1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a large screen experience that folds down to a smaller, more pocketable device. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a traditional smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 155.2 × 150.2 × 5.1 mm (Unfolded) | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is taller and thicker, while Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is wider when unfolded, impacting in-hand feel and portability. The Fold is much thinner when unfolded. |
| Weight | 227g | 257g | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended single-handed use and easier to carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 8" | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a much larger screen, better for multitasking, media consumption, and gaming. The Samsung is better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 2076x2152 | Both have very high resolution, resulting in crisp, detailed images, but with minor differences. The difference here is not very noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 373 PPI | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a noticeably sharper display with finer details, a big difference in text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors and better efficiency when using dark mode. The display technology of the Pixel is not specified here. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, improving overall responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's display is much more visible in bright sunlight. The brightness of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is not specified, so we cannot make a comparison of its brightness performance. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold uses a newer chip, offering better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,140,000 | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is significantly faster, offering smoother gaming, snappier app launches, and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a more advanced GPU architecture, likely resulting in better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4650mAh | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life (though this is highly dependent on the efficiency of the chipsets). |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless (15W), Reverse Wireless (9W) | Wireless (7.5W) | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers more versatile wireless charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 48MP f/1.7 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G captures more detailed images in good light, while the wider aperture on the Pixel is slightly better in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP f/2.4 | Not specified | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G provides an additional camera for portrait shots, offering greater versatility. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.2 | 10MP f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G captures more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP f/4.9 | 10.8MP f/3.0 | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold allows more light into the sensor with its wider aperture in this lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Specified | 10.5MP f/2.2 | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP f/2.2 | Not specified | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has an additional macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports 8K video, which is useful for some video creators that want the extra quality and cropping options. Both offer excellent stabilization. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 115 | 141 | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a significantly higher overall score, indicating superior image quality. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 135 | Not Specified | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's Selfie Camera performance was excellent according to DXOMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 21) | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a more recent version of Android and will be supported with upgrades for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold supports a newer standard, offering faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has slightly better Bluetooth, possibly better audio and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC, GNSS | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a broader set of satellite systems, improving location accuracy in more situations. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold supports an eSIM for digital carrier flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 256/512GB | Both offer ample internal storage with similar maximum capacity options. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 16GB | Both have plenty of RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more advanced audio features, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has more microphones for voice calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold's side-mounted sensor is generally more ergonomic and faster. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Pixel Fold has an edge here. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a broader range of sensors for a wider range of functions |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (515 PPI) leads to incredibly crisp visuals.
- Brighter Display: 1500 nits brightness is excellent for outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in bright sunlight.
- More Versatile Charging: Supports faster wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and wired fast charging (although, slightly slower than the Pixel).
- More Camera Versatility: Offers more camera options, including telephoto and macro lenses, as well as the option to shoot in 8k video.
- Advanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio provides an enhanced audio experience for immersive listening.
- Better Selfie Camera Performance: Based on the DXOMark ratings, the selfie camera is much better than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Advantages:
- Larger, Foldable Display: Provides a larger screen for multitasking, productivity, and immersive media consumption, while still being compact.
- Superior Performance: The Google Tensor G4 Chip results in faster performance in everyday use and more demanding tasks, including gaming.
- Better Main Camera Quality: Higher DXOMark Mobile score indicates better overall image quality with wider aperture for better low light performance.
- More Recent Software: Android 14 provides a more up-to-date user experience with longer support for future updates.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility in managing SIMs digitally.
- Wider Camera Lens Options: A dedicated wide angle lens gives users the option to capture more within a frame.
- Broader Range of Sensors: The Pixel comes with additional sensors that offer more functionality.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: This will result in faster and more reliable connections to wireless devices.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Sacrifices the large screen of a foldable for the more traditional form factor. The chipset is older and not as performant, and it has a much lower DXO Mark score for the main camera.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Is heavier and less comfortable to use one-handed due to its width when unfolded, and its display isn't as sharp or bright as the S21 Ultra. The phone is also very expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Value a wide array of cameras and higher zoom capabilities, good selfie performance and detailed images.
- Users Prioritizing Display Quality: Want a sharp, bright screen for content consumption even in direct sunlight.
- Users Who Prioritize Audio: Benefit from the Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio support for an enhanced listening experience.
- Traditional Smartphone Users: Prefer the more traditional smartphone form factor with better ergonomics for single-handed use, and a lighter device that is more comfortable for extended use.
- Users Who Need a Device Right Now: As the phone is older, it will be more readily available at a lower cost.
Ideal User for Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold:
- Productivity-Focused Users: Benefit from the larger, foldable screen for multitasking, document editing, and using multiple apps simultaneously.
- Multi-Media Consumption: Users who love to watch content on their phones will enjoy the larger display.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Desire cutting-edge technology, newer software and a unique foldable design.
- Travelers: Benefit from eSIM support for convenient international travel, and a wide range of GPS/GNSS systems.
- Users Who Want Top Camera Performance: Users that care the most about overall camera performance will be happy with the main camera on the Pixel Fold.
- Users Willing to Pay a Premium: The Pixel Fold will be one of the most expensive phones on the market due to its design.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Excellent for outdoor photography, watching high-resolution content, and single-handed daily tasks, like web browsing.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Ideal for presentations, document editing, gaming, watching movies, and video calls, as well as taking high quality photos in everyday life, and when travelling.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Form Factor Preference: Do you prefer a traditional smartphone or a foldable device?
- Primary Use Case: Will you prioritize photography, productivity, or media consumption?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend, and are you comfortable with an older (cheaper) device or a premium priced newer model?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you value a traditional smartphone experience with excellent display quality and advanced audio, and you are on a budget: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice due to the higher screen sharpness and brightness, audio features, camera versatility, and a lower price tag.
- If you want cutting-edge technology, better performance, the best overall camera quality, the flexibility of a foldable form factor, and have a high budget: The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the best choice due to its large foldable screen, better camera quality (main sensor), more modern chipset, and eSIM support, even if it is more expensive, heavier and less ergonomic.
- If you require a device that can take high quality selfies: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G will be a better choice due to the much better selfie camera performance.
- If you need the best outdoor brightness performance: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G will be a better choice due to the high peak brightness of the screen.
- If you want the best GPS accuracy: The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be a better choice due to its support for more satellite positioning systems.
What I would choose and why!
Based on the information provided, I would choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Here's why:
- Cutting-Edge Technology: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a more modern and innovative approach to smartphone design, and the Tensor G4 is a significantly newer chip that will offer better performance. As a tech enthusiast, I'm drawn to the latest technology, even if it is more expensive.
- Productivity and Multitasking: The foldable display offers a significantly more productive experience for multitasking and content consumption, which is a major factor for my usage patterns. I often use my phone for work, and the wider display is a big benefit.
- Future-Proofing: With a newer chipset, the Pixel Fold is likely to receive software updates for a longer period, ensuring it remains a relevant device for longer.
- Better Main Camera Performance: While the Samsung has more cameras, the overall score given to the Pixel Fold indicates the main sensor will provide great image quality, which is my main priority for day-to-day usage.
- Travel: With the eSIM, I'll have a better experience travelling, without having to swap SIM cards.
- GPS: With better GPS accuracy, I'll be better able to track my location for navigation.
While I recognize the advantages of the Samsung S21 Ultra, particularly its brighter and sharper display, and better selfie camera performance, and the much lower price tag, the form factor and better productivity offered by the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is more appealing to my specific needs and interests. I am willing to pay a premium for the cutting edge technology and improved productivity it offers.
