Galaxy S21+ 5G vs Google Pixel 7 Pro

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, being an earlier release, has a shorter remaining software support window compared to the more recent Pixel 7 Pro.

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was released in January 2021, making it over five years old by early 2026. The Google Pixel 7 Pro, released in October 2022, is a newer device with a more contemporary hardware and software foundation.
• OS Support Duration: Samsung typically provides four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices. Having launched with Android 11, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has likely received its final major OS update (Android 15) and is nearing the end of its security update period. Google, for the Pixel 7 Pro, committed to three major OS updates and five years of security updates from its launch with Android 13, meaning it is expected to receive updates up to Android 16 and security patches until late 2027.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritising the latest software features and security patches will find the Pixel 7 Pro offers a longer practical lifespan due to its later release and extended support window. Both devices feature IP68 dust and water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus protection, contributing to their physical durability.

The performance of these smartphones is driven by their respective internal components, impacting how smoothly they handle daily tasks, demanding applications, and multitasking.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is powered by a processor that, at its release, offered strong performance for a wide range of applications and gaming. The Pixel 7 Pro features a newer, custom-designed processor engineered by Google, which is optimised for artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks, contributing to enhanced camera processing and voice recognition.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Pixel 7 Pro comes with 12GB of RAM as standard, providing ample capacity for extensive multitasking and keeping numerous applications open simultaneously without slowdowns. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G typically features 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users but may offer slightly less headroom for very heavy multitasking compared to the Pixel 7 Pro.
• Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7 Pro houses a 5000 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 4800 mAh battery. User experiences with the Pixel 7 Pro's battery life are varied, with some reporting a full day of use, while others note faster drain with heavy camera usage or 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G generally offers reliable all-day power for typical usage.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer large, vibrant screens with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 2400 x 1080 pixel (FHD+) resolution. The Google Pixel 7 Pro also has a 6.7-inch display, but it uses an LTPO OLED panel with a higher 3120 x 1440 pixel (QHD+) resolution, resulting in a sharper image with more pixels per inch.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G's display can adapt its refresh rate between 48Hz and 120Hz and reaches a peak brightness of up to 1300 nits. The Pixel 7 Pro's LTPO panel allows for a more dynamic refresh rate, scaling from 10Hz to 120Hz, and can achieve a higher peak brightness of up to 1500 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility.
• Viewing Experience: The Pixel 7 Pro's higher resolution and more adaptive refresh rate contribute to a slightly more detailed and fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable with high-resolution content or fast-moving graphics. Both displays offer vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of OLED technology.

Both smartphones are equipped with advanced camera systems, but they approach photography with different strengths, particularly in image processing.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP wide, 64MP telephoto (offering 3x hybrid optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 7 Pro also has a triple camera system, comprising a 50MP wide, a 48MP telephoto (with 5x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide lens that includes autofocus for macro capabilities.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 Pro is highly regarded for its computational photography, excelling in dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance with its Night Sight mode. Its telephoto lens provides a longer optical zoom range. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G delivers strong image quality in various conditions, with its 64MP telephoto lens capable of significant digital zoom.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, with the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G also capable of 8K video at 24fps. The Pixel 7 Pro's video capabilities have seen improvements over its predecessors, offering steady footage. For selfies, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 10MP front camera, while the Pixel 7 Pro features a 10.8MP front camera.

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily functionality of these smartphones.

• Connectivity Options: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Pixel 7 Pro offers Wi-Fi 6E, a newer standard providing potentially faster and more reliable wireless connections, while the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G supports Wi-Fi 6. The Pixel 7 Pro also features Bluetooth 5.2, an upgrade from the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G's Bluetooth 5.0.
• Physical Design and Materials: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has dimensions of 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 202g, featuring a glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus) and an aluminum frame. The Pixel 7 Pro is slightly larger and heavier at 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm and 212g, also constructed with a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus) and an aluminum frame.
• Biometrics and Ports: Both phones include an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Pixel 7 Pro additionally offers face unlock. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G uses a USB-C port, as does the Pixel 7 Pro, which supports USB 3.2 for faster data transfer.