Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, is Samsung's 'Fan Edition' smartphone, offering a blend of flagship features at a more accessible point. In contrast, the Google Pixel 8 Pro, launched in October 2023, represents Google's top-tier offering, focusing heavily on advanced computational photography, artificial intelligence capabilities, and extended software support. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they offer distinct experiences driven by their respective manufacturers' philosophies.

When considering longevity, the Pixel 8 Pro offers significantly longer software support, while the Galaxy S21 FE provides a respectable, though shorter, update commitment.

• Software Update Policy: The Pixel 8 Pro is notable for Google's commitment to seven years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops, extending its software lifespan until 2030. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released earlier, offers four years of Android OS updates (up to Android 16) and five years of security updates.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest Android features and security patches for the longest possible duration will find the Pixel 8 Pro more aligned with their needs. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, while still supported, will reach its end of official OS updates sooner.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally scores well for repairability with some components being easy to replace, such as the plastic back cover which is easier to remove than glass. The Pixel 8 Pro's repairability is moderate; while display repairs are prioritized, accessing the battery can be challenging due to strong adhesive.

The Pixel 8 Pro features a more advanced and powerful processor, leading to a smoother and more efficient user experience, particularly with demanding tasks, compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.

• Processor Capabilities: The Pixel 8 Pro is powered by Google's Tensor G3 chip, which is a newer and more capable processor, excelling in AI and machine learning tasks and offering very quick and smooth daily operations. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically uses the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chipset, which were flagship-level processors at its release, capable of handling demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, though it may run warm under light usage for some users.
• Overall System Responsiveness and RAM: The Pixel 8 Pro generally provides a fluid user interface, with 12GB of RAM ensuring smooth multitasking. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G usually comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most daily activities, but the Pixel 8 Pro offers more headroom for intense multitasking and future applications.
• Battery Behavior: The Pixel 8 Pro, with its 5050 mAh battery, generally offers good all-day battery life, particularly on Wi-Fi. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, and while some users report decent battery life for moderate use, heavy gaming or intensive tasks can drain it quickly, sometimes leading to more frequent charging.

Both devices offer high-quality AMOLED displays, but the Pixel 8 Pro features a larger, brighter, and more advanced panel with a wider adaptive refresh rate range.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a 6.7-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display with a QHD+ resolution (2992 x 1344 pixels), offering exceptional clarity and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), which also delivers excellent visuals and color accuracy.
• Brightness Levels: The Pixel 8 Pro's screen can reach a peak brightness of up to 2400 nits, making it very visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a peak brightness of up to 1200 nits, which is sufficient for most outdoor use cases.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Pixel 8 Pro features an adaptive refresh rate that dynamically adjusts from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing smoothness and power efficiency. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to fluid scrolling and a responsive touch experience.

The Pixel 8 Pro excels in computational photography and offers a more versatile and higher-resolution camera system, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a capable camera setup for everyday photography.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Pixel 8 Pro features a sophisticated triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens with autofocus, and a 48MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Low-Light and Everyday Photography: The Pixel 8 Pro is highly praised for its exceptional camera quality, particularly in low-light conditions and with its advanced computational photography features, capturing detailed and clear photos. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G delivers good camera performance for everyday photos and videos, though some users note inconsistent color profiles between its ultrawide and main sensors.
• Video Recording Quality: Both phones are capable of recording high-quality video. The Pixel 8 Pro offers world-class video capabilities, though some user reviews suggest video stabilization might not always be perfectly smooth. The Galaxy S21 FE supports 4K at 30fps on all cameras and 60fps on the main wide camera, with optical image stabilization (OIS) on the wide and telephoto lenses.