1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm | S21+ is taller and wider, Pixel 7 is thicker; impacts pocketability and one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 197g | Negligible weight difference; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.3" | S21+ has a larger display, better for media consumption. Pixel 7 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both offer good visual detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 416 | Pixel 7 is slightly sharper, but barely noticeable in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1400 nits | Pixel 7 offers better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Pixel 7 offers slightly better overall performance and responsiveness, especially for AI/ML tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 827,033 | Pixel 7 scores 10% higher in benchmarks, indicating better processing power. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different GPU configurations; Pixel 7's GPU is optimized for its chipset, resulting in better real-world usage. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Pixel 7 captures more detailed photos with higher resolution. |
| Standard Lens Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.31" | Pixel 7 has a larger sensor, improving low-light performance. |
| Standard Lens Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.85 | S21+ has a slightly wider aperture, but the difference is negligible. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP | None | S21+ has dedicated telephoto, enabling optical zoom and portraits. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP | 12MP | S21+ has a Wide Angle + Macro, Google Pixel 7 has a wide angle lens, each excels in different use cases. |
| Selfie Lens | 10MP | 10.8MP | Pixel 7's sensor is larger, potentially better for low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ can record in higher resolution. Pixel 7 has more sophisticated stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score (Mobile) | 111 | 140 | Pixel 7 has significantly better image and video quality, according to DxoMark scores. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4355mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a little more usage time. |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 20W wired, 23W wireless | S21+ charges faster wired, but Pixel 7 charges faster wirelessly. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | Wireless charging, reverse charging | Both offer reverse wireless charging, but only Pixel 7 has a 23W Wireless charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Pixel 7 has a newer version of Android out of the box, but is slated for only 1 more upgrade, while the S21+ is slated for two more upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pixel 7 has newer Bluetooth for potentially faster and more efficient connections. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 7 supports more GPS systems, potentially more accurate navigation in urban environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer ample storage options for most users. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking on both devices. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | 3 Microphones | S21+ has better audio enhancements for media consumption. Pixel 7 has more mics for better recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer fingerprint unlock for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer scratch and drop protection from Corning's glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Compass, Hall, Geomagnetic | Magnetometer | Both have a full suite of sensors for various functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7-inch screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and productivity.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for better portraits and capturing distant subjects.
- 8K Video Recording: Allows for professional-grade video content creation.
- More Wireless Charging: Higher power wireless charging (15W), but not as powerful as Pixel 7s
- Better Audio Enhancement: Comes with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio to enhance spatial audio, quality, and clarity.
- Future Software Updates: Despite being older, the S21+ is slated for two more major software updates.
Google Pixel 7 Advantages:
- Superior Main Camera: Larger sensor and higher resolution for better photo quality, especially in low light and more detail.
- Better Image Processing: Google's Tensor G2 chip excels in image processing and computational photography resulting in superior image quality.
- Higher Benchmark Performance: Google's Tensor G2 chip performs better than the Exynos 2100, better for AI, gaming, and everyday use
- Newer Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth 5.2 offers potentially better connection speed and efficiency.
- Wider GPS Support: More comprehensive support of satellite navigation systems.
- Higher Wireless Charging: Faster wireless charging speed (23W)
- Superior Camera Overall: The Google Pixel 7 has better photo and video scores on DxoMark.
- Newer OS: Comes out of the box with a newer OS.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Larger and heavier, less powerful chipset, less capable main camera, older software version out-of-the-box.
- Pixel 7: Smaller screen, no optical zoom capabilities, slightly slower wired charging speeds, only slated for 1 more major software update.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Media Consumers: Those who frequently watch videos, play games, and prefer a larger display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Who value the versatility of a telephoto lens and 8K video capabilities.
- Users who prefer enhanced audio: Those who value immersive audio from their device.
- Users who are budget-conscious: The S21+ can often be found for a lower price than the Pixel 7.
Specific Use Cases for S21+ 5G:
- Binge-watching movies and TV shows on a larger screen.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos with telephoto capabilities.
- Enjoying an immersive gaming experience.
- Listening to hi-res music with Dolby Atmos.
Ideal User for Google Pixel 7:
- Photography Focused: Those who prioritize top-tier image quality, especially in low light.
- Performance Seekers: Users who want a responsive device with a newer chip for multitasking and gaming.
- Software Purists: Those who want a clean Android experience with the latest features.
- Users who use wireless charging often: The Pixel 7 offers a higher speed of wireless charging
- Those who value up to date software: The Pixel 7 comes with Android 13 right out of the box.
Specific Use Cases for Pixel 7:
- Capturing high-quality photos in challenging lighting conditions.
- Utilizing Google's AI-powered features for image processing and other tasks.
- Enjoying a smooth and efficient user experience with the latest Android OS.
- Users who value faster wireless charging speeds.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, being an older model, may offer a better price-to-value ratio. The Google Pixel 7 offers more features and more performance, but for a higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a larger screen for media consumption (S21+), or a more compact, easily handled device (Pixel 7)?
- Camera Priority: Is having a telephoto lens more important to you (S21+), or is superior image quality and low-light performance a must (Pixel 7)?
- Performance vs. Price: Are you willing to pay more for a newer chipset and more powerful performance (Pixel 7), or is a balance of price and features more appealing (S21+)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media User: Choose the Galaxy S21+ 5G for its larger display and higher refresh rate.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: The Pixel 7 is the better option due to its superior camera performance and Google's advanced image processing.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: The S21+ 5G is usually more affordable and still provides a great experience for most people.
- Scenario 4: Latest Software User: The Pixel 7 is the obvious choice for users who want a clean version of Android 13 right out of the box.
- Scenario 5: Wireless Charging User: The Pixel 7 offers faster wireless charging speeds.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 7.
Reasons:
- Camera: The Pixel 7's camera is a significant upgrade, especially with its large sensor and Google's incredible image processing. As a casual photographer, I would much rather use the Pixel 7, which can take great photos every single time.
- Performance: While the Exynos 2100 is still a capable chip, the Tensor G2 is more advanced and provides a smoother user experience and more futureproofing.
- Software: I prefer a clean version of Android as well as up to date software.
- Wireless Charging: I utilize wireless charging, and prefer the higher speeds offered by the Pixel 7.
While I appreciate the S21+'s larger display and telephoto lens, the Pixel 7's advantages in camera quality, performance, and software are more aligned with my needs. The price difference is usually small, making the Pixel 7 the superior choice for my needs.
