Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Google Pixel 7 Pro

Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:159.00

Versus €829.91 new

See options
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:201.00

Versus €640.98 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, are both Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S21 FE aims to deliver a balance of popular features from its flagship series, the Pixel 7 Pro emphasizes advanced computational photography and a streamlined Android experience. Both devices run on the Android operating system, with the Pixel 7 Pro typically receiving software updates directly from Google.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and ease of repair.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it slightly older than the Google Pixel 7 Pro, which launched in October 2022. This difference in release date can impact the duration of future software support.
  • Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 7 Pro is guaranteed to receive five years of software support, including OS updates and security updates, from its release date. This means OS updates until October 2025 and security updates until October 2027. Samsung typically offers four years of OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices, which would apply to the S21 FE.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE is considered fairly easy to repair for many components, though battery removal can be challenging due to strong adhesive. The Pixel 7 Pro received a repairability score of 5.5 out of 10 in some assessments, with screen replacements being relatively easy but battery removal and charging port replacement posing difficulties.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones are equipped with capable processors designed to handle daily tasks and more demanding applications, though their approaches to performance differ.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, powered by a current-generation processor at its release, handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly. The Pixel 7 Pro, featuring Google's custom-designed processor, is optimized for AI-driven tasks and offers a fluid user experience, particularly with Google's ecosystem.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Pixel 7 Pro offers more generous options, with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage configurations up to 512GB, providing more headroom for extensive multitasking and storing large files.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for most users. The Pixel 7 Pro features a larger 5000 mAh battery. However, some users report that its battery life can be inconsistent, especially with heavy camera use or high brightness settings, sometimes requiring more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is a key consideration, with each offering a high-quality display tailored to different preferences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 7 Pro sports a larger 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED screen, which can dynamically adjust its refresh rate for efficiency.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing clear and sharp visuals for everyday content. The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a higher Quad HD+ resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, resulting in a higher pixel density and potentially finer detail, particularly noticeable with high-resolution media.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Pixel 7 Pro's display can reach higher peak brightness levels, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems, but they excel in different areas, catering to varying photography needs.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a triple camera setup with a 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 7 Pro also features a triple camera system, comprising a 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G delivers good daytime photos with vibrant colors, though its low-light performance can show more noise. The Pixel 7 Pro is widely recognized for its exceptional computational photography, producing detailed and well-exposed images across various lighting conditions, with particularly strong low-light capabilities and impressive zoom performance.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both devices support 4K video recording at 60fps. The Pixel 7 Pro has seen significant improvements in video performance compared to its predecessors, offering steady footage and various new video features.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features and design elements differentiate these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Pixel 7 Pro support 5G connectivity and modern Wi-Fi standards. The Pixel 7 Pro uses a USB-C 3.2 port, while the S21 FE 5G uses USB-C 3.2. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Security: Both phones feature an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Pixel 7 Pro also offers face recognition for convenience.
  • Build Materials and Dimensions: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), an aluminum frame, and a plastic back, contributing to a lighter feel. It measures 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm and weighs 177g. The Pixel 7 Pro features a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus) with an aluminum frame, giving it a more premium feel. It is slightly larger and heavier at 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm and 212g. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Weight

177 g

212 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G often praises its balanced feature set, vibrant display, and reliable performance for everyday use. Common criticisms sometimes point to its battery life being merely adequate for heavy users and its camera performance, while good, not always matching the absolute best in low-light conditions. The Google Pixel 7 Pro, on the other hand, frequently receives acclaim for its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its computational photography features and zoom, as well as its clean Android experience and AI-driven functionalities. Some users have noted that its battery life can be inconsistent, especially with intensive use, and its repairability is not always straightforward.

Users prioritizing a well-rounded device with a vibrant display and a familiar Android interface may find the Galaxy S21 FE 5G well-suited to their needs. It offers a solid experience for general use, social media, and casual photography. Conversely, individuals who place a high premium on photography, especially in challenging lighting, and desire the latest AI features and a pure Google software experience, will likely lean towards the Pixel 7 Pro. Its advanced camera system and direct software updates make it a compelling choice for mobile photography enthusiasts and those who appreciate Google's unique software integrations. Both devices represent strong options in the smartphone market, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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