1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm | The S21+ 5G is larger and thinner, which might feel better for some, while the Pixel 8a is more compact and slightly thicker, impacting one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 200g | 188g | The Pixel 8a is slightly lighter, which can make it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | The S21+ 5G offers a larger screen, better for media consumption, while the Pixel 8a is more compact, which may be preferred for users with smaller hands. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution, leading to similar sharpness for the same content. |
| PPI | 394 | 430 | The Pixel 8a has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density, making text and images appear slightly clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality display tech for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience and responsive gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21+ 5G has significantly better outdoor visibility. The Pixel 8a's brightness is not specified, which could be a drawback if it is significantly lower. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | The Pixel 8a's Tensor G3 is newer and, based on benchmark scores, generally more powerful which will provide faster performance and potentially better AI features. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 876,512 | The Pixel 8a demonstrates higher performance in benchmarks which translates to snappier app loading and smoother gaming |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Both GPUs are capable for gaming, but the Pixel 8a's GPU is newer and offers better performance for modern games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.72", 0.70µm | The Pixel 8a captures more detailed images in good lighting due to higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor. The S21+ 5G has larger pixel size, which may provide slightly better low-light performance but is likely surpassed by the 8a's image processing. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | None | The S21+ 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens, offering better zoom capabilities and portraits with a natural depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | The Pixel 8a provides slightly higher resolution and larger sensor, capturing slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle/Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | S21+ 5G has a wider sensor for wide angle/macro photos, potentially capturing more light. The Pixel 8a has a slightly higher resolution, which may result in finer details. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ 5G supports higher video resolution and more advanced features like HDR in all modes, while both offer OIS and EIS for stabilization. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Mobile: 136, Photo: 141, Video: 128 | Pixel 8a has a significantly higher DxoMark score, indicating better overall photo and video quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | The S21+ 5G has a slightly larger battery, which could translate into a longer battery life, but this will also depend on optimization. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | The S21+ 5G charges faster. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | The S21+ 5G has the added convenience of wireless charging and the ability to wirelessly charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Telephoto Lens: Provides better optical zoom and portrait capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Faster Charging: Charges faster using its 25W charger, reducing downtime.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Better visibility in bright sunlight (1300 nits vs the 8a's unknown brightness).
- 8K Video recording: A more advanced video recording.
- More Bluetooth features: Support for A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, ANT+, APT-x, and SBC.
Google Pixel 8a Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: Offers better performance and AI capabilities.
- Higher Benchmark Scores: Resulting in better overall performance.
- Superior Camera Quality: Significantly higher DxoMark score, indicates better photo and video quality, especially in low-light.
- Latest Android Version: Longer software update support (android 21 vs android 15).
- More advanced wifi: Supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks, access to 6GHz band, reduced interference; Google Pixel 8a additionally supports: Wi-Fi MiMO
- Newer Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.3, and also supports: LDAC, AAC.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ 5G: Larger size may be cumbersome for some, older chipset, lower camera quality, less software support.
- Pixel 8a: Smaller screen, no wireless charging, lacks dedicated telephoto lens, slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and multitasking.
- Users who need strong zoom capabilities and portrait photos.
- Users who want wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Users who are okay with a slightly older phone that still has strong features.
- Users who want a brighter screen for better viewing in outdoor environments.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows, playing games, and working on documents on the go
- Taking high-quality zoom photos at concerts, events, or in nature
- Those that would utilize wireless and reverse wireless charging features on the go.
Google Pixel 8a Ideal User:
- Users who want the best camera quality and software features.
- Users who value performance and latest software updates.
- Users who prefer a more compact device.
- Users who want to have the most advanced AI features.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various situations
- Using AI-powered features for enhanced creativity and productivity
- Those who want a compact phone for easy, every day use.
Price-to-Value:
- The Pixel 8a is likely to offer better value for users seeking the latest features and performance, especially if the price is competitive. The Samsung S21+ 5G may be more attractive at a lower price point, especially for users who need a brighter display and wireless charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Screen Size Preference: Do you prioritize a larger display for media and multitasking (S21+) or a more compact size for ease of use (Pixel 8a)?
- Camera Needs: Is having the best possible camera quality with computational photography more important (Pixel 8a), or do you prefer a telephoto lens with optical zoom (S21+)?
- Charging and Battery Features: Do you need wireless charging and faster charging (S21+) or is the base charging sufficient (Pixel 8a)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Media Enthusiast: If you watch a lot of videos, the larger and brighter display of the S21+ 5G will provide a better viewing experience.
- For the Photographer: The Pixel 8a offers superior camera performance with its advanced image processing and higher DxoMark score.
- For the Power User: The Pixel 8a's newer chipset and higher benchmarks will offer a better, faster performance and extended software support
- For the Convenience Seeker: The S21+ 5G provides wireless charging capabilities that will make it easier to charge while at home.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Google Pixel 8a. My primary reason is the significantly improved camera performance, as indicated by the DxoMark scores, and the promise of extended software support with a newer Android version. I value having the latest software features and appreciate the consistently good image quality that Google Pixel phones are known for. Although the S21+ 5G has the benefit of wireless charging and a brighter screen, I find the camera upgrade and software support of the Pixel 8a more compelling for my daily needs. The compact size of the 8a is also a bonus for pocketability.
