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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Google Pixel 7a, launched in May 2023, are both Android smartphones offering distinct experiences. While the Galaxy S21 FE emphasizes a vibrant display and a versatile camera system, the Pixel 7a focuses on computational photography and a streamlined Android interface with advanced AI capabilities. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing users with a wide range of applications and customization options.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

• Release and Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, typically receives four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its launch. The Google Pixel 7a, launched in May 2023, benefits from a longer support window, with Google promising five years of both OS and security updates from its release date.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 FE features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The Pixel 7a comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and an IP67 rating, indicating protection against dust and immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support will find the Pixel 7a's longer update commitment beneficial. The S21 FE offers a slightly more robust screen glass, which may appeal to those concerned with physical screen resilience.

Both devices offer capable performance for everyday tasks, though they approach it with different hardware philosophies.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking effectively, with users generally reporting smooth operation. The Pixel 7a features Google's Tensor G2 chip, which is optimized for the device's AI and machine learning functionalities, contributing to a responsive user experience.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE houses a 4,500mAh battery, which some users find to be average, occasionally requiring a charge before the end of a heavy usage day. The Pixel 7a has a 4,385mAh battery, and while some users report it lasting a full day with moderate use, others note that heavy gaming or continuous use can lead to faster drainage and heating.
• Storage and Responsiveness: The S21 FE is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Pixel 7a comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Both configurations are suitable for smooth app loading and multitasking.

The visual experience on both smartphones is designed to be engaging, with key differences in display technology and features.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 7a comes with a slightly smaller 6.1-inch OLED display.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for the Pixel 7a, 1080 x 2400 pixels for the S21 FE), providing clear and detailed visuals. The S21 FE supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, while the Pixel 7a offers a 90Hz refresh rate.
• Brightness and Clarity: The S21 FE boasts a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Pixel 7a's display is generally clear, but some users have noted that its brightness can be lower in direct sunlight compared to other devices.

Both smartphones offer strong camera capabilities, though they achieve impressive results through different approaches to imaging.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The Pixel 7a is equipped with a dual-camera system, featuring a high-resolution 64MP main lens with OIS and a 13MP ultrawide lens.
• Photography Performance: The S21 FE is praised for producing vibrant and colorful photos, particularly in well-lit environments. The Pixel 7a is widely recognized for its exceptional computational photography, delivering detailed images with accurate colors and strong low-light performance, often outperforming devices in its category.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones can record 4K video at 60 frames per second (fps) with their rear cameras. The S21 FE's 32MP front camera also supports 4K video at 60fps, while the Pixel 7a's 13MP ultrawide front camera records 4K video at 30fps. The Pixel 7a's microphone quality for calls and recording is noted for good noise reduction.