1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm | S21+ is slightly taller but thinner; Pixel 6 is more compact but thicker. S21+ might feel more premium, Pixel 6 is more comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 200g | 207g | S21+ is slightly lighter. Could be noticeable during extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | S21+ offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking; Pixel 6 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp display; differences may be hard to notice in daily use due to similar pixel density. |
| PPI | 394 | 411 | Similar sharpness levels. In real use, difference is not noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast for excellent media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ offers smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Pixel 6 brightness data is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Google Tensor (5 nm) | Different chipsets; benchmarks show similar real-world performance; actual usage will depend on optimization. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 721,000 | Similar levels of performance for day-to-day usage, gaming, and app loading; S21+ has slight edge in synthetic benchmarks |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G78 MP20 (ARM Mali-G78) | Google Pixel 6 has more GPU cores, possibly better for sustained heavy gaming, but differences may be minimal in typical use. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.80µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31", Samsung GN1, 1.20µm pixels | Pixel 6 has higher resolution and a larger sensor for improved detail and low-light performance. S21+ has slightly wider aperture. Pixel 6 might handle low light better. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung S5KGW2, 0.80µm pixels | Not Available | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait photography; a significant advantage for zoomed shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374, 1.22µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355, 1.12µm pixels | Pixel 6 has a wider aperture and larger sensor, which is better for low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563 1.40µm pixels | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", Sony IMX386, 1.12µm pixels | Both phones have wide-angle capabilities, but implementations differ; Pixel 6 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, S21+ combines wide-angle with macro function. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 4K@60fps, OIS, EIS | S21+ offers higher resolution video recording; Both offer excellent video capabilities, OIS on Pixel 6 offers enhanced stabilization |
| DXOMark | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Mobile: 126, Photo: 136, Video: 133, Selfie: 129, Photo: 130, Video: 127 | Pixel 6 achieves significantly higher scores, especially in video, indicating superior camera performance; Pixel 6 selfie camera performance is exceptional. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4600mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, which might provide marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 23W fast charging | S21+ slightly faster charging speed, which translates to slightly faster charging times. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | 21W wireless charging | S21+ offers more versatile charging options. Pixel 6 has slightly faster wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption and multitasking.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience.
- Brighter Screen: Significantly better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Allows for optical zoom and better portrait photos.
- 8K Video Recording: Higher resolution video recording for professional-grade content.
- Versatile Charging Options: Includes faster wired charging, reverse charging, and wireless charging options
- More comprehensive bluetooth profiles: supports more standards for wider compatibility with wireless audio devices
Google Pixel 6 Advantages
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main sensor, larger sensor size, better low-light performance, and significantly better DXOMark scores.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better power efficiency and data transfer rates with Bluetooth 5.2.
- Better Video Performance: Improved stabilization with OIS and better video quality based on DXOMark.
- Latest Android: Ships with a newer version of Android (12) which means longer support life.
- Wider selfie and wide angle lens: Better photos for selfies and group photos with wider field of view
- More satellite systems support: Potentially better location accuracy due to more satellite coverage.
Trade-offs
- S21+: Loses out in camera quality, is slightly larger and heavier and has lower video recording performance compared to the Pixel 6
- Pixel 6: The Pixel 6 loses out on screen quality (brightness and refresh rate), has slower wired charging, and does not have as many wireless charging options.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Ideal User:
- Media enthusiasts who prioritize screen size, brightness, and smooth scrolling.
- Users who need a versatile camera with optical zoom capabilities.
- Users who value a wider range of charging options and versatile bluetooth connectivity
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on a large, vibrant display.
- Taking photos at a distance using the telephoto lens.
- Shooting 8K video for professional projects.
- Power users who appreciate fast charging and wireless options
- Value: A well-rounded device with a focus on display and user experience features.
Google Pixel 6
- Ideal User:
- Photography enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and low-light performance.
- Users who want the latest Android software with quick updates.
- Users who value video quality, particularly stabilization and selfie capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed photos in various lighting conditions.
- Recording high-quality videos with excellent stabilization.
- Users who want the latest Google-first features and experiences.
- Value: Excellent camera performance and a Google-first software experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions
- How important is camera quality to you? (Pixel 6 excels in this)
- Do you prioritize display quality, or are you ok with a less bright, 90hz screen? (S21+ offers a larger, brighter display with 120Hz)
- Do you need versatile charging features and a better telephoto zoom? (S21+ provides reverse charging, faster wired charging, and optical zoom)
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the Content Creator: If you prioritize high-resolution, professional-quality video and need optical zoom capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is better.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: If you want the best camera performance and don't care about telephoto zoom, prefer to do software zooming, the Google Pixel 6 is a better option.
- For the Casual User: If you want a smooth and bright display and value versatile charging options, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a solid choice. If you want a better camera and have no problem with the slightly slower refresh rate, the Google Pixel 6 is recommended.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 6. While I appreciate the Samsung's brighter, smoother display and versatile charging features, the Pixel 6's superior camera system, especially its video capabilities and selfie camera, is more important to me. Given my use case, taking photos and videos of my day-to-day life and family moments, the Pixel 6's camera performance outweighs the benefits of the Samsung's display and charging capabilities. I also prefer Google's software and am willing to accept the less bright display and lower refresh rate for the better camera performance and newer software.
