Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs Google Pixel 7 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, are both Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G aims to deliver a balanced flagship-like experience, the Pixel 7 Pro focuses on advanced camera capabilities and a streamlined software approach. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they differ in their software philosophies and hardware optimizations.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline, software support, and ease of repair.

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it slightly older than the Google Pixel 7 Pro, which launched in October 2022. This difference in release dates impacts their respective software support windows.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is expected to receive four major Android OS updates, extending its support up to Android 16, along with five years of security updates. The Pixel 7 Pro, launching with Android 13, is guaranteed three major OS updates (also up to Android 16) and five years of security updates, typically receiving these updates promptly from Google.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally has a moderate repairability score, with some sources indicating it is relatively easy to open the plastic back and access internal components, though the battery is often tightly glued. The Pixel 7 Pro also has a moderate repairability score, with screen replacements being relatively straightforward, but battery removal can be challenging due to strong adhesive, and the charging port is soldered to the motherboard.

Performance in daily use, from app responsiveness to handling demanding tasks, is a key differentiator between these two devices.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a capable processor from its release year, which handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. It is well-suited for general use and moderate gaming. The Pixel 7 Pro features a custom-designed processor optimized for artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks, providing a fluid user experience and efficient handling of Google's software features. While excellent for daily tasks and most games, its raw performance in some benchmarks may not always match the absolute top-tier rivals.
• System Responsiveness: Both devices offer a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a smooth interface with Samsung's customized Android experience. The Pixel 7 Pro, with its optimized hardware and software integration, delivers a consistently fluid and fast interface, particularly benefiting from its direct access to the latest Android features and optimizations.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which users report can last a full day with moderate use, though heavy usage or continuous 120Hz display can lead to more frequent charging. The Pixel 7 Pro comes with a larger 5000 mAh battery. User experiences vary, with some finding it sufficient for a day of heavy use, while others note that its high-resolution display can contribute to faster drain, requiring careful management for extended periods.

The visual experience is a significant aspect of smartphone usage, and both devices offer high-quality displays with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display, offering a higher resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, resulting in sharper images and finer detail.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro offers a higher peak brightness of up to 1500 nits, which can provide better outdoor visibility, though some users note that manual brightness can be lower.
• Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's display is praised for its vibrancy and good outdoor visibility, making it suitable for media consumption and general browsing. The Pixel 7 Pro's larger, higher-resolution screen with excellent color reproduction and smooth refresh rate provides an immersive viewing experience, particularly beneficial for detailed content and gaming.

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems, but they approach photography with different strengths and optimizations.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12 MP wide lens, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 7 Pro also has a triple-camera system, comprising a 50 MP wide lens, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting, with its telephoto lens performing well for optical zoom. The Pixel 7 Pro is widely recognized for its exceptional camera performance, particularly in challenging conditions and low light, often producing images with excellent detail and natural colors. Its advanced computational photography enhances overall image quality across all lenses.
• Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 30/60fps. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers good video stabilization, though Super Steady mode is limited to 1080p. The Pixel 7 Pro provides strong video stabilization and good overall video quality, though some users note colors can be dull in certain conditions compared to other flagships. Both phones include stereo speakers, with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offering clear audio that can get loud without significant distortion.