Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-10-13 | Pixel 7 Pro is significantly newer, meaning it generally has newer technology and longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller (2.2mm), Pixel 7 Pro is slightly wider (1mm). Both are equally thick. May impact one-handed use slightly. |
| Weight | 227g | 212g | Pixel 7 Pro is lighter making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in size. Both offer large screen experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1440x3120 | Both offer very sharp visuals. Minor difference is unlikely to be noticeable to the naked eye. |
| PPI | 515 | 512 | Both displays have extremely high pixel density, resulting in exceptionally sharp text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1500 nits | Both offer excellent visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Different chipsets, resulting in varied performance profiles. Tensor G2 is optimized for Google's AI and machine learning capabilities, offering features like enhanced voice recognition and image processing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 831,716 | Pixel 7 Pro generally performs slightly better in benchmarks suggesting better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different GPU configurations, affecting gaming performance. The impact varies based on the specific game. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Identical battery capacity. Both offer all-day battery life for moderate users. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 23W fast, 23W Wireless charging | S21 Ultra has marginally faster wired charging, but Pixel 7 Pro has faster wireless charging and includes it. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, 15W wireless, 9W reverse wireless, No charger in-box | Reverse charging, 23W wireless, Reverse wireless charge, No charger in-box | Pixel 7 Pro has faster wireless charging, but S21 Ultra has reverse wireless charging. Neither includes in-box charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 108MP f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP f/1.85, 1/1.31" | S21 Ultra has much higher resolution, but Pixel 7 Pro has a slightly larger sensor, possibly capturing more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto camera for portraits. Pixel 7 Pro will use it's main sensor to simulate this. |
| Selfie | 44MP f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 10.8MP f/2.2, 1/2.65" | S21 Ultra has significantly higher selfie resolution, but the Pixel 7 Pro's larger sensor pixel size captures more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP f/4.9, 1/2.65" | 48MP f/3.5, 1/2" | Pixel 7 Pro's telephoto has a much higher resolution, larger sensor and wider aperture, which should perform much better in zoom range. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12MP f/2.2, 1/2.3" | Pixel 7 Pro has dedicated ultrawide for taking scenic shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated ultrawide with macro capability |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 4K@60fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | S21 Ultra can record in 8k, but both record in 4K/60 with stabilization features. Pixel has OIS where S21 Ultra has EIS. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 115 | 147 | Pixel 7 Pro has significantly better camera performance, especially in video. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 135 | 142 | Pixel 7 Pro has a slightly better selfie performance, particularly in video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | Pixel 7 Pro offers a newer OS out-of-the-box, but slightly shorter support cycle. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | S21 Ultra has MIMO for more stable WiFi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, multiple profiles | 5.2, LDAC, AAC | S21 Ultra has more Bluetooth profiles. Pixel 7 Pro has LDAC and AAC for higher-quality audio. |
| GPS | L1+L5 bands | L1 band | S21 Ultra has better GPS support for more accurate location. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 7 Pro has the benefit of eSIM, allowing for easy switching of carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | Both offer the same storage options; not expandable. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 12GB | S21 Ultra provides 16GB of RAM option, ideal for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage, limiting storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | S21 Ultra offers Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio. Pixel 7 Pro has 3 mics. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both utilize a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones offer similar levels of screen scratch resistance with Victus glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | S21 Ultra has Hall, Geomagnetic while Pixel 7 Pro has Magnetometer. Both offer a comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: 108MP sensor for detailed photos.
- Dedicated Telephoto + Portrait Lens: Provides an additional lens for portrait photography.
- Higher Selfie Camera Resolution: 44MP for sharper selfies.
- Wider Range GPS: Offers better location accuracy in challenging areas due to L1+L5 bands.
- 16GB RAM Option: Provides a smoother experience when multitasking.
- Dolby Atmos & Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality for audiophiles.
- Reverse wireless charging 9W: Allows for charging other devices wirelessly at 9W
- MIMO Wi-Fi: Stable WiFi connection for areas with poor signal.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Chipset (Tensor G2): Optimized for AI tasks and Google's ecosystem, resulting in superior camera image processing and speech recognition.
- Superior Camera Performance: Significantly higher DXOMark scores in all categories suggest better overall image and video quality.
- Improved Telephoto Lens: Better zoom performance with the 48MP telephoto and wider aperture.
- Dedicated Wide Angle Lens: Allows for a much wider field of view, which the S21 Ultra lacks without its macro option.
- Faster Wireless Charging: 23W wireless charging for quicker top-ups.
- eSIM Support: Easier to switch between carriers digitally.
- Newer OS out of the box: Starts with Android 13 with guaranteed updates.
- More Advanced GPS: Improved Location services with QZSS
Practical Implications:
- Camera: The Pixel 7 Pro has a superior camera system with better image processing, especially in low light and with video. The S21 Ultra offers a high resolution primary sensor for detailed pictures but suffers on video.
- Performance: The Pixel 7 Pro has a more modern chipset that is optimized for Google services, but S21 Ultra may have better multitasking with 16GB RAM.
- Software: The Pixel 7 Pro gets updates faster and has a cleaner interface, but S21 Ultra is upgradable to Android 15.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- S21 Ultra: Older phone, less advanced image processing and generally weaker camera system, slower wireless charging.
- Pixel 7 Pro: No dedicated telephoto portrait camera, No dedicated macro lens, slightly shorter software update support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value the flexibility of having multiple dedicated camera sensors and high megapixel count, particularly for selfies.
- Multitaskers: The 16 GB of RAM will allow for smooth multitasking and heavy applications.
- Audiophiles: Who value Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio.
- Users who require precise Location: The dual GPS band will be able to locate you more accurately in challenging signal areas.
- Users seeking specific telephoto for portrait photography: The dedicated telephoto camera allows for portraits.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography needs.
- Heavy multitasking.
- High-quality audio recording and listening experience.
Ideal User for Google Pixel 7 Pro:
- AI/Machine Learning Enthusiasts: Benefit from the Tensor G2 chip's AI optimizations.
- General photography and videography: Users who want best camera performance in diverse conditions.
- Travelers: Need quick wireless charging and the flexibility of an eSIM to easily switch carriers.
- Those seeking a clean, fast Android experience: Value Google's software optimization and updates.
Use Cases:
- AI-enhanced experiences like speech recognition.
- Superior image and video quality and convenience.
- Easy carrier switching.
- Smooth experience with Google's services.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra is now available at a lower price, making it more cost-effective for those not needing the latest tech.
- The Pixel 7 Pro is more expensive but offers better performance and a more modern experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality? Pixel 7 Pro offers a better experience, but the S21 Ultra offers a high resolution primary camera, additional lens for portraits and a high resolution selfie camera.
- Do you prefer stock Android or Samsung's One UI? Pixel offers a cleaner Android interface while Samsung offers more customizations.
- What type of audio quality do you prefer? S21 Ultra offers Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio, and Pixel 7 Pro has 3 microphones for voice calls.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious user: The S21 Ultra provides a good value if you are looking for the extra lenses at a lower price point.
- Heavy camera user: The Pixel 7 Pro will excel with its modern image processing and multiple lenses.
- AI-focused user: The Pixel 7 Pro will be more beneficial due to its Tensor G2 chip.
- User looking for more accurate GPS: The S21 Ultra offers more location services bands.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would pick the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Here's why:
- Superior Camera: While the S21 Ultra has high-resolution sensors, the Pixel 7 Pro excels in real-world image quality, particularly in video and low light. The processing of images with the Tensor G2 is unmatched.
- Modern Experience: The Tensor G2 chipset provides a more modern and responsive experience, optimized for Google's ecosystem, and a longer software support cycle.
- Clean Android: I prefer a cleaner, stock Android experience, which the Pixel series provides.
- eSIM: The flexibility of being able to quickly change carriers.
- Better Telephoto Lens: The Pixel 7 Pro offers a superior experience when zooming with its 48MP Telephoto lens.
- Faster Wireless Charging: I find the faster 23W wireless charging convenient.
While the S21 Ultra has advantages like higher RAM and better audio options, the Pixel 7 Pro's overall package, especially its superior camera and modern software, aligns better with my priorities.
