Galaxy S21+ 5G vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, is a traditional premium smartphone, offering a conventional design and a robust feature set. In contrast, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, launched in September 2024, represents a newer generation of mobile technology with its innovative foldable design. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but they cater to different user preferences through their distinct form factors and technological advancements.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, being an earlier model, has a different support trajectory compared to the more recent Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

• Software Updates: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G launched with Android 11 and received updates up to Android 14, with Samsung typically providing five years of security updates from its release date. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, released with Android 14 and updated to Android 15 shortly after, is guaranteed to receive seven years of OS and security updates, extending its software longevity significantly further into the future.
• Physical Durability: Both devices offer a degree of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on both its front and back. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts an IPX8 water resistance rating, a stainless steel hinge with an aluminum alloy cover, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protecting its back and cover display, indicating a focus on the durability of its foldable mechanism and external surfaces.
• Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and access to the latest Android features will find the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's seven-year commitment advantageous. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, while still a capable device, will reach its end-of-life for major OS updates sooner, though it remains a viable option for those seeking a quality-assured refurbished device with solid core functionality.

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect their different generations and design philosophies, impacting how they handle daily tasks, demanding applications, and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Samsung's Exynos 2100 processor, depending on the region. This hardware capably handles everyday applications, provides smooth navigation, and supports a responsive gaming experience. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features the Google Tensor G4, a more recent processor designed with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks, which contributes to enhanced on-device AI features and overall system efficiency.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for running multiple applications simultaneously and switching between them without significant slowdowns. It offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with a substantial 16GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for intensive multitasking, complex AI operations, and a very fluid user experience, with storage options of 256GB or 512GB.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G houses a 4800 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for many users, with support for 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a 4650 mAh battery and supports 30W fast charging and Qi wireless charging. Real-world battery performance can vary significantly based on usage patterns, especially with the Pixel's larger, dual displays.

The display experience is a primary differentiator between these two devices, with the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G offering a traditional smartphone screen and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold providing a versatile foldable display.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X flat display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a dual-screen setup: a 6.3-inch OLED cover display for quick interactions and an expansive 8-inch foldable OLED inner display when unfolded, providing a tablet-like experience.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S21 Plus 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, delivering sharp and clear visuals for everyday content consumption. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's cover display has a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels, while its inner foldable screen boasts 2076 x 2152 pixels, offering high clarity across both displays.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The S21 Plus 5G's display offers HDR10+ support. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's inner display utilizes LTPO technology for a variable refresh rate (1-120Hz) and can reach peak brightness levels of up to 2,700 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The cover display also supports a variable refresh rate between 60-120Hz.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but they approach photography with different hardware configurations and software enhancements, particularly in the realm of computational photography.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup: a 12MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 64MP telephoto lens offering 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view. It is capable of recording 8K video. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold also features a triple rear camera system, including a 48MP wide-angle lens with OIS, a 10.5MP ultrawide lens with a 127-degree field of view, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens providing 5x optical zoom and up to 20x Super Res Zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S21 Plus 5G delivers vibrant and detailed images with good dynamic range, performing well in various lighting conditions, though its low-light performance is considered adequate rather than class-leading. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold leverages Google's advanced computational photography, offering features like Video Boost, 'Add Me,' and 'Made You Look,' which enhance image quality and provide unique creative options, despite having a smaller main sensor compared to other Pixel 9 models.
• Front and Video Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 10MP front-facing camera. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 10MP Dual PD front-facing camera, which can be used for selfies, and the ability to use the main rear cameras for high-quality selfies by utilizing the cover screen as a viewfinder. Both devices offer strong video recording capabilities, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold capable of 4K video at 60fps across its cameras.