Okay, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This isn't just about spec sheets; it's about understanding how these phones fit into your daily life. Let's get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-09-04 | Pixel 9 Pro Fold is significantly newer, with potentially improved tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | S21 FE is a traditional phone; Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers tablet-like experience when unfolded. |
| Physical Size | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 155.2 × 150.2 × 5.1 mm | Pixel 9 Pro Fold is wider and thinner when unfolded, more compact when folded. S21 FE is more pocketable, but less versatile. |
| Weight | 177g | 257g | S21 FE is much lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use; Pixel 9 Pro Fold is noticeably heavier due to the foldable design. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 8" | Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers significantly more screen real estate, perfect for multitasking, media consumption, and more. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 2076x2152 | Pixel 9 Pro Fold's higher resolution offers sharper visuals and detail, essential for a larger screen. |
| PPI | 403 | 373 | S21 FE is slightly sharper, but the difference is minimal in real-world use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | S21 FE has a vibrant, power-efficient AMOLED display; Pixel 9 Pro Fold's display tech is unknown. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE is much brighter and usable outdoors; Pixel 9 Pro Fold's brightness is unknown (and given as 0 in the data). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a newer, more efficient chipset which provides better AI processing and general performance.. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,140,000 | Pixel 9 Pro Fold has better benchmark performance and smoother everyday usage and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Different GPU's both adequate but likely the Mali is the newer generation and offers better performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4650 mAh | Both have similar capacity, expected to offer similar battery endurance. |
| Charging | 25W | 27W | Pixel 9 Pro Fold has negligibly faster charging speeds. |
| Charging Features | Reverse, 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No in-box charger. | 7.5W Wireless | S21 FE offers more comprehensive wireless charging features; Pixel 9 Pro Fold's wireless charging is limited. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555 | 48MP, f/1.7 | Pixel 9 Pro Fold has higher resolution and larger sensor for more detailed images. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0, Hynix HI-847 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto for zoomed images; Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn't have this feature. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX616 | 10MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE excels at selfies with higher resolution and quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10.8MP, f/3.0, 1/2.65" Samsung S5K3J1 | Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a telephoto lens for zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 10.5MP, f/2.2 | Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Sony IMX258 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps with HDR, EIS, and 960fps slo-mo | 4K up to 60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS, and 240fps slo-mo | Both offer quality video but S21 FE has better slow-mo and Pixel 9 Pro Fold has OIS. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 117 (Photo: 119, Video: 107) | 141 | Pixel 9 Pro Fold significantly outperforms the S21 FE in overall camera performance. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 127 (Photo: 126, Video: 130) | Not tested | The S21 FE's selfie camera is well-regarded. |
| Camera Features | Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode; Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Face unlock, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Both phones offer comprehensive camera features; the S21 FE offers RAW, manual and night mode while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers face unlock and more focus options. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths:
- Lighter and more compact, enhancing portability.
- Bright AMOLED display, excellent for outdoor visibility.
- Strong selfie camera performance.
- Versatile camera system with macro and telephoto lenses.
- Comprehensive wireless charging features.
- Trade-offs:
- Older chipset, less efficient than Google's Tensor G4.
- Lower benchmark performance compared to Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
- Lacks expandable storage.
- Not a foldable phone.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold:
- Strengths:
- Cutting-edge foldable display and form factor.
- Significantly better performance with the Google Tensor G4 chip.
- Higher resolution main camera for more detail.
- Newer connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6E.
- Larger display providing excellent multitasking ability.
- Trade-offs:
- Heavier and bulkier than the S21 FE.
- Unknown display quality in terms of brightness and underlying technology.
- Limited wireless charging capabilities.
- Lacks the telephoto + portrait and macro lenses that the S21 FE has
- More expensive due to its innovative foldable design.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prefer a traditional smartphone form factor.
- Those who value portability and a lighter device.
- Users who enjoy taking selfies and want comprehensive wireless charging.
- Users who want to use both a macro and a telephoto lens for photography.
- Users who prioritize a brighter, vibrant display for outdoor use.
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking flagship-level performance at a lower price.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is ideal for:
- Tech enthusiasts who crave the latest innovations and a foldable design.
- Users who prioritize performance and a versatile large screen for multitasking.
- Those who frequently use their phone for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who like the additional screen real estate to increase productivity.
- Users who rely on AI features for everyday tasks.
- Those who can justify the higher price for the latest technology.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize portability or screen real estate? The S21 FE is more pocketable, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a larger screen with foldable capabilities.
- Is top-tier performance or a balanced experience more important? The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a higher score with its newer chip while the S21 FE offers a balanced performance for a lower price.
- What do you use your phone's camera for most often? S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto and macro lens, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has better overall performance and a wide angle lens for versatility.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Everyday Use, Portability, and Selfies: Go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It's lighter, cheaper, brighter and has a great selfie camera.
- Cutting-Edge Tech and Multitasking: Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It has a newer processor and a bigger screen.
- Performance and Photo Quality: Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It is likely to have improved camera and processor performance.
- Value and Balance: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It is a cheaper option with a good camera system for its price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Here’s why:
- Innovation: I’m always intrigued by innovative technology, and the foldable design of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is something I find fascinating and want to experience.
- Performance: As a tech journalist who often runs demanding apps and tests, the enhanced performance offered by Google's Tensor G4 chip is crucial for my workflow.
- Screen real estate: I would enjoy the additional screen size of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for media consumption and multitasking.
While I appreciate the S21 FE's lighter design and brighter display, I find the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's cutting-edge technology and superior performance more compelling for my specific needs. Even with the trade-offs in weight and potentially more fragile design, the leap in experience is worth it for me.
Ultimately, the "best" phone depends on your individual priorities. But for me, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's blend of innovation and power makes it a very attractive choice.
