the option to use reverse wireless charging.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for a still-capable phone in a smaller size with a good display and feature set.
Google Pixel Fold:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, multitaskers, and media consumers who prioritize a large screen, cutting-edge features, and the ability to have a tablet experience in their pocket.
- Use Cases:
- Multitasking between apps and productivity tasks.
- Watching movies and streaming videos on a large screen.
- Reading e-books, documents, and web pages.
- Playing graphically demanding games.
- Users who value having a high quality camera experience.
- Users who want a unique device to stand out from the crowd.
- Price-to-Value: Premium price for a high-end device with a folding screen, the main selling point being the tablet experience and the top of the line camera.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
- Do you value portability and one-handed use, or do you prefer a larger screen for media consumption and multitasking?
- If portability and ease of use are paramount, the Galaxy S21 5G is more suitable.
- If a larger screen experience is preferred, the Pixel Fold is the better choice.
- How important is cutting edge camera technology and overall picture quality to you?
- If you want a versatile and reliable camera for capturing everyday moments and do not need the absolute best image quality, the S21 5G is a good choice.
- If you want a cutting edge, best-in-class mobile camera, then the Pixel Fold is a much better choice.
- What is your budget and are you prepared to compromise on some features for a more affordable price?
- If budget is a significant factor, the S21 5G offers a good balance of features at a lower price point.
- If budget is not a concern, then the Pixel Fold offers the best features currently available on the market.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User, Budget-Conscious:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Reasoning: The S21 5G is more affordable and offers a good balance of features, including a capable camera, display and overall experience.
- Scenario 2: Tech Enthusiast, Media Lover:
- Recommendation: Google Pixel Fold
- Reasoning: The Pixel Fold's large display, superior camera, and powerful performance make it ideal for heavy media use and cutting edge technology.
- Scenario 3: Professional Multitasker:
- Recommendation: Google Pixel Fold
- Reasoning: The Pixel Fold's large screen facilitates multitasking and provides a more productive experience.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel Fold, even though its a much more expensive device.
Here's why:
- I value the cutting-edge technology and the flexibility of the folding screen: I enjoy being able to switch between a normal phone and a larger tablet device. For my use case, having this feature outweighs the bulk and weight penalty.
- I appreciate a great camera experience: Although I don't consider myself a photographer, I like having the best quality photos whenever I take them. The image quality and flexibility offered by the Pixel Fold is far greater than the S21 5G and this is important to me.
- I tend to watch a lot of content on my phone: The larger screen of the Pixel Fold is ideal for watching movies, and for reading web pages, and documents. It just provides a better overall experience when compared to a smaller device like the S21 5G.
- I value having a fast and smooth experience: The newer Google Tensor G2 chipset provides a very smooth and snappy experience, and is more powerful than the Exynos 2100. I also appreciate the more modern Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity that the Google Pixel Fold brings.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a great device for a specific subset of users, the advanced features and the unique form factor of the Pixel Fold make it a more appealing choice for my personal needs and preferences. Despite the higher cost, I would prefer to pay the premium for the added flexibility, quality and performance.
