S21 Ultra vs Pixel 7 Pro: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options available. If you’re torn between two of the best, you’re in the right place. We’re diving deep into a head-to-head battle to help you decide which phone deserves a spot in your pocket.
Today, we’re pitting the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra against the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Both phones boast impressive features and top-of-the-line performance, but they cater to different user preferences. This comparison will break down everything you need to know.
From camera capabilities and display quality to processing power and battery life, we’ll cover it all. Get ready to explore the nuances of each device and discover which one best suits your needs. Let’s find out which phone takes the crown in the epic showdown of s21 ultra vs pixel 7 pro!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s21 ultra | pixel 7 pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.8 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels | 1440 x 3120 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 | Google Tensor G2 |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 108MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP | 50MP + 12MP + 48MP |
| Front Camera | 40MP | 10.8MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless | 23W Wired, 23W Wireless |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradable | Android 13 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- S21 Ultra: Features a vibrant 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Offers excellent brightness and color accuracy, but can be power-hungry at higher refresh rates.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Boasts a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Provides a smooth viewing experience and accurate colors, with slightly better energy efficiency than the s21 ultra in some tests.
- Winner: Pixel 7 Pro
Camera System
- S21 Ultra: Equipped with a versatile quad-camera system including a 108MP main sensor, ultrawide, and two telephoto lenses offering impressive zoom capabilities (up to 100x Space Zoom). Produces detailed images and videos, but the software processing can sometimes be overly aggressive.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Features a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, ultrawide, and a telephoto lens. Known for its exceptional image processing and computational photography, delivering natural-looking photos and excellent low-light performance.
- Winner: Pixel 7 Pro
Processor & Performance
- S21 Ultra: Powered by either a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor (depending on the region). Offers strong performance for everyday tasks and gaming, though it can experience some thermal throttling under heavy loads.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Runs on Google’s Tensor G2 chip, optimized for machine learning and AI tasks. Delivers smooth performance and excels in tasks related to image processing and voice recognition, but may lag behind in raw CPU/GPU performance compared to the latest flagships.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- S21 Ultra: Packs a 5,000mAh battery. Offers all-day battery life for moderate to heavy use, but battery life can be affected by the screen’s refresh rate and usage patterns.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Includes a 5,000mAh battery. Provides all-day battery life and benefits from software optimizations. Battery life is generally consistent with the s21 ultra.
- Winner: Tie
Software & Updates
- S21 Ultra: Runs on Samsung’s One UI based on Android. Offers a feature-rich experience with customization options, but can come with bloatware and a slightly slower update schedule than Pixel devices.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Features a clean and stock Android experience with timely software updates directly from Google. Prioritizes simplicity and offers a seamless user experience with guaranteed Android version updates for several years.
- Winner: Pixel 7 Pro
Design & Build Quality
- S21 Ultra: Features a premium design with a glass back, metal frame, and a distinctive camera bump. Offers excellent build quality and feels luxurious, but the camera bump can be a bit obtrusive.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Boasts a sleek design with a glass back and a metal camera bar. Known for its minimalist aesthetic and solid build quality, with a more subtle camera bar design.
- Winner: Tie
Zoom Capabilities
- S21 Ultra: Offers impressive zoom capabilities, with a dedicated periscope telephoto lens that can achieve up to 10x optical zoom and 100x Space Zoom. The zoom features are very powerful.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Features a telephoto lens with up to 5x optical zoom and Super Res Zoom up to 30x. While not as extreme as the S21 Ultra’s zoom, the image quality is generally more consistent.
- Winner: s21 ultra
Price & Value
- S21 Ultra: Originally launched at a premium price point. Now available at discounted prices, offering excellent value for its features, especially if found on sale.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Offers a competitive price point, providing excellent value for its features and performance, especially with software updates and AI capabilities.
- Winner: Pixel 7 Pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Tie |
| Performance | Pixel 7 Pro |
| Camera (Overall) | Pixel 7 Pro |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Software Experience | Pixel 7 Pro |
| Design | Tie |
| Expandability | s21 ultra |
What They Have in Common
- Display Quality: Both phones feature vibrant and sharp displays, offering excellent viewing experiences for media consumption and everyday use.
- 5g Connectivity: Both devices support 5G networks, enabling fast download and upload speeds where available, ensuring a smooth online experience.
- Water Resistance: Both phones boast an IP68 rating, providing excellent protection against water and dust, offering peace of mind in various environments.
- Battery Capacity: Both phones have a 5000 mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for most users.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options at home or in the office.
- High-Quality Build: Both the S21 Ultra and Pixel 7 Pro are constructed with premium materials, giving them a high-end feel and durability.
S21 Ultra Vs Pixel 7 Pro Buying Guide
Performance & Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, powered by either a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor, depending on the region, offers robust performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. It handles gaming and multitasking with ease. The Google Pixel 7 Pro, on the other hand, utilizes Google’s Tensor G2 chip, which focuses on machine learning and AI capabilities. While not necessarily outperforming the S21 Ultra in raw processing speed, the Tensor G2 excels in areas like computational photography and voice recognition. Both phones offer a smooth user experience, but their strengths lie in different areas of performance.
Camera Capabilities
The S21 Ultra boasts a versatile camera system with a 108MP main sensor, along with ultrawide and telephoto lenses offering impressive zoom capabilities. Its image quality is generally excellent, with vibrant colors and sharp details. The Pixel 7 Pro is renowned for its exceptional computational photography. It features a 50MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens with impressive zoom. The Pixel 7 Pro excels in image processing, producing stunning photos with natural-looking colors and excellent dynamic range. The choice depends on your photography preferences.
Display Quality & Features
The S21 Ultra features a stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and incredibly smooth scrolling. Its large size enhances the viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. The Pixel 7 Pro also offers a vibrant display, a 6.7-inch OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering excellent color accuracy and smooth visuals. Both displays are top-tier, but the S21 Ultra’s display may be slightly brighter and more saturated. Both phones offer great experience.
Battery Life & Charging
The S21 Ultra generally provides all-day battery life, thanks to its sizable battery capacity. Charging speeds are decent, though not the fastest in the market. The Pixel 7 Pro also offers solid battery life, often lasting a full day. The Pixel 7 Pro supports fast charging, though it is not as quick as some other flagship phones. Both phones offer wireless charging. Battery life is a strong point for both, but your usage patterns will significantly impact your experience.
Design & Build Quality
The S21 Ultra has a premium design with a glass back and a metal frame, exuding a luxurious feel. Its camera module design is distinctive. The Pixel 7 Pro also features a premium design, with a glass back, a metal frame, and a unique camera bar design. Both phones are well-built and feel solid in hand. The S21 Ultra is slightly larger and heavier. Design preference is subjective; both are premium-feeling devices.
Software & User Experience
The S21 Ultra runs on Samsung’s One UI, built on Android, offering a feature-rich and customizable experience. It provides a wide array of customization options and additional features. The Pixel 7 Pro runs on a clean, stock version of Android, known for its simplicity, speed, and timely software updates. Google’s software experience is intuitive and user-friendly. The choice depends on your preference for features and customization. Both phones provide regular software updates.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s21 ultra If…
- You prioritize expandable storage via microSD card.
- You want a telephoto lens with superior zoom capabilities.
- You prefer a more established and versatile camera system.
- You want more choices for storage configurations.
Buy pixel 7 pro If…
- You value the latest Android updates and a clean software experience.
- You want the best computational photography features.
- You prefer a phone with a more streamlined and intuitive user interface.
- You appreciate Google’s unique software features like Magic Eraser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the better camera?
Both the S21 Ultra and Pixel 7 Pro have excellent cameras. The S21 Ultra offers versatility with its multiple lenses and impressive zoom capabilities. The Pixel 7 Pro excels in computational photography and image processing, resulting in stunning photos with natural colors and excellent dynamic range. The ‘better’ camera depends on your preferences and shooting style. The Pixel 7 Pro is generally preferred for its image processing.
Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer good battery life, easily lasting a full day for most users. The S21 Ultra’s larger battery capacity often provides slightly better battery life in real-world usage. However, the Pixel 7 Pro’s software optimizations and efficient processor can also provide impressive battery performance. Your usage patterns heavily influence battery life. Both are reliable options.
Which phone is faster?
In terms of raw processing power, the S21 Ultra, with its Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chip, may have a slight edge. However, the Pixel 7 Pro’s Tensor G2 chip is optimized for machine learning and AI tasks, making it incredibly fast in certain applications. The difference in speed is often negligible in everyday use. Both are very fast.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones feature excellent displays. The S21 Ultra’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals. The Pixel 7 Pro’s OLED display also offers excellent color accuracy and smooth scrolling. The S21 Ultra’s display may be slightly brighter. Both displays are top-tier.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S21 Ultra, with its powerful processor and high refresh rate display, provides a great gaming experience. The Pixel 7 Pro also handles gaming well, but the S21 Ultra may have a slight edge in performance. Both phones are capable of playing demanding games. The experience is quite similar.
Which phone is better for software updates?
The Pixel 7 Pro benefits from Google’s direct control over software updates, ensuring timely and consistent updates. The S21 Ultra also receives regular software updates, but they may not be as prompt as those for the Pixel. Google is generally quicker. Samsung has improved their update schedule.
Which phone is more expensive?
The initial pricing of both phones was similar. However, the prices may vary depending on retailer, storage configuration, and any ongoing promotions. It’s best to compare current prices at your preferred retailers. Both phones were flagship devices and thus have premium price points.
Final Verdict
Both the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Google Pixel 7 Pro are excellent smartphones, each with its own strengths. The S21 Ultra excels in versatility, with its powerful processor, versatile camera system, and feature-rich software. The Pixel 7 Pro shines with its exceptional computational photography, clean software experience, and timely updates. The choice depends on your priorities and preferences.
Winner: Pixel 7 Pro