Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Google Pixel 8

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Google Pixel 8, launched in October 2023, are both Android smartphones designed to offer a comprehensive user experience. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G focuses on delivering a balanced set of features from Samsung's flagship line, the Pixel 8 emphasizes advanced computational photography and an extended software support commitment. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they offer distinct approaches to software experience and hardware capabilities.

The expected practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its software support and physical durability. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Google Pixel 8 offer robust build quality, but their software longevity differs notably.

• Software Updates: The Google Pixel 8 stands out with an industry-leading commitment of seven years of OS, security, and feature drop updates, extending its support until October 2030. This ensures a longer period of new features and security patches. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched with Android 12, is expected to receive four major OS updates (up to Android 16) and five years of security updates, typically until January 2027.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a high level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and has a plastic back, while the Pixel 8 incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, contributing to its overall resilience.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both manufacturers generally provide access to parts and repair services. Users aiming for the longest possible software lifespan will find the Pixel 8's extended update policy a key differentiator.

When evaluating performance, both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Google Pixel 8 are capable devices, handling everyday tasks with ease, though they achieve this through different internal architectures.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that was considered flagship-grade at its release, providing smooth operation for daily applications and gaming. The Google Pixel 8 features a newer, custom-designed processor that enhances overall system responsiveness and powers its advanced AI capabilities. Users report the Pixel 8's processor delivers faster speeds and smooth performance across applications.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking. The Pixel 8 comes with 8GB of RAM as standard, contributing to its consistent performance even with multiple demanding applications running simultaneously.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, with users generally reporting decent battery life that can last a full day with moderate usage. The Pixel 8 has a slightly larger 4575 mAh battery, and users frequently note its ability to provide all-day power, even with heavy use. Some Pixel 8 users have observed the device can sometimes become warm during intensive tasks.

The visual experience on both smartphones is delivered through high-quality displays, each with characteristics that cater to different preferences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature OLED display technology, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a clear 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution. The Pixel 8 comes with a 6.2-inch Actua OLED display, also with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, providing sharp visuals.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones support a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Pixel 8's display can reach a peak brightness of up to 2000 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a peak brightness of around 700 nits.
• Screen Size and Viewing: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a slightly larger screen, which may be preferred by users who consume a lot of video content or prefer more screen real estate for productivity. The Pixel 8's slightly smaller screen size contributes to a more compact form factor, which some users find easier to handle with one hand.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Google Pixel 8 offer capable camera systems, but they approach photography with different hardware configurations and software philosophies.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, including zoomed-in shots. The Pixel 8 opts for a dual-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Its larger main sensor and computational photography are central to its image processing.
• Photography Performance: Users praise the Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its vibrant color reproduction and overall strong camera performance in various conditions. The Pixel 8 is widely recognized for its superb camera quality, delivering high-quality pictures with excellent detail and color accuracy, particularly benefiting from its advanced software processing. The Pixel 8's main sensor also has a wider aperture, which can improve low-light performance.
• Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video, with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G supporting up to 4K at 60 frames per second. The Pixel 8 also offers strong video capabilities, enhanced by features like Audio Magic Eraser to reduce background noise. For front-facing cameras, the S21 FE 5G has a 32MP sensor, while the Pixel 8 features a 10.5MP sensor.