When choosing between top-tier smartphones, the decision often comes down to real-world usage rather than just technical specifications. Two popular contenders in the Android ecosystem are the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Each offers a unique set of features, but which one performs better in daily life? This comparative look dives into usability, performance, camera quality, and overall user experience.

Design and Display

The Samsung Galaxy S21 sports a sleek aluminum frame and a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While smaller than the Pixel 7 Pro, the S21 offers vibrant colors and excellent sunlight readability.

The Pixel 7 Pro, on the other hand, features a slightly larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display that also supports up to 120Hz refresh rate. Google has made notable design improvements over its predecessors, offering a more premium feel with curved edges and a polished aluminum build.

In real life, users might prefer the more compact S21 for one-handed use, but the Pixel 7 Pro’s bigger and more immersive screen benefits media consumption and productivity tasks.

Performance and Software Experience

Real use performance coming from both devices can be notably different. The Galaxy S21 runs on the Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100 in some regions) with up to 8GB of RAM. It remains fast and responsive in 2024 for most tasks, although newer models have since surpassed it in raw performance.

The Pixel 7 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip and provides a smoother and more integrated experience with Android 13. Since it’s a Google-made phone, Pixel phones are known for having a clean user interface and faster updates.

  • S21: Slightly quicker GPU performance in some games.
  • Pixel 7 Pro: Better AI-powered tools like voice typing and on-device translation.

When it comes to software longevity and updates, the Pixel usually takes the lead due to Google’s commitment to pushing timely updates for its devices.

Camera Capabilities

Samsung is known for its vibrant photo processing, favoring saturations and sharpness, whereas Google uses computational photography to deliver a more natural and detailed look. The S21 features a triple-lens setup: 12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and a 64MP telephoto lens, which supports 3x hybrid zoom.

The Pixel 7 Pro steps it up with a 50MP wide sensor, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens offering up to 5x optical zoom. In everyday use, the Pixel often outperforms the Galaxy in dynamic range and low-light conditions.

For quick shots, the S21 might produce more Instagram-ready images, but for photographers or users who prefer unfiltered results, the Pixel 7 Pro is the better choice.

Battery Life and Charging

The Samsung S21 houses a 4,000mAh battery, which is sufficient for light-to-moderate use but may struggle under heavy loads. The Pixel 7 Pro, with its 5,000mAh battery, easily lasts through a full day even with intensive tasks.

Charging is another area where the S21 is slightly faster depending on the charger used, though both devices support wireless charging and battery share features.

Verdict: Which Is Better in Real Life?

While the Samsung Galaxy S21 still holds its ground well, the Pixel 7 Pro edges it out in several key areas such as camera quality, battery endurance, and software experience.

However, for users who value a smaller form factor, slightly better gaming performance, or Samsung’s ecosystem (like DeX mode), the S21 could still be a strong contender.

Ultimately, the Pixel 7 Pro is more future-proof and generally more refined for real-world usage, especially for those who prioritize software updates and camera performance.

FAQs

  • Q: Is the Pixel 7 Pro worth the extra cost over the S21?
    A: Yes, particularly if you care about long-term software support, better camera performance, and AI-powered features.
  • Q: Which phone has better gaming performance?
    A: The Galaxy S21 performs slightly better in graphics-intensive games due to its Snapdragon processor.
  • Q: Which device gets faster updates?
    A: The Pixel 7 Pro receives Android updates and security patches sooner than the Samsung Galaxy S21.
  • Q: Is the Galaxy S21 still a good choice in 2024?
    A: Yes, it remains a capable phone for its price range, but newer models like the Pixel 7 Pro offer better overall value.