1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 152.8 × 72 × 8.5 mm | The Pixel 9 Pro is smaller and easier to handle one-handed. The S21 Ultra is bulkier, which may feel less comfortable for some users. |
| Weight | 227g | 199g | Pixel 9 Pro is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.3" | S21 Ultra offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption and multitasking, while Pixel 9 Pro is more compact for those preferring smaller devices. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1280x2856 | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution, resulting in sharper visuals. The Pixel 9 Pro still offers a very crisp display but not quite as detailed. |
| PPI | 515 | 495 | S21 Ultra has a marginally higher pixel density, leading to slightly sharper text and images, though likely not discernible to the average user. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color accuracy, deep blacks, and high contrast. The difference in technology is practically negligible for the user experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. Identical refresh rates mean a similar visual experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 3000 nits | Pixel 9 Pro has significantly better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight, making it much easier to use in bright conditions compared to the S21 Ultra. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G4 is newer and more efficient, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. S21 Ultra’s performance will still be good for most users, though noticeably behind Pixel 9 Pro. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,148,512 | Pixel 9 Pro has significantly better performance, making it better for demanding tasks and games. The S21 Ultra is less powerful but still capable of handling most daily tasks without issue. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G715 MC7 (Mali-G715) | Pixel 9 Pro’s newer GPU will generally offer better graphics performance in games and apps. The exact practical implications will vary by application and benchmark, but Pixel 9 Pro holds an advantage. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3", 1.2µm | Pixel 9 Pro has a larger sensor and larger pixels, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range, even with the lower resolution. S21 Ultra boasts a very high-resolution sensor for detail in good lighting. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Not available | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens for optical zoom and portrait shots. Pixel 9 Pro lacks this lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm | 42MP, f/2.2, sensor and pixel size unspecified | S21 Ultra has a slightly higher resolution, but without sensor or pixel size information for Pixel, a complete comparison cannot be made. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | 48MP, f/2.8, sensor and pixel size unspecified | Pixel 9 Pro has a much higher resolution and wider aperture, providing better zoom capabilities and performance in lower light. The exact sensor size is not available, limiting the analysis further |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 48MP, f/1.7, sensor and pixel size unspecified | Pixel 9 Pro has significantly higher resolution and wider aperture, allowing for better wide-angle shots and macro images. The exact sensor and pixel sizes of Pixel are unavailable for a complete analysis. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo sound, Slow-motion 960fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS, Slow-motion 240fps | Both are excellent for video recording, but the Pixel 9 Pro has OIS on all modes for better stability and 30fps for 8K. Pixel 9 Pro is better for smooth video, particularly in dynamic scenes. |
| DXoMark | Mobile: 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100), Selfie: 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | Not available | S21 Ultra has established and benchmarked image quality while the Pixel 9 Pro's is yet to be fully tested, but the hardware suggests excellent quality on the Pixel. |
| Features | Quadruple Camera, Laser AF, etc. | Triple Camera, Flicker sensor, Noise reduction, Pro Video Mode, NPU AI Engine, Laser AF, etc. | S21 Ultra has a dedicated laser autofocus, while the Pixel 9 Pro has a more advanced sensor suite for photos and videos, advanced AI features and better noise reduction. The S21 Ultra has the advantage of a quadruple camera setup. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly better battery life. However, real-world battery performance can depend on usage patterns and other factors. |
| Charging | 25W | 27W | Pixel 9 Pro charges slightly faster, potentially reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless | 21W Wireless | Pixel 9 Pro has a faster wireless charging speed than S21 Ultra. Both phones provide reverse charging functionality. The S21 Ultra has lower reverse wireless charging speeds. The Pixel 9 Pro does not come with a charger in the box. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 14 (up to 21) | Pixel 9 Pro has a newer OS, offering the latest features and security updates with more guaranteed OS updates. The S21 Ultra still has some years of support but will eventually stop getting updates. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Pixel 9 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, potentially offering faster and more reliable connections in compatible networks. The S21 Ultra uses slightly older, still capable Wi-Fi 6 technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Pixel 9 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth, possibly offering better energy efficiency and data transfer rates with compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | QZSS, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSS | The Pixel 9 Pro supports more satellite navigation systems, potentially resulting in faster and more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | The Pixel 9 Pro offers an eSIM option for easier carrier switching. The S21 Ultra allows two physical SIM cards to be used. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512/1024GB | Pixel 9 Pro has a larger max storage option of 1TB. Both have multiple storage capacities to suit the user's needs. Both have no expandable storage |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 16GB | The Pixel 9 Pro has a fixed higher RAM for better multitasking and performance |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | 3 Microphones | S21 Ultra has a richer audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for a more immersive listening experience. The Pixel 9 Pro provides clear audio for calls with 3 microphones |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have the same basic fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 9 Pro has the newer Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for more robust protection of its display. |
| Sensors | Compass, Hall, Geomagnetic | Thermometer, Magnetometer | Each phone has a different array of sensors for better functionality based on their software and user base. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: Ideal for users who prefer a bigger screen for media consumption, gaming, or multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper visuals due to more pixels.
- Dedicated Telephoto + Portrait Lens: Offers additional optical zoom for photography and good portrait mode capabilities.
- Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos: Provides a better listening experience for users with higher quality audio peripherals.
- 9W Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly at a faster rate.
- Multiple physical SIM cards: Allows for easier physical SIM switching.
- DXoMark scores: Gives a benchmarked quality score for photo and video quality.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra excels for users who enjoy a big screen, high resolution, and have more options for photographers who want more lens options.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: The Google Tensor G4 offers better overall performance, especially in AI-related tasks.
- Significantly Higher Brightness: Superior visibility in direct sunlight, making it more usable in bright conditions.
- Faster Wireless Charging: Charges wirelessly at a faster rate and has a more efficient battery.
- Newer Operating System: Android 14 offers the latest software features and security updates.
- Advanced Camera Features: Better performance on the wide angle, standard and telephoto lens with larger sensors and pixel size.
- More efficient and faster wireless charging: Offers better convenience with wireless charging technology
- Latest Bluetooth and WiFi: offers newer technologies for better connectivity
- eSIM option: Supports eSIM for ease of carrier switching.
- 1TB Storage Option: Highest storage capacity for users who need more space.
- Lighter and More Compact Design: Easier to handle and carry around.
- Advanced Sensor Suite: Thermometer and other sensors for a more advanced array of applications.
Practical Implications: The Pixel 9 Pro is better for users who value a compact device, better overall performance, better camera system in low light, and want the latest software features and connectivity standards.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra sacrifices size, weight, and performance for a larger screen, dedicated telephoto lens, and high resolution.
- The Pixel 9 Pro sacrifices a telephoto portrait lens and higher resolution display for a more compact form, better performance, better display brightness, and better camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiast: Enjoys watching videos, movies, and playing games on a large display with high resolution.
- Photography Enthusiast: Wants a versatile camera system with a wide range of zoom capabilities.
- Multitasker: Values a larger screen for running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Power User: Likes to customize their phone’s features.
- Users who prefer more lens options: Users who prefer the versatility of a dedicated portrait telephoto lens.
- Users with high quality audio peripherals: Benefits from Hi-Res audio and Dolby Atmos, which would be a great feature for users with higher quality audio devices.
- Users who prefer the ease of physical SIM cards: Users who prefer physical SIM cards for travel or for multiple network carriers.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows
- Playing graphically intensive games
- Editing photos and videos
- Using multiple apps side-by-side
- Taking photos with a wide variety of zoom options and portrait effects.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance Seeker: Wants the best performance for demanding tasks and games.
- On-the-Go User: Values a lightweight and compact design for comfortable carrying.
- Photography Fan: Appreciates excellent low-light performance and advanced camera features.
- Software Purist: Prefers a clean Android experience with the latest updates.
- Outdoor User: Needs a bright display for viewing under direct sunlight.
- Users who prefer better image quality: Benefits from a better sensor with larger pixel size for better low light image capabilities.
- Users who value connectivity: Value better and faster network connectivity options.
- Users who prefer eSIM technology: Users who prefer eSIM for ease of carrier switching.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing demanding games
- Taking photos in low-light conditions
- Using the phone in direct sunlight
- Using the latest software features
- Switching networks with ease.
- Recording professional-quality video
Price-to-Value:
- The S21 Ultra is an older phone, and it’s price will reflect the older technology, it still however holds value for the right user.
- The Pixel 9 Pro is a newer phone, and will have a higher price tag, but will also offer the latest technologies and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my priority: screen size or portability? If a large screen is essential, the S21 Ultra is better. If portability is key, the Pixel 9 Pro is the better choice.
- How important is performance and software updates? If you want the best performance and the latest software, the Pixel 9 Pro is the clear winner.
- How much do I value camera versatility vs low light image quality? If you want telephoto lens options and high resolution, the S21 Ultra is better. If you want the best low light performance, the Pixel 9 Pro is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: The Pixel 9 Pro is a more practical choice due to its better performance, and more compact design.
- For the Professional Photographer: S21 Ultra provides a more versatile lens setup, but Pixel 9 Pro has a more advanced sensor suite.
- For the Gamer: The Pixel 9 Pro's superior processor and GPU makes it a better performer, but S21 Ultra's bigger screen might provide a more immersive experience for some.
- For the Media Consumer: The S21 Ultra's larger display and Dolby Atmos audio make it better for content consumption.
- For the Outdoor User: Pixel 9 Pro's screen will be more usable under direct sunlight due to its higher brightness.
- For the Travel User: The Pixel 9 Pro's eSIM support is more versatile for switching networks.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro.
Reasons:
- Performance: The newer Google Tensor G4 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage, which is important for my heavy usage and multitasking needs.
- Camera Quality: I prefer the better low-light camera capabilities of the Pixel 9 Pro, and the larger pixel size offers better image quality. I do not need the versatile telephoto lens that the S21 offers.
- Software: The Pixel 9 Pro ships with the latest Android version and will receive updates for a longer period, which is important for security and new features.
- Portability: As someone who prefers to use their phone one handed, the smaller form factor and lighter weight of the Pixel 9 Pro is more comfortable for daily use.
- Connectivity: As a user who travels often, the newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards will provide a better and more reliable connection, and the eSIM functionality makes switching between networks much easier.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a better screen size and lens setup, the Google Pixel 9 Pro's better performance, more modern software and camera quality are more essential to me. I value these aspects of a smartphone experience over a slightly larger screen.
