Which Flagship Phone Reigns Supreme: Samsung Galaxy S21 Vs. Google Pixel 5?
What To Know
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 boasts a sleek and modern design with a glass front and back and a metal frame.
- The Google Pixel 5 features a 6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 90Hz.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a triple-lens rear camera system consisting of a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom.
When it comes to choosing a flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Google Pixel 5 are two of the top contenders. Both devices offer impressive specs, sleek designs, and powerful cameras. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Samsung Galaxy S21 against the Google Pixel 5 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build:
Samsung Galaxy S21:
The Samsung Galaxy S21 boasts a sleek and modern design with a glass front and back and a metal frame. It’s available in a variety of colors, including Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Violet, and Phantom Pink. The S21 is also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, making it suitable for use in various conditions.
Google Pixel 5:
The Google Pixel 5 takes a more minimalist approach to design. It features a unibody aluminum construction with a matte finish. The Pixel 5 is available in two colors: Just Black and Sorta Sage. While it lacks an official IP rating, the Pixel 5 is still water-resistant to a certain extent.
Display:
Samsung Galaxy S21:
The Samsung Galaxy S21 sports a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The display is bright, vibrant, and offers excellent viewing angles.
Google Pixel 5:
The Google Pixel 5 features a 6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 90Hz. The display is also of high quality, offering good brightness, color accuracy, and viewing angles.
Performance:
Samsung Galaxy S21:
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which is one of the most powerful mobile processors available. It’s paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. The S21 delivers blazing-fast performance, handling demanding tasks and games with ease.
Google Pixel 5:
The Google Pixel 5 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, which is less powerful than the Snapdragon 888. However, it’s still a capable processor that can handle most tasks without any issues. The Pixel 5 comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Cameras:
Samsung Galaxy S21:
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a triple-lens rear camera system consisting of a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. The camera system takes excellent photos and videos, with good detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range. It also features various shooting modes and features, including Night mode and Single Take.
Google Pixel 5:
The Google Pixel 5 has a dual-lens rear camera system consisting of a 12.2MP main sensor and a 16MP ultrawide sensor. Despite having fewer lenses, the Pixel 5’s camera system is still very capable. It takes great photos and videos, with excellent detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range. The Pixel 5 also has a Night Sight mode that allows you to take impressive low-light photos.
Battery Life:
Samsung Galaxy S21:
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a 4000mAh battery, which is slightly larger than the Pixel 5’s battery. In terms of battery life, the S21 can last for a full day on a single charge with moderate use. However, heavy users may need to charge it before the end of the day.
Google Pixel 5:
The Google Pixel 5 has a 4080mAh battery, which is slightly smaller than the S21’s battery. However, the Pixel 5 has better battery optimization, and it can typically last for a full day on a single charge, even with heavy use.
Software:
Samsung Galaxy S21:
The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs on Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI 3.1 skin on top. One UI 3.1 offers various customization options, features, and improvements over stock Android. It also includes Samsung’s DeX mode, which allows you to connect your phone to a monitor or TV for a desktop-like experience.
Google Pixel 5:
The Google Pixel 5 runs on Android 11 with Google’s Pixel UI on top. Pixel UI is a clean and minimalist skin that offers a stock Android experience. It includes various Google-exclusive features, such as the Assistant, Lens, and Messages. The Pixel 5 is also guaranteed to receive Android updates for at least three years.
Verdict:
The Samsung Galaxy S21 and Google Pixel 5 are both excellent flagship smartphones with their own strengths and weaknesses. The S21 has a more powerful processor, a better display, and a more versatile camera system. The Pixel 5 has a more compact design, better battery life, and a cleaner software experience. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful all-rounder with the latest specs, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is the way to go. If you prefer a more compact phone with a clean software experience and excellent battery life, the Google Pixel 5 is a great option.
What You Need to Know
1. Which phone has a better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Google Pixel 5?
Both phones have excellent camera systems, but the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens for optical zoom.
2. Which phone has a better battery life, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Google Pixel 5?
The Google Pixel 5 has better battery life than the Samsung Galaxy S21, thanks to its more efficient processor and software optimization.
3. Which phone gets faster software updates, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Google Pixel 5?
The Google Pixel 5 is guaranteed to receive Android updates for at least three years, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 is guaranteed to receive updates for two years.
