Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in early 2022, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, launched in late 2024, represent distinct approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While both operate on the Android platform, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a more recent hardware and software foundation, focusing on advanced computational features, whereas the Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a well-rounded package from an earlier generation.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it an older device compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which launched in August 2024. This age difference impacts their remaining software support and expected practical lifespan.
• Software Longevity: The Pixel 9 Pro XL is designed for extended use, offering seven years of operating system updates, ensuring support until Android 22. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, having launched with Android 12, has received updates up to Android 14, with Samsung typically providing four years of OS updates and five years of security updates for its S series.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is generally considered straightforward to repair, though battery removal can be challenging due to strong adhesive. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a dual-entry design, allowing access from both front and back, which can simplify some repairs, such as the USB-C port. However, battery replacement on the Pixel 9 Pro XL is noted as difficult, and screen removal can lead to delamination.

The performance capabilities of these smartphones vary, reflecting their different release years and hardware generations.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that delivers snappy performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, featuring a more recent generation processor, offers solid performance, ensuring smooth and responsive operation for multitasking, app loading, and gaming, even if its benchmark scores might not always lead the market.
• System Responsiveness: Both devices handle daily usage smoothly. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's newer hardware and optimized software contribute to a highly responsive user experience, particularly with its integrated AI features. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a consistent and reliable experience for its generation.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, without expandable storage. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a more substantial 16GB of RAM, paired with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage configurations, providing more headroom for demanding applications and extensive multitasking.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 4500mAh battery, generally lasting a full day with typical use. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, with its 5060mAh battery, is noted for its excellent battery life, with some users experiencing multi-day usage and extended screen-on times.

The visual experience on both phones is delivered through high-quality displays, though with notable differences in technology and brightness.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 2340x1080 resolution, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 9 Pro XL sports a larger 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a higher 2992x1344 resolution, providing enhanced clarity and detail.
• Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G achieves a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Pixel 9 Pro XL sets a new standard for brightness, reaching a typical 2469 nits and a peak of 3000 nits, making it exceptionally bright for outdoor use.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The LTPO technology in the Pixel 9 Pro XL allows for dynamic adjustment of the refresh rate, potentially optimizing power consumption.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but they cater to slightly different photographic priorities and user experiences.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 9 Pro XL elevates this with a 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide (with macro autofocus), and a 48MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G delivers rich detail and color, performing well in various lighting. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is highly praised for its computational photography, consistently producing images with excellent color accuracy, dynamic range, and exposure, even in low light, and is noted for its handling of skin tones. Some users find the Pixel's camera experience can be unpredictable, with occasional issues like brightened skin tones.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones support 4K video recording at 60fps. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also offers 8K video via cloud upscaling and features a high-resolution 42MP front camera with autofocus, compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 32MP front camera. The Pixel's front camera is generally well-regarded, though some users report noise in low-light video.
• Audio Output: The Pixel 9 Pro XL includes dual stereo speakers, providing a robust audio experience. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also features stereo speakers.