Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked vs Google Pixel 8 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, launched in October 2023, represent different generations of Android flagship smartphones. While both offer a premium Android experience, the Pixel 8 Pro introduces a more advanced camera system, a larger battery, and a significantly longer software support commitment, setting it apart from the earlier Galaxy S21 5G.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and manufacturer support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 5G was released in January 2021, making it an older model compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, which launched in October 2023. This difference in release date directly impacts their remaining support windows.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 5G typically received four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its launch, with security updates expected to conclude around January or February 2026. In contrast, the Google Pixel 8 Pro offers an extended commitment of seven years of OS, security, and feature updates, ensuring support until October 2030. This makes the Pixel 8 Pro a more sustainable choice for users prioritizing long-term software support.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 5G generally has a fairly high repairability score, with its back plate being relatively easy to remove and many parts replaceable, though the battery can be challenging due to strong adhesive. The Pixel 8 Pro's repairability is considered moderate; while screen removal is possible, the battery can be difficult to access due to adhesive, and the charging port is soldered to the main board.

The performance of both smartphones is influenced by their internal components, affecting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Overall Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 5G, at its release, offered lightning-fast response times and loaded applications quickly, providing a smooth user experience for everyday tasks and mobile gaming. The Pixel 8 Pro, being a newer device, delivers smooth performance and handles most smartphone tasks with ease, maintaining snappiness even with demanding applications.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 5G comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, without expandable storage. The Pixel 8 Pro features 12GB of RAM, providing more headroom for extensive multitasking, and offers a wider range of storage options including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, which users reported could last through a full day of intensive use. The Pixel 8 Pro houses a larger 5050 mAh battery, with users frequently reporting that it easily lasts a full day, even under heavy usage.

The visual experience on both devices is shaped by their display technology, resolution, and brightness capabilities.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a higher resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels, providing enhanced clarity and detail.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 5G's display has a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The Pixel 8 Pro features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, contributing to power efficiency, and offers a significantly higher peak brightness of up to 2400 nits, improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
• Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S21 5G provides a compact viewing experience with its 6.2-inch screen. The Pixel 8 Pro's larger 6.7-inch flat display offers an expansive viewing area, which some users find more comfortable for media consumption and productivity.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, though with different strengths and features for photography and videography.

• Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy S21 5G includes a triple rear camera setup with a 12 MP wide lens, a 64 MP telephoto lens offering 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens, alongside a 10 MP front camera. The Pixel 8 Pro also features a triple rear camera system, comprising a 50 MP wide lens, a 48 MP ultrawide lens, and a 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, complemented by a 10.5 MP front camera.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 5G was praised for its good camera performance, improved focus, and features like Director's View at its launch. However, some users note that its camera may not be as sharp as more recent devices. The Pixel 8 Pro is known for its superb point-and-shoot capabilities, delivering exceptionally detailed photos, remarkable night mode performance, and strong dynamic range.
• Video and Audio Quality: Both devices offer good video recording capabilities, with the Galaxy S21 5G supporting up to 8K video. The Pixel 8 Pro also provides good video quality, though some comparisons suggest other flagships might have a slight edge. For audio, the Pixel 8 Pro features stereo speakers that provide loud output, and its microphone quality is generally well-regarded for calls and recordings.