Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Google Pixel Fold. On paper, they’re very different beasts, but understanding how those differences translate to real-world usage is key. I’ve broken down the analysis into specifications, key insights, user profiles, and a buying decision framework to give a comprehensive view.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up technically, focusing on what these numbers actually mean for you.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-06-27 | Pixel Fold is a much newer device, likely with the benefit of newer software features and potentially better component longevity. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Pixel Fold offers a larger display area when unfolded, which enhances multitasking, media consumption, and productivity. The S21 FE 5G is more pocketable and easier to use with one hand. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mm | The S21 FE 5G is taller and thicker, while the Pixel Fold is wider and thinner (when unfolded). This affects grip, pocketability, and ease of one-handed use. |
| Weight | 177g | 283g | The S21 FE 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. The Pixel Fold's extra weight comes from the foldable design and additional screen, this could lead to some hand strain in prolonged usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 7.6" (unfolded) | The Pixel Fold offers a significantly larger display, ideal for multi-tasking and immersive media viewing. The S21 FE is more suitable for single hand usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1840x2208 | The Pixel Fold's higher resolution translates to sharper images and text on its large display, and it provides more screen real estate for content, while the S21 FE has good resolution for its screen size. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 378 PPI | Both provide very sharp images, the Samsung has slightly more sharpness, but most users would find this difference negligible, unless viewed side by side. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unspecified | The S21 FE’s AMOLED display provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and superior power efficiency for dark themes and general use. The Pixel Fold’s display technology isn’t stated, meaning it could be LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth and responsive scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | The Pixel Fold has slightly higher peak brightness, which enhances outdoor visibility, but both phones are bright enough for most scenarios. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Google Tensor G2 | The S21 FE’s Snapdragon 888 provides strong performance for gaming and intensive apps, while the Tensor G2 is optimized for machine learning tasks and Google’s ecosystem, making it excellent at things like image processing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 793,800 | The S21 FE scores higher in benchmarks suggesting better overall performance for gaming and computationally intensive tasks while the Pixel Fold's lower score may be due to thermal limitations when the phone is under load for extended durations. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G710 MP7 | The Adreno 660 in the S21 FE is a powerhouse for graphics-heavy tasks while the Mali-G710 in the Pixel Fold is still great for gaming, but might struggle with high intensity titles compared to the Adreno 660. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.7 | The Pixel Fold's main camera captures more detail due to the higher megapixel count and larger sensor, which is ideal for capturing high-resolution photographs. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 10.8MP, f/3.0 | The S21 FE features 3x Optical zoom, with 30x digital zoom, while the Pixel Fold has a 5x Optical Zoom lens, which is more suitable for capturing high quality zoomed in photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/1.9 | The S21 FE’s selfie camera captures high-resolution images, while the Pixel Fold’s is wider and does okay for the casual selfie. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 10.8MP, f/2.2 | The S21 FE has an ultrawide camera, which is good for taking landscape photography, and has Macro capabilities, whilst the Pixel Fold features an ultrawide camera with similar focal length, suitable for landscape shots, but doesn't have a macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps with EIS | Up to 4K 60fps with EIS | Both offer high-quality video recording, and both have EIS stabilization, both will satisfy most needs. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | Mobile: 133, | The Pixel Fold has a better camera system than the S21 FE, the Pixel excels in both photo and video, however the S21 FE is more adept at selfies, with it's higher scores and better camera. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Night Mode, RAW | OIS, PDAF, CDAF, LAF | Both feature essential camera technologies, including image stabilization. Samsung has a Manual mode and RAW support. Google has Laser Autofocus and Face Unlock. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4821mAh | The Pixel Fold's slightly larger battery could offer longer battery life, but the difference might be marginal. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | The Pixel Fold charges slightly faster, reducing charging time. |
| Features | 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | No wireless charging | The S21 FE offers more flexible charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 16) | Android 13 (up to 14) | The Pixel Fold comes with a newer Android version out of the box, while both will receive several major updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6E | The Pixel Fold's Wi-Fi 6E allows for faster wireless speeds and reduced latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | The Pixel Fold has a slightly newer Bluetooth, providing better power efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Pixel Fold supports more satellite systems, likely giving it better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Pixel Fold can use the eSIM for digital carrier switching, and both phones use dual SIMs. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256 GB | 256GB or 512GB | The Pixel Fold offers more storage options, and has a higher storage capacity, which is great for users who need lots of space for photos and videos. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8 GB | 12 GB | The Pixel Fold's 12GB of RAM provides better performance for multitasking, especially when using split screen and demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage, so picking the appropriate storage for your needs is essential. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation mic | Stereo Speakers | The S21 FE has enhanced audio capabilities for a richer sound experience, ideal for content consumption and clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Pixel Fold may be more accessible depending on the phone orientation and user's grip, and the S21 FE's fingerprint sensor is more traditional. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones offer excellent scratch and drop protection for the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Both phones feature similar sensor configurations. The Pixel Fold's magnetometer may be beneficial for some compass navigation applications. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Price Point: Typically more affordable, providing a lot of features for the price.
- Lightweight and Ergonomic: Easier to handle and carry for daily use.
- Versatile Camera: Great for selfies with its high-resolution front camera, but falls short compared to the Pixel Fold on the other cameras.
- Flexible Charging: Offers wireless and reverse wireless charging features.
- Strong Audio Features: Provides great audio output and better call quality.
Google Pixel Fold Strengths:
- Foldable Design & Large Display: Transforms into a tablet-like device for enhanced multitasking and media consumption.
- Superior Camera System: Excels in photography, boasting the better sensor and imaging processing, leading to better image quality in most situations.
- Modern Software and Updates: Runs on a newer version of Android with more immediate updates.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Includes the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology.
- Solid Performance: The Tensor G2 excels in AI, Machine Learning, and Google's ecosystem.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Pixel Fold's Weight: Significantly heavier than the S21 FE, which might be a drawback for extended use.
- Pixel Fold's Lack of Wireless Charging: Lacks the wireless charging and reverse wireless charging that the S21 FE offers, meaning that you can't charge wireless earbuds or other devices with it.
- S21 FE's Older Software: Uses an older version of Android and has fewer guaranteed major updates.
- S21 FE's Camera: Although the front camera excels, the rear cameras can't compete with the Pixel Fold.
- S21 FE's Performance: Although it scores higher in benchmark tests, it's not optimized to use Google's AI, and other features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious buyers, general users who want an all-rounder device, social media users who prioritize selfies, users who want a device that is compact and light, and users who prefer features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Use Cases: Everyday smartphone tasks, social media, gaming, casual photography, media consumption, and a good all-rounder that is reliable.
Google Pixel Fold:
- Ideal User: Power users, professionals, multi-taskers, enthusiasts wanting a new experience with a foldable device, individuals who value superior camera performance, and users who want the latest software features.
- Use Cases: Productivity, multi-tasking, content creation, immersive media viewing, and top-tier camera performance and software capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when deciding between these phones:
- Do I need a foldable screen or a traditional smartphone? If the larger screen and unique form factor are key, then the Pixel Fold is the only choice. If you prefer a conventional, lighter phone, the S21 FE is a better fit.
- Do I prioritize camera quality and AI features or a more balanced and versatile user experience? The Pixel Fold has a superior camera system and the benefit of Google's AI features. If these are a priority, then the Pixel Fold is the better option. The S21 FE does well in most other areas, and may be more suited for other types of use, and is more feature packed in other areas.
- What is my budget? The S21 FE is significantly more affordable, making it a great value proposition, whereas the Pixel Fold is a more expensive investment.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the casual user on a budget: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides excellent value with good performance, good battery, and plenty of features.
- For the photography enthusiast or power user: The Google Pixel Fold offers superior camera performance, a large display, and the latest software capabilities.
- For the multi-tasking enthusiast: The Google Pixel Fold is the best option, with it's large screen, and multitasking capabilities.
- For the selfie lover: The Samsung S21 FE is the better option, with it's superior front facing camera.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I'd lean towards the Google Pixel Fold. The allure of a foldable device with its larger display for multitasking and content consumption is just too strong for me, and the improved camera system means that I can capture memories without compromise. While the weight is a drawback, the benefits for my specific needs outweigh this con. The Pixel Fold fits with the type of workflow I aim to achieve when using mobile technology and it would be an excellent choice for my use case.
