Google Pixel 7 vs Samsung S21: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like navigating a minefield of specs and features. The market is saturated with amazing devices, each vying for your attention and your hard-earned cash. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head battle between two titans: the Google Pixel 7 and the Samsung Galaxy S21.
Both phones boast impressive capabilities, but they cater to different preferences and priorities. The Google Pixel 7 is known for its pure Android experience and exceptional camera prowess, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 offers a vibrant display and a powerhouse of features. This comparison will help you determine which phone best aligns with your needs.
We’ll explore everything from performance and display quality to camera capabilities and battery life. By the end of this comprehensive analysis, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each device, empowering you to make an informed decision. Get ready to discover which phone emerges victorious in this clash of the tech giants!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Google Pixel 7 | Samsung S21 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.3 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Display Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 12MP | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP |
| Front Camera | 10.8MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 4355 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W Wired, Wireless | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| Operating System | Android 13 | Android 11 (Upgradable) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Google Pixel 7: Features a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. Pros include a bright display and good viewing angles; cons might include slightly less peak brightness compared to some competitors.
- Samsung S21: Boasts a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, known for its exceptional brightness, color accuracy, and fluidity. Pros include superior brightness and a faster refresh rate; cons might include a smaller screen size.
- Winner: S21
Processor
- Google Pixel 7: Powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, optimized for machine learning and AI tasks. Pros include improved image processing and on-device features; cons might be slightly less powerful than the latest Snapdragon chips.
- Samsung S21: Equipped with either a Snapdragon 888 (US) or Exynos 2100 (International) processor, both offering flagship-level performance. Pros include powerful performance for gaming and multitasking; cons can vary slightly depending on the specific chip.
- Winner: S21
Camera
- Google Pixel 7: Features a dual-camera system with a 50MP main lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, known for its exceptional image processing and computational photography. Pros include excellent image quality, particularly in low light; cons might include fewer camera features compared to Samsung.
- Samsung S21: Comes with a versatile triple-camera system, including a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lens. Pros include a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities and good overall image quality; cons might include slightly less natural-looking processing compared to the Pixel.
- Winner: Pixel 7
Battery Life
- Google Pixel 7: Offers a battery that typically lasts a full day with moderate use. Pros include good battery optimization; cons might include slightly shorter battery life compared to some larger-battery phones.
- Samsung S21: Battery life is generally good, but can vary depending on usage. Pros include fast charging; cons might be shorter battery life than the Pixel 7 under heavy use.
- Winner: Pixel 7
Software
- Google Pixel 7: Runs on a clean Android experience with guaranteed software updates and exclusive Pixel features. Pros include a smooth, bloatware-free experience and timely updates; cons include a lack of customization options compared to Samsung.
- Samsung S21: Runs on One UI, a feature-rich Android skin with extensive customization options. Pros include a wide array of features and customization; cons include bloatware and potentially slower updates compared to Pixel.
- Winner: Pixel 7
Design
- Google Pixel 7: Features a distinctive design with a camera bar and a sleek, modern aesthetic. Pros include a unique and recognizable design; cons might be the camera bar design which some people dislike.
- Samsung S21: Presents a more traditional design with a contour-cut camera module and premium materials. Pros include a premium feel and a more familiar design; cons include a design that is less unique.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Google Pixel 7: Generally available at a competitive price point, offering excellent value for its features. Pros include affordability; cons might be slightly more expensive than older phones.
- Samsung S21: Initially launched at a higher price, but is now available at a more affordable price. Pros include a more affordable price now; cons might be more expensive than the Pixel 7.
- Winner: Pixel 7
Storage
- Google Pixel 7: Offers options for 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with no microSD card slot for expansion. Pros include sufficient storage for most users; cons include no expandable storage.
- Samsung S21: Offers options for 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with no microSD card slot for expansion. Pros include sufficient storage for most users; cons include no expandable storage.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Camera (Overall) | Google Pixel 7 |
| Display | Samsung S21 |
| Performance | Tie (Dependent on S21 variant) |
| Software Experience | Google Pixel 7 |
| Battery Life | Google Pixel 7 |
| Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones offer 5G connectivity, ensuring fast data speeds and improved network performance. This allows users to stream content, download files, and browse the web with ease.
- Water Resistance: Both the Pixel 7 and the S21 are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against spills, splashes, and submersion in water. This provides peace of mind in various environments.
- RAM: Both phones come equipped with 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance when running multiple apps simultaneously. This contributes to a fluid user experience.
- Storage Options: Both devices provide storage options of either 128GB or 256GB, allowing users ample space for storing photos, videos, apps, and other files. This caters to different storage needs.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing a convenient and cable-free way to recharge their batteries. This adds flexibility to the charging process.
Google Pixel 7 Vs Samsung S21 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Google Pixel 7 boasts a modern design with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Its signature camera bar gives it a distinctive look, while the aluminum frame provides a premium feel. The Pixel 7 is generally considered more compact and easier to handle with its smaller dimensions. The Samsung S21, on the other hand, features a more traditional design with a contour-cut camera housing. It offers a slightly different feel in hand due to its materials and build. Both phones are water-resistant, but their overall build choices contribute to different user experiences in terms of aesthetics and ergonomics. The choice often comes down to personal preference for modern versus classic designs.
Display Quality and Performance
The Google Pixel 7 features a vibrant OLED display that delivers excellent colors and sharp details, with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. It excels in bright sunlight and offers good overall viewing experience. The Samsung S21 also boasts a stunning AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing even smoother scrolling and animations. Its display is known for its excellent brightness and dynamic range, making it ideal for media consumption. Both phones offer impressive displays, but the S21’s faster refresh rate provides a noticeable edge in terms of responsiveness and fluidity, and brighter screen.
Camera Capabilities
The Google Pixel 7 is renowned for its exceptional camera performance, particularly its image processing capabilities. Google’s computational photography excels in producing stunning photos with accurate colors, dynamic range, and excellent low-light performance. The Samsung S21 also features a versatile camera system with multiple lenses, including ultrawide and telephoto options. It offers a wider range of shooting modes and features, and generally produces photos with vibrant colors and good detail. While the Pixel 7 excels in overall image quality, the S21 offers more flexibility and zoom capabilities.
Processor and Software Experience
The Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, which is optimized for machine learning tasks and provides smooth, responsive performance for everyday use. The Pixel 7 also offers a clean, user-friendly Android experience with timely software updates and exclusive Google features. The Samsung S21, depending on the region, runs on either a Snapdragon or Exynos processor, both offering excellent performance for gaming and multitasking. Samsung’s One UI is feature-rich, providing a highly customizable and intuitive user interface, although it can be more complex compared to the Pixel’s stock Android.
Battery Life and Charging
The Google Pixel 7 offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. It supports fast charging and wireless charging. The Samsung S21 also provides reliable battery performance, although the battery capacity may vary depending on the model. It also supports fast charging and wireless charging, allowing for convenient and quick power replenishment. Both phones deliver sufficient battery life for a typical day, but heavy users might benefit from occasional top-ups. The charging speeds are comparable, offering similar convenience.
Price and Value for Money
The Google Pixel 7 often offers a competitive price point, making it an attractive option for its features and performance. It provides excellent value for its price, especially considering its impressive camera and software experience. The Samsung S21, while having a slightly higher initial price, is often available at discounted prices as it ages. It also provides strong value, particularly if you are seeking a flagship experience with a wider range of features and camera options. The best value often depends on current market pricing and your specific needs and preferences.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Google Pixel 7 If…
- You prioritize a clean and pure Android experience with timely software updates.
- You value exceptional computational photography and image processing capabilities.
- You want a phone with a focus on AI-powered features and Google Assistant integration.
- You prefer a more compact design.
Buy Samsung S21 If…
- You prefer a brighter, more vibrant display.
- You want a phone with a versatile triple-lens camera system.
- You prefer a wider range of hardware customization and feature options.
- You want a phone with faster wired charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in design?
The Pixel 7 sports a modern, minimalist design with a distinct camera bar and aluminum frame. The S21 features a more traditional design with a contour-cut camera. The Pixel is often considered more compact. The S21’s design is known for a premium feel.
Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung S21 has a slight edge due to its 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother scrolling and animations compared to the Pixel 7’s 90Hz. Both phones use excellent OLED displays with vibrant colors, but the S21 offers a more fluid visual experience.
How does the camera performance compare?
The Pixel 7 excels in overall image quality, especially in low-light and computational photography. The S21 offers versatility with multiple lenses and a wide range of shooting modes. The Pixel 7 produces more natural-looking results, while the S21 offers creative options.
Which phone offers better performance?
Both phones provide excellent performance. The Pixel 7’s Tensor G2 chip is optimized for machine learning, while the S21’s Snapdragon or Exynos processors deliver strong performance. The choice depends on your software experience preference.
How’s the battery life and charging?
Both phones offer good battery life, lasting a full day with moderate use. Both support fast charging and wireless charging. Battery capacity is similar. Heavy users may need to charge them more frequently. Charging speeds are comparable.
What about the software experience?
The Pixel 7 offers a clean, stock Android experience with timely updates and exclusive Google features. The S21 features Samsung’s One UI, which is feature-rich and customizable. The Pixel offers a simpler interface compared to the S21, which provides more options.
Which phone is a better value?
The Pixel 7 often provides excellent value due to its competitive price and impressive features. The S21, though initially more expensive, can be found at discounted prices. The best value depends on current market prices and your specific needs and priorities.
Final Verdict
Both the Google Pixel 7 and Samsung S21 are excellent smartphones. The Pixel 7 excels in camera performance and offers a clean Android experience. The S21 boasts a superior display and versatile camera system. The choice depends on your priorities, with the Pixel 7 appealing to photography enthusiasts and the S21 offering a more feature-rich experience.
Winner: Google Pixel 7