Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Google Pixel 7 Pro. We'll break down the specs, highlight the real-world implications, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up across various categories:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2022-10-13 | The Pixel 7 Pro is newer by about 9 months, meaning it likely has more up-to-date features and software support. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-foldable phones. |
| Size | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm | The Pixel 7 Pro is noticeably larger and thicker, which might impact one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 177g | 212g | The S21 FE is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | The Pixel 7 Pro offers a slightly larger display, which could be preferable for media consumption and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 | The Pixel 7 Pro has a significantly sharper display with more pixels, leading to finer details and crisper text. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 512 PPI | The Pixel 7 Pro has a much higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeably sharper and more detailed viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use excellent AMOLED technology for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | The Pixel 7 Pro offers better outdoor visibility with higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Google Tensor G2 | The Snapdragon 888 provides great performance, but the Tensor G2 excels in AI and machine learning tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 831,716 | The S21 FE edges out the Pixel 7 Pro in raw benchmark scores, but this difference may not be very noticeable in real-world use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Both are capable graphics processors, but they handle different workloads differently, generally not a deciding factor for daily use. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | The Pixel 7 Pro has a much higher-resolution main sensor, capturing more details. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.31" | The Pixel 7 Pro has a larger main camera sensor, enabling it to capture more light and perform better in low-light conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.85 | The S21 FE has a slightly wider aperture, which should perform better in low light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP | 48MP | The Pixel 7 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens that provides much better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | 12MP | The Pixel 7 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing ultrawide shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 10.8MP | The S21 FE has a higher resolution selfie camera, but this does not mean it takes better photos. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 147 | The Pixel 7 Pro scores significantly higher in DxOMark testing, particularly in photo and video quality. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 127 | 142 | The Pixel 7 Pro has a higher selfie score than the S21FE. |
| Video Features | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Slow-mo | 4K@60fps, HDR, OIS, EIS, Slow-mo | Both offer excellent video recording with similar capabilities and video stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Pixel 7 Pro has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W wired | 23W wired, 23W wireless | The S21 FE has slightly faster wired charging, while the Pixel 7 Pro supports faster wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 16) | Android 13 (up to 14) | The Pixel 7 Pro ships with a newer Android version, but the S21 FE will be supported longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards; The S21 FE supports MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | The Pixel 7 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version for better connectivity and audio performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS(L1) | The Pixel 7 Pro has more supported satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The Pixel 7 Pro supports an eSIM for added flexibility, while the S21 FE supports two physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | The Pixel 7 Pro offers a larger 512GB storage option for power users. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB | The Pixel 7 Pro has significantly more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers, 3 microphones | Both offer stereo speakers, with Dolby Atmos on the S21FE, and 3 microphones for the Pixel 7 Pro, leading to better call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both feature a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones have the same level of screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Both phones offer a great range of sensors, with slightly different functionalities. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: Lighter, slightly faster processor in benchmarks, wider front camera aperture, and includes Dolby Atmos. It also offers a slightly faster 25W wired charging speed.
- Competitive Advantages: A more compact and lightweight design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods. It has great cameras, a smooth display and its software will be supported for a longer time.
- Trade-offs: Its cameras, while great, don't quite match the Pixel 7 Pro's, and it has slightly less battery capacity.
Google Pixel 7 Pro:
- Strengths: Superior camera system (especially for low light and telephoto), a higher-resolution display with greater brightness, larger battery capacity, and a newer Bluetooth version. It also offers faster 23W wireless charging capabilities and more RAM.
- Competitive Advantages: Google's incredible computational photography, paired with its newer Tensor G2 chip makes for a cutting-edge experience. It also has a more premium build quality with a larger display.
- Trade-offs: It's larger, heavier, and slightly slower in raw benchmark tests. Its software update cycle may be shorter.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize a more lightweight and compact design, value great performance and display quality, and want excellent cameras for all general purposes.
- Use Cases: Everyday mobile use, gaming, social media browsing, and content creation for casual use.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro:
- Best Suited For: Photography enthusiasts, power users who enjoy AI-powered features, and anyone who wants the best possible display experience on their phone.
- Use Cases: Advanced photography, videography, machine learning tasks, heavy multitasking, media consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to ask yourself when choosing between these phones:
- How important is photography to me? If camera quality is your top priority, the Pixel 7 Pro is the clear winner. If you're a casual user, the S21 FE will still be excellent.
- Do I prefer a smaller, lighter phone or a larger, more premium one? The S21 FE is more comfortable for extended use, while the Pixel 7 Pro offers a more immersive experience but with added size and weight.
- How much do I value cutting-edge AI features? The Pixel 7 Pro leverages Google’s custom Tensor chip for a smarter AI experience, which might be essential if you use AI heavily.
Final Thoughts
Both the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Google Pixel 7 Pro are fantastic devices, and the right choice for you will depend on what you value most in a smartphone. The S21 FE is a great all-rounder with excellent performance and a smooth display at a lighter form factor, while the Pixel 7 Pro is a powerhouse of imaging, a beautiful display and premium features.
My Pick
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Google Pixel 7 Pro. The significant leap in camera quality with its larger sensor and versatile telephoto lens, combined with the stunning high resolution display, makes it the more compelling option for me. While it might be larger and heavier, the superior photo and video quality, along with a larger battery, justify the trade-off. The Pixel 7 Pro truly shines as a top-tier phone in the current market with more refined Google software and a more modern design.
