1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-06-27 | Pixel Fold is significantly newer, likely to have more up-to-date software support and features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Pixel Fold can transform into a larger screen device, offering versatility. S21+ 5G is traditional, potentially more durable. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 139.7 × 158.7 × 5.8 mm | S21+ 5G is taller and thicker but narrower, better for one-handed use. Pixel Fold is wider, bulkier when folded, but much bigger screen unfolded. |
| Weight | 200g | 283g | S21+ 5G is considerably lighter, easier to carry around and use for extended periods. Pixel Fold's weight may cause fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 7.6" | Pixel Fold offers a significantly larger screen, better for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming. S21+ 5G is more compact and pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1840x2208 | Pixel Fold has a much sharper display, offering more detail and clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 378 | Both offer a similar level of sharpness for most normal usage scenarios. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Missing | S21+ 5G uses AMOLED, likely providing better contrast, deeper blacks, and superior power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | Pixel Fold will be more visible in bright sunlight, but both should be adequate. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Both are capable processors, but the Tensor G2 focuses more on AI and machine learning, while the Exynos 2100 is more general-purpose. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 793,800 | Pixel Fold has a slightly higher benchmark score, indicating marginally better performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different GPU configurations will offer differing strengths in specific gaming or graphical tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4821mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, meaning comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Pixel Fold charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse, wireless, no charger box | Non-removable | S21+ 5G offers more flexibility with wireless and reverse charging. Pixel Fold misses out these extra charging conveniences. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8 | 48MP f/1.7 | Pixel Fold has a higher-resolution main sensor, potentially better detail in good light and low light with a wider aperture for better light gathering. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP f/2.0 | Missing | S21+ 5G has a dedicated telephoto camera with higher resolution, enabling better optical zoom and portrait photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/1.9 | S21+ 5G has a higher-resolution selfie camera, while the Pixel Fold’s selfie has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | Missing | 10.8MP f/3.0 | Pixel Fold has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Missing | 10.8MP f/2.2 | Pixel Fold has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more of the scene. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2 | Missing | S21+ 5G has a dedicated wide-angle camera that can also perform macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ 5G offers higher resolution video recording but with limited FPS. Pixel Fold has more standard resolutions with better FPS performance. |
| DxOMark | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Main: 133, Photo: 137, Video: 131 | Pixel Fold offers significantly superior image and video quality according to DxOMark. |
| Features | 8K, Manual, RAW, Night | Face unlock, CDAF, LAF | S21+ 5G offers advanced manual controls and RAW capture. Pixel Fold has additional autofocus enhancements. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 15) | Android 13 (max 14) | Pixel Fold ships with newer software, likely to receive longer software support but with fewer available updates for version upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E, Wi-Fi MiMO | Pixel Fold supports faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks with the 6E standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Pixel Fold has slightly newer Bluetooth technology with better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both offer similar location capabilities. Pixel fold has support for QZSS and Samsung S21+ has GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a). |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality with eSIM for flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Pixel Fold offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | Pixel Fold provides superior multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage, which is a trade-off for both. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise cancel | Stereo Speakers | S21+ 5G provides an enhanced audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Pixel Fold’s side-mounted sensor is likely more convenient and efficient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones offer excellent scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accel, Compass, Gyro, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accel, Compass, Gyro, Magnetometer, Barometer | Pixel fold has additional sensors including Magnetometer. Samsung S21+ has Geomagnetic sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry.
- More established ecosystem: Likely better optimized for its specific software and features.
- Advanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and a noise-canceling microphone provide a more immersive audio experience.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging options.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can be used to wirelessly charge other devices.
- More detailed Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Offers higher quality optical zoom and dedicated portrait shooting.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Provides flexibility for creative photography.
- Manual Focus, RAW and Night Mode Camera Features: Appeals to advanced users and photography enthusiasts.
Google Pixel Fold Advantages:
- Larger Foldable Display: Offers a much more immersive and versatile experience for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming.
- Newer Technology: Released much later with updated hardware.
- Higher Resolution Display: Provides sharper and clearer visuals.
- Brighter Screen: Better visibility outdoors in bright conditions.
- Faster Charging: Charges slightly faster.
- Significantly Better Camera (DxOMark): Achieves higher ratings in photo and video quality.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Wide Angle Lenses: Offers versatile zoom and wide shooting capabilities.
- More RAM: Ensures smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps.
- More internal Storage: Offers greater capacity for apps, media, and files.
- Newer Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth 5.2 offers faster speeds and more efficiency.
- Newer Wifi Standard: Wi-Fi 6E offers faster speeds and lower latency
- Advanced Fingerprint sensor: More convenient and efficient fingerprint scanner.
- Additional Camera features: Includes Face unlock, CDAF and LAF.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ 5G: Lacks the versatile folding form factor of the Pixel Fold and has lower benchmark scores and less storage capacity. Its camera, while good, is outclassed by the Pixel Fold, and is running on older software.
- Pixel Fold: Is bulkier, heavier, and more expensive. It lacks some of the advanced audio and charging features present in S21+. The camera performance is better, but lacks the dedicated wide-angle + macro camera and 8k video recording from the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Those who prefer a traditional, reliable, and lighter smartphone experience, value advanced audio quality, want wireless charging features, like a more complete suite of camera features like macro and night mode, and seek better value.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday phone use, including calls, texting, browsing, and social media.
- Users who enjoy listening to music or podcasts on their phones.
- Travelers who need a reliable device with good battery life.
- Those who want a comprehensive set of camera features, including RAW capture, night mode and macro photography.
Google Pixel Fold:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts who want a cutting-edge foldable device for immersive experiences, prioritize top-tier camera performance, and require ample storage and RAM for multitasking and media. Also appeals to users with budget available to spend on a premium device and require portability for work.
- Use Cases:
- Media consumption like watching movies, TV shows, and gaming on a larger screen.
- Professionals who need a larger screen for work, multitasking, and document viewing.
- Creative users who want the best possible camera for photography and video.
- Users who work in more intensive environments where performance is critical.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
What is more important, portability or screen size?
- If portability and light weight are key, S21+ 5G wins.
- If a large, immersive screen is crucial, Pixel Fold wins.
How important is camera performance?
- For general usage and casual photography, the S21+ 5G is adequate.
- If top-tier photo and video quality are a must, the Pixel Fold is better.
What is your budget?
- S21+ 5G will be much more affordable.
- Pixel Fold is a premium device with a premium price tag.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget Conscious, Everyday User:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. It offers a good balance of features and performance, better audio, and wireless charging.
Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast, Multitasker:
- Recommendation: Google Pixel Fold. Its large display and powerful performance make it ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
Scenario 3: Mobile Photographer:
- Recommendation: Google Pixel Fold. It will provide higher quality images and versatility with dedicated telephoto and wide lenses.
Scenario 4: Tech Enthusiast, Cutting-Edge Tech:
- Recommendation: Google Pixel Fold. For the most cutting edge technology with a better camera system.
My Choice:
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Google Pixel Fold. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a solid phone with a more comfortable form factor for traditional use, the Pixel Fold's larger, high-resolution foldable screen, superior camera performance, better multitasking performance, and newer tech offer a more significant upgrade. As someone who enjoys consuming media, and would like to have a better camera for on-the-go photos, the pixel fold makes a better fit even with the higher price point. While the S21+ 5G offers some additional features like wireless charging, manual camera controls and macro lens, I can live without those features.
