Galaxy S21+ 5G vs Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, launched in October 2023, represent different generations of Android smartphones. While both offer a premium experience, the Pixel 8 Pro introduces significant advancements in software longevity, camera capabilities, and processing power, reflecting its newer release. Both devices operate on the Android platform, providing access to a vast ecosystem of applications and services.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates, which vary between these two models.

• Software Support: The Google Pixel 8 Pro stands out with an industry-leading commitment of seven years of operating system, security, and Feature Drop updates from its October 2023 release. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, typically received four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its major software support has largely concluded or is nearing its end.
• Build Quality: Both devices feature robust construction designed for durability. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus on both its front and back panels, complemented by an aluminum frame. The Pixel 8 Pro advances this with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus on the back, also encased in an aluminum frame. Both models also carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating protection against immersion in water.
• Long-term Use: Users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity and access to the latest Android features will find the Pixel 8 Pro's extended update policy a significant advantage, ensuring the device remains current and secure for a considerably longer period.

Performance differences between the two devices are notable, primarily due to the generational gap in their internal components, impacting how they handle demanding tasks and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The Google Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with a newer generation processor, which provides enhanced capabilities for handling complex applications, advanced AI features, and intensive multitasking with greater efficiency. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, while a flagship in its time, features a processor from early 2021 that capably manages everyday tasks and many demanding applications, but offers less performance headroom compared to the Pixel 8 Pro.
• Memory and Storage: The Pixel 8 Pro typically comes with 12GB of RAM, facilitating smoother transitions between numerous open applications and more efficient handling of large datasets. It also offers a wider range of storage options, including configurations up to 1TB in some regions. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features 8GB of RAM and is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which is sufficient for most users' needs.
• Battery Performance: The Pixel 8 Pro houses a 5050 mAh battery, generally providing all-day power for many users, with improvements in power efficiency. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is equipped with a 4800 mAh battery, which offered good battery life for its release generation, often lasting a full day under typical usage.

The display experience on both devices is premium, though the Pixel 8 Pro introduces advancements in clarity, brightness, and adaptive refresh rate technology.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a Super Actua LTPO OLED display with a higher resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels, resulting in a sharper and more detailed visual experience. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G utilizes a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 8 Pro's display can reach a peak brightness of up to 2400 nits, making it exceptionally visible in bright outdoor conditions and enhancing HDR content. It also boasts an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing power consumption while providing smooth scrolling. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G offers a peak brightness of 1300 nits and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, delivering a fluid viewing experience.
• Screen Size: Both smartphones feature large displays, with the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G measuring 6.7 inches and the Pixel 8 Pro also at approximately 6.7 inches, providing ample screen real estate for media consumption and productivity.

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but the Google Pixel 8 Pro benefits from newer hardware and advanced computational photography features.

• Rear Camera System: The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP wide main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor with autofocus, and a 48MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G also has a triple-lens system, comprising a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 64MP telephoto camera with 3x hybrid optic zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide camera.
• Photography and Video Features: The Pixel 8 Pro excels in computational photography, offering enhanced low-light performance, advanced image processing, and AI-powered features for both photos and videos. It supports 4K video recording at various frame rates. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is capable of capturing high-quality images in various conditions and notably supports 8K video recording at 24 frames per second.
• Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the Pixel 8 Pro includes a 10.5MP front camera, while the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 10MP front camera. Both devices feature stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio experience for media consumption.