Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, launched in October 2023, represent different generations of Android flagship smartphones. While both devices offer a premium experience, the Pixel 8 Pro introduces advancements in software longevity, camera technology, and display quality, building upon the solid foundation set by the Galaxy S21 5G. Both operate on the Android platform, providing access to a vast ecosystem of applications and services.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

• Software Support: The Google Pixel 8 Pro stands out with an extended commitment of seven years of operating system and security updates from its release date. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, launched with Android 11, was promised four generations of OS updates and five years of security updates, with Android 15 expected as its final major OS upgrade in May 2025. This means the Pixel 8 Pro offers a significantly longer period of official software support.
• Physical Durability: Both smartphones feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a high level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S21 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus on its front display and a plastic back, which some users find less prone to shattering than glass. The Pixel 8 Pro incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its front and a glass back, offering enhanced scratch resistance.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity and access to the latest Android features will find the Pixel 8 Pro's extended update policy more appealing. For those who typically upgrade their devices within a few years, the Galaxy S21 5G still offers a robust and well-supported experience.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding multimedia experiences. Both devices deliver capable performance for their respective generations.

• Processing Power: The Google Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with a newer-generation processor, designed to handle demanding applications, complex multitasking, and advanced AI features with efficiency. This translates to smoother operation and quicker response times, especially for intensive tasks. The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, powered by its generation's flagship processor, provides a responsive experience for everyday use and most applications.
• Memory and Storage: The Pixel 8 Pro typically comes with 12GB of RAM, facilitating seamless multitasking and app switching. It offers storage options up to 1TB in some regions. The Galaxy S21 5G features 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB, which is sufficient for most users' needs.
• Battery Performance: The Pixel 8 Pro houses a larger 5050 mAh battery, generally providing all-day power for many users, with some reporting 5-7 hours of screen-on time. It supports 30W fast charging and 23W wireless charging. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, offering around 1.5 days of typical use or 7-10 hours of screen-on time depending on usage and refresh rate settings. It supports 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging.

The visual experience is a primary interaction point for smartphones, and both models offer high-quality displays with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a larger 6.7-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also known for its rich color reproduction and contrast. Both displays are flat, which can be preferred by some users over curved edges.
• Resolution and Brightness: The Pixel 8 Pro offers a higher resolution of 2992 x 1344 pixels (QHD+) and an impressive peak brightness of 2400 nits, making it highly visible even in direct sunlight. The Galaxy S21 5G provides a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a peak brightness of 1300 nits, which is still bright and clear for most viewing conditions.
• Refresh Rate: The Pixel 8 Pro's LTPO display supports an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, allowing for smoother scrolling and animations while conserving battery life by scaling down when static. The Galaxy S21 5G also features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, typically ranging from 48Hz to 120Hz, providing a fluid visual experience.

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems, but the Pixel 8 Pro benefits from newer hardware and Google's computational photography expertise.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a versatile triple camera setup, including a 50MP wide-angle lens with a bright f/1.68 aperture, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G also has a triple rear camera system with a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 64MP telephoto lens offering 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel 8 Pro is highly regarded for its computational photography, delivering excellent image quality with natural colors, wide dynamic range, and strong low-light performance. It includes a Pro mode for manual controls and advanced AI editing features. The Galaxy S21 5G provides very good photo quality in various conditions, with a capable Night mode and features like Director's View for video recording.
• Video Capabilities: The Pixel 8 Pro supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second across its cameras, with improvements in video quality and stabilization. The Galaxy S21 5G is capable of recording up to 8K video, and offers features like Super Steady video and various slow-motion modes.