Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, is a traditional smartphone offering a balanced set of features. In contrast, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, launched in September 2024, represents a newer generation of foldable technology, providing a versatile dual-screen experience. Both devices operate on the Android ecosystem, but their distinct form factors and release timelines lead to notable differences in their capabilities and user experience.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G entered the market in early 2022, making it a device that has been available for some time. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, released in late 2024, benefits from a more recent technological foundation.
• Software Longevity: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is designed for extended use, with Google committing to seven years of operating system and security updates, ensuring support until 2031. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, while receiving consistent updates, typically offers a shorter support window, generally around three to four years of OS updates and five years of security updates from its launch.
• Build and Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a glass front with Gorilla Glass Victus protection and an aluminum frame, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold incorporates a durable stainless steel hinge with an aluminum alloy cover and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its cover display, contributing to its structural integrity as a foldable device.

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect their different generations and design philosophies.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by a processor from its release era, capable of handling everyday applications and multitasking efficiently. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, featuring a more recent Google Tensor G4 processor, offers enhanced performance for demanding applications, advanced AI features, and smoother overall system responsiveness.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with 16GB of RAM, which supports extensive multitasking and complex operations, alongside storage options of 256GB or 512GB.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices feature similar battery capacities, with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G housing a 4500 mAh battery and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a 4650 mAh battery. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's newer processor and optimized software contribute to efficient power management, with users reporting significant screen time.

The display experience is a primary differentiator, given the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's unique foldable design.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a single 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a dual-screen setup: a 6.3-inch OLED cover display and an expansive 8-inch foldable OLED inner display, both supporting adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a clear viewing experience with its 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's inner display boasts a higher resolution of 2076 x 2152 pixels, offering exceptional clarity when unfolded, while the cover display maintains a sharp 1080 x 2424 pixel resolution.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both devices offer good brightness levels for various lighting conditions. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's displays are noted for high outdoor peak brightness, enhancing visibility in direct sunlight.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but the Pixel 9 Pro Fold integrates more advanced hardware and computational photography features.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a versatile triple camera setup with a 12 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, and 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a more advanced triple rear camera system, including a 48 MP wide-angle main sensor, a 10.5 MP ultrawide, and a 10.8 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and up to 20x Super Res Zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G delivers consistent image quality in various conditions, with optical image stabilization on its main and telephoto lenses. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold leverages its Tensor G4 processor for enhanced computational photography, offering improved low-light performance, advanced image stabilization, and features like Video Boost and 'Made You Look'.
• Front Cameras and Video: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32 MP front camera. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features 10 MP front-facing cameras on both its cover and inner displays, suitable for selfies and video calls. Both devices support 4K video recording.