1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 162.8 × 76.6 × 8.5 mm | Pixel is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier. S21+ is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 200g | 221g | S21+ is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for long use and easier to hold for extended periods. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Minimal difference, both offer large screens for media consumption and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1344x2992 | Pixel 9 Pro XL's higher resolution results in a sharper, more detailed image, particularly noticeable with text and high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 394 | 486 | Pixel 9 Pro XL's higher pixel density provides a significantly crisper display, making it visually more appealing and reducing eye strain. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar technologies. Both offer excellent color accuracy, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animation, making the user experience more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 3000 nits | Pixel 9 Pro XL's screen is much brighter, making it vastly superior for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. The S21+ may struggle in bright conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Pixel 9 Pro XL has a newer and more efficient chip, translating to faster processing, better AI performance, and generally improved responsiveness. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 1,148,512 | Pixel 9 Pro XL is significantly faster, providing smoother performance for demanding tasks, such as gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Mali-G715 MC7 | Pixel 9 Pro XL's GPU offers better graphics performance, which is beneficial for high-fidelity games and graphics-intensive applications. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5060mAh | Pixel 9 Pro XL's slightly larger battery may offer marginally better battery life, though real-world usage can vary. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 37W fast charging | Pixel 9 Pro XL charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No charge in-box | 23W Wireless | Pixel 9 Pro XL offers faster wireless charging. S21+ includes a reverse wireless charging feature. S21+ comes without charger in box, Pixel 9 Pro XL we do not know. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555, 1.8µm | 50MP f/1.69, 1/1.31" Samsung GN1, 1.20µm | Pixel 9 Pro XL captures much more detailed photos, especially in low-light scenarios due to larger sensor and wider aperture |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP f/2.0, 1/1.72" Samsung Bright S5KGW2, 0.80µm | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto and portrait lens, but Google does not. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374, 1.22µm | 42MP f/2.2, unknown sensor, unknown pixel size | Pixel 9 Pro XL will likely capture much higher resolution selfies, although the sensor and pixel size is unknown. |
| Telephoto lens | None | 48MP f/2.8, 1/2.55" Samsung S5KGM5, 0.70µm | Pixel 9 Pro XL has a dedicated telephoto lens, but the S21+ does not |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX563, 1.40µm | 48MP f/1.7, 1/2.55" Samsung S5KGM5, 0.70µm | Pixel 9 Pro XL will capture higher resolution ultrawide/macro shots, and its wider aperture will likely capture better photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Both offer high-quality video recording, but Pixel 9 Pro XL has OIS, which helps to capture smoother footage, better video. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Mobile: 158, Photo: 161, Video: 152, Selfie: 148, Photo 146, Video 150 | Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in all camera aspects compared to S21+, better overall camera performance. |
| Features | 4K,8K Video, Digital Zoom, Optical Zoom, OIS, EIS, PDAF, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Night Mode | 4K, 8K Video, Digital Zoom, Optical Zoom, OIS, EIS, PDAF, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Night Mode, Flicker Sensor, Noise reduction, Pro Video, Ultra Stable Video, LAF, PDAF Omnidirectional, NPU AI Engine | Pixel 9 Pro XL offers more advanced features like flicker sensor, noise reduction, and Pro video mode, more versatile camera. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages
- Lighter Weight: At 200g, it's significantly lighter than the Pixel 9 Pro XL (221g), making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Includes a 64MP telephoto lens, which is important for those who frequently zoom and take portraits.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices, providing extra convenience for compatible accessories.
- Lower Price: The older device is cheaper, and offers a good value for cost
- Compass, Hall, Geomagnetic sensors: Provides a wide range of motion and orientation for location and augmented reality.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Advantages
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution and brightness, resulting in a much sharper and more visible screen, especially outdoors.
- Faster Performance: The newer Tensor G4 chip offers a considerable performance boost, leading to quicker app loading and smoother multitasking.
- Much Better Camera: Significantly higher megapixel counts for main and selfie cameras. Better overall camera experience as seen in DxOMark scores
- Faster Charging: Both wired and wireless charging are faster, minimizing downtime.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 15, with longer update support.
- More RAM: 16 GB of RAM for better multi-tasking
- More storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1024GB.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Latest versions that provide faster connectivity.
- More Sensors: Thermometer, Magnetometer, for health and fitness, and location tracking.
- Laser Autofocus (LAF) and PDAF Omnidirectional Better focus capabilities.
- NPU AI Engine: Enhances AI-based image processing and other AI related functions.
Significant Trade-offs
- S21+:
- Slower performance and older chip
- Lower display brightness can struggle in direct sunlight.
- Older software, shorter software support.
- Does not come with a charger in-box
- Lower camera performance and quality.
- Pixel 9 Pro XL:
- Heavier and bulkier design than the S21+, less portable.
- No dedicated Telephoto + portrait lens
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a lightweight design, good camera with telephoto lens, and don't need the latest features.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use such as social media, calls, basic apps
- Travel where a lighter phone is preferred and wireless charging is useful.
- Users who prefer to not have to carry a separate charger.
- Those who need to reverse charge accessories.
- Value: Good performance for day to day activities and decent camera at a reduced price.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Ideal User: Power users who demand the best performance, display quality, camera, and latest software.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography with advanced features.
- Mobile gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks.
- Outdoor use, where the high brightness display is essential.
- Those who desire long-term software support and access to new features.
- Those who desire many storage options.
- Value: Premium performance and features for users who require the best.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- How important is display quality? If you prioritize sharpness and outdoor visibility, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is superior.
- Do you need the best camera possible? The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers dramatically better photo quality and features.
- Is performance a high priority? The Pixel 9 Pro XL is significantly faster and more responsive, excellent for gaming and multitasking.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Budget-Conscious User: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a good choice if cost is a major factor but the Pixel 9 Pro XL is much better for the price and value.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's camera will be a better experience with better photos.
- Performance Seeker: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the better choice with its advanced features.
- Everyday User: The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the better choice due to overall better value, performance, camera, and software.
Personal Choice
I would choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The significant improvements in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and software, coupled with the additional storage options outweigh the benefits of a lighter design and telephoto on the Samsung S21+. Although it is heavier, bulkier, and lacks a telephoto + portrait lens, the advancements are worth it. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's enhanced performance and photography prowess align more closely with my requirements and would be a better all round device.
