1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 150.5 × 70.8 × 8.9 mm | The S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, making it less pocketable and potentially harder to use one-handed. The Pixel 8 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 187g | The Pixel 8 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The S21 Ultra can feel hefty over time. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone builds, not foldable. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.2" | The S21 Ultra's larger screen is better for media consumption and multitasking, while the Pixel 8's smaller size is more convenient for daily use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The S21 Ultra has a much sharper display, with higher detail and text clarity, making it better for viewing high-res content. |
| PPI | 515 | 428 | The S21 Ultra's higher pixel density provides a noticeably sharper image, making text and images look crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent colors and contrast; differences in practical terms are minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, with no practical difference in refresh rate |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | The Pixel 8's higher brightness is significantly better for outdoor use, providing better visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | The Pixel 8's newer chip provides faster performance and is more power-efficient, resulting in smoother overall usage and better battery optimization. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 876,512 | The Pixel 8 shows a noticeable performance gain in benchmarks, offering smoother daily operation and better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | The Pixel 8's GPU provides better graphics performance, particularly for newer games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP (f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.80µm) | 50MP (f/1.69, 1/1.31", 1.20µm) | While the S21 Ultra has a higher resolution, the Pixel 8's larger pixels and wider aperture capture more light and result in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP (f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm) | N/A | The S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed portraits. The Pixel 8 does not offer a dedicated portrait camera in this category. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP (f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm) | 10.8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.65", 1.22µm) | The S21 Ultra has a much higher megapixel count, but the Pixel 8 has larger pixels for potentially better low-light self-portraits. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP (f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm) | N/A | The S21 Ultra provides an additional telephoto lens for far-distance photography; the Pixel 8 lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm) | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.9", 0.80µm) | The S21 Ultra's larger sensor in its wide-angle lens captures more light and detail; the Pixel 8 wide angle sensor has a smaller pixel size. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | The S21 Ultra offers higher resolution video recording, while the Pixel 8 has OIS for steadier videos. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 115 | 148 | The Pixel 8 significantly outperforms the S21 Ultra in camera performance according to DxOMark. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 135 | Not tested | Only the S21 Ultra has been tested for the Selfie camera by DxOMark. |
| Features | Quadruple Camera, Optical zoom, Laser AF | Dual camera, LAF, NPU AI Engine | S21 has more zoom options; Pixel 8 has better AI-driven features and noise reduction. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4575mAh | The S21 Ultra has a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | The Pixel 8 charges marginally faster, reducing downtime when the battery is low. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging, No charger in-box | Reverse charging | The S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging options; The Pixel 8 has no wireless charging. |
Software and Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 21) | Pixel 8 has the latest Android, and will receive more updates and features. S21 Ultra will get fewer future updates, but still usable for most users. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | The Pixel 8 offers newer WiFi for faster speeds, especially in busy environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | The Pixel 8 uses a newer, more power-efficient bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS, GLONASS (L1) | Both offer good GPS performance, but the Pixel 8 supports more satellite systems for potentially better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Both support dual SIM; Pixel 8 offers eSIM functionality, which allows for more flexibility with carriers. |
| Internal Storage | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512GB | 128 GB, 256 GB | The S21 Ultra has a greater maximum storage option for users with extensive media. |
| RAM | 12 GB, 16 GB | 8 GB | The S21 Ultra has more RAM for smoother multitasking and running memory-intensive apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | 3 microphones | S21 Ultra has better audio options, but both offer stereo sound; The Pixel 8 has an additional microphone. |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have similar levels of scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | Compass, Hall, Geomagnetic | Thermometer, Magnetometer | Both phones offer a comprehensive suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: Ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and viewing detailed content.
- Higher Camera Resolution: Offers more detail in standard photos, and features a more advanced zoom array.
- Versatile Camera System: Boasts dedicated telephoto lenses, and offers more zoom options, and higher resolution video capture.
- More RAM: Provides smoother multitasking and better performance when running multiple apps.
- Greater Storage Options: Up to 512GB, useful for storing large libraries of media.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities for convenience.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Features Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, offering better audio quality.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is better suited for users who prioritize a large, high-resolution display, versatile zoom, heavy multitasking, or need ample storage and wireless charging.
Google Pixel 8 Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and more pocketable, offering improved ergonomics.
- Brighter Display: Superior visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- Newer, More Powerful Chipset: Faster processing, better energy efficiency, and improved overall performance.
- Superior Camera Image Quality: Offers better low-light performance, better image processing, and superior DxOMark scores.
- Newer Android Version and Updates: Provides more software updates and features.
- Faster Charging: Marginally faster charging reduces downtime.
- Latest Connectivity: Features Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, providing the best possible wireless connection speeds and effiency.
Practical Implications: The Pixel 8 is ideal for users who value a compact, easy-to-use phone with a superior camera, excellent performance, and long-term software support.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- S21 Ultra: Larger size and weight, older chipset, lower camera scores.
- Pixel 8: Smaller screen, lower resolution display, basic camera zoom system, lacks wireless charging, less RAM, less storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who watch a lot of videos and prefer larger, high-resolution screens.
- Photography Buffs: Users who want a versatile camera system with multiple lenses and zoom capabilities.
- Power Users: Those who need to multitask heavily and run demanding applications.
- Users Needing Lots of Storage: Need ample storage for photos, videos, and apps.
- Wireless Charging Users: People who want wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching high-resolution movies and TV shows.
- Taking photos at varying distances using the different lenses, and editing them.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously, such as video editing or gaming.
- Storing large amounts of data, such as raw photos and videos.
- Charging wirelessly.
Google Pixel 8 Ideal Users:
- Casual Photographers: Those who value point-and-shoot simplicity and superior image quality.
- Everyday Users: People who want a comfortable, easy-to-handle phone for daily tasks.
- Software and Update Focused Users: Users who prioritize having the latest Android version with long-term support.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright screen for outdoor visibility.
- Power Efficiency Users: Those who require the latest generation of power efficiency.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking high-quality photos in various conditions, especially in low light.
- Using the phone comfortably for extended periods.
- Using the phone outside in sunny environments.
- Using the phone with the latest android version, ensuring they have access to security patches, and the newest features for a longer period.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung S21 Ultra 5G: It is older and may be more affordable now, making it a good value for users who want a high-end display and versatile cameras on a budget.
- Google Pixel 8: More expensive, but offers the latest software and better camera scores, making it a good value for those seeking superior performance and software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Display Preference: Do you prefer a larger, higher-resolution screen or a more compact and brighter one?
- Camera Needs: Do you value versatile zoom capabilities or superior image quality in various conditions?
- Performance Requirements: Do you need top-tier performance and long-term software support or is older generation of power adequate for your needs?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Multimedia & Gaming): If you watch lots of videos and play demanding games, the S21 Ultra's larger, higher-resolution display and greater RAM make it a better fit.
- Scenario 2 (Photography & Daily Use): If you prioritize excellent camera quality and an easy-to-use phone for daily tasks, the Pixel 8 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Budget & Balance): If you want a high-end experience on a budget, the S21 Ultra is more cost effective; for those who value the latest technology, the Pixel 8 justifies the extra cost.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Google Pixel 8.
Reasons:
Superior Camera Performance: As someone who takes a lot of photos and videos in varying conditions, the Pixel 8's superior low-light performance, processing, and overall DxOMark scores are highly appealing. The Pixel 8's simplicity also aligns with my preference for a reliable point-and-shoot experience.
Compact and Ergonomic Design: I value having a phone that is comfortable to hold and easy to use one-handed. The Pixel 8's smaller size and lighter weight make it a better choice for me.
Latest Software and Long-Term Support: I prefer having the latest Android version and the assurance of continued updates and features.
Latest Connectivity: It is beneficial to have the latest connectivity standards to get the best wireless speeds and battery efficiency.
While the S21 Ultra has a bigger display and some features I might use, such as more RAM, versatile zoom, and wireless charging, the Pixel 8 better aligns with my priorities of camera quality, ergonomics, software support, and updated connectivity. It makes sense for me to prioritize usability and overall experience over the extra features of the S21 Ultra, which is now an older device.
