Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-10-13 | Pixel 7 Pro is significantly newer, likely offering longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 162.9 × 76.6 × 8.9 mm | Pixel 7 Pro is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 200g | 212g | S21+ is lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have large, immersive displays ideal for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 7 Pro offers a significantly sharper and more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 512 | Pixel 7 Pro's higher pixel density results in clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | Pixel 7 Pro offers better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Pixel 7 Pro has a newer chip, translating to better overall performance and AI tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 831,716 | Pixel 7 Pro offers smoother performance for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Pixel 7 Pro's GPU offers better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12MP | 50MP | Pixel 7 Pro has a significantly higher resolution sensor for more detailed photos. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.31" | Pixel 7 Pro's larger sensor captures more light for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP | Not present | S21+ offers a dedicated telephoto camera for zoomed photos and portrait mode. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 10MP | 10.8MP | Similar resolution, expected similar selfie quality. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.2" | 1/2.65" | Pixel 7 Pro has a larger sensor for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not present | 48MP | Pixel 7 Pro offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not present | 12MP | Pixel 7 Pro has an ultrawide lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP | Not present | S21+ provides a dedicated wide-angle + Macro camera for closer shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ offers higher resolution video recording for professional use cases. Pixel 7 Pro excels in video stabilization |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 147 | Pixel 7 Pro demonstrates significantly superior image quality and video capabilities. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | Not tested | 142 | Pixel 7 Pro has excellent selfie camera quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Pixel 7 Pro has slightly larger capacity for marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 23W Fast, 23W Wireless | S21+ has slightly faster wired charging. Pixel 7 Pro offers the convenience of wireless charging |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 23W | Pixel 7 Pro offers faster wireless charging speeds. |
| Other | |||
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | Pixel 7 Pro has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Pixel 7 Pro offers more storage options, particularly for storing large media files. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports SD card expansion. |
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Pixel 7 Pro has a newer OS with longer update support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pixel 7 Pro offers a newer Bluetooth version for faster and more reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 7 Pro supports more satellite systems, potentially offering better location accuracy |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and carry for longer periods.
- Faster wired charging speed: Slightly faster wired charging at 25W,
- Telephoto + Portrait camera: Dedicated camera for optical zoom and portraits.
- Wide Angle + Macro Camera: A dedicated lens for Macro and wider shots
- 8k Video Recording: Useful for users who are into creating high resolution content.
- Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio: Potentially better audio playback for music lovers.
- More Bluetooth Audio Codec Support: Offers wider variety of codecs for high quality audio over bluetooth
Google Pixel 7 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Chipset and Higher Performance: Faster overall performance, better AI processing, and smoother gaming.
- Significantly Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a clearer and more detailed viewing experience.
- Superior Camera System: Higher-resolution main sensor, larger sensor sizes, dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, significantly better DxOMark scores.
- Newer OS with Longer Software Support: Ships with Android 13 and is guaranteed to receive longer OS updates compared to the S21+.
- Faster Wireless Charging: 23W wireless charging, compared to 15W on the S21+.
- More RAM: 12GB RAM for better multitasking and handling demanding apps.
- Larger battery Capacity: 5000mAh battery offers slightly better battery life.
- Additional Storage options: Offers a 512 GB storage variant.
- Better Satellite GPS Support: Supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking.
- Superior Video Recording: Better video stabilization and a higher overall DxOMark video score.
Trade-offs:
- The Pixel 7 Pro is heavier and thicker.
- The S21+ has a telephoto + portrait camera and a dedicated Macro/Wide Angle lens compared to the Pixel 7 Pro which is an obvious advantage for different use cases
- The S21+ offers 8k video, which is absent in the Pixel 7 Pro.
- The S21+ may have slightly faster wired charging speeds, while the Pixel offers wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Users who value comfort: The slightly lighter and thinner design makes it comfortable for one-handed use.
- Users who want a balance of performance and value: It provides solid overall performance at a more affordable price compared to the Pixel 7 Pro, with decent cameras and a good screen.
- Users who prefer specific camera features Specifically users who want a dedicated Telephoto + Portrait and Wide Angle+ Macro camera will benefit from this device.
- Users who record videos: 8K video support would be useful for users that make videos regularly.
- Users who appreciate high quality audio Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and more audio codec support will be an advantage for these users.
Ideal Users for Google Pixel 7 Pro:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Pixel 7 Pro's superior camera system and AI-driven image processing makes it an excellent choice for mobile photography enthusiasts.
- Power Users: The newer chipset, higher RAM, and smoother experience makes it ideal for users who want top-notch performance.
- Users who value display quality: Its high-resolution display with excellent brightness will be appreciated by users who consume media.
- Users who prefer the latest software: Provides the latest Android features, with longer software support.
- Users who want the best video camera experience The video camera capabilities on the Google pixel 7 pro are far superior.
- Users who need to store a lot of content on the phone: The 512gb storage option provides adequate space for large media files.
Use Cases:
- S21+ 5G: Great for daily use, casual gaming, social media, capturing photos, and enjoying media.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Excellent for photography, video recording, mobile gaming, demanding apps, productivity tasks and media consumption.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is the camera quality to you? If mobile photography is your priority, the Pixel 7 Pro's superior camera performance and processing should be heavily considered.
- How important is latest software and longevity of updates? If you want the latest features and longer software updates, the Pixel 7 Pro is a better choice.
- How important is a comfortable lightweight design? If a light weight device and a comfortable design is more important, then the S21+ may be the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual user wanting a solid phone: S21+ offers good value with a decent camera and performance for everyday tasks.
- Photography enthusiast: Pixel 7 Pro's superior camera system is the clear winner.
- Power user: Pixel 7 Pro offers better performance, more RAM, and a superior display for demanding tasks.
- User on a budget: S21+ offers a more affordable option while still providing a good experience.
- Video Creator: S21+ might be slightly better due to 8K recording. But, the Pixel 7 Pro may be the better choice due to superior video quality and stabilization.
Final Decision
If I were to choose, I would select the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Although the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a capable device, the Pixel 7 Pro's significantly superior camera system, coupled with its newer chipset, better display, and more future-proof software, make it a more compelling option for my use case. I heavily prioritize camera performance for both photo and video, which is where the Pixel 7 Pro excels. The advantages it has over the S21+ justify the extra weight and size, which are acceptable trade-offs for my needs. While the S21+ might be a better choice for certain users, I would personally opt for the better camera and performance offered by the Pixel 7 Pro. The added advantage of longer software updates is also important for me, as I tend to use my phone for a long time.
