Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs Google Pixel 9 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Google Pixel 9, launched in August 2024, represent distinct approaches to the smartphone experience. While both operate on the Android platform, the Pixel 9 benefits from a more recent release, bringing with it advancements in processing power, camera technology, and software longevity. This comparison will explore the practical differences between these two devices, focusing on aspects that influence daily usage and overall ownership.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its initial release date, software support, and physical resilience. The Pixel 9, being a newer device, naturally offers a longer expected lifespan in terms of software updates.

• Software Support: The Google Pixel 9 launched with Android 14 and is guaranteed to receive seven years of operating system and security updates, extending its official support until at least August 2031. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, which debuted with Android 12, has an enhanced policy promising four major OS upgrades, bringing it up to Android 16, with security updates guaranteed until January 2027. This means the Pixel 9 offers a significantly longer period of official software support.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the Pixel 9 upgrades to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and access to the latest Android features will find the Pixel 9 more aligned with their needs. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G still offers a respectable update cycle, but its end-of-life for major OS updates is closer.

Performance in a smartphone translates to how smoothly applications run, the speed of multitasking, and the device's responsiveness during demanding tasks. Both phones are equipped with capable internal components, but their generations differ.

• Processing Power: The Google Pixel 9 features a newer generation processor, the Google Tensor G4, which is designed to handle demanding applications and advanced on-device artificial intelligence tasks efficiently. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G or the Exynos 2100, depending on the region. While these processors were flagship-tier at the S21 FE's launch, the Pixel 9's newer chip generally offers improved performance and power efficiency for current and future applications.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 9 typically comes with 12GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for smooth multitasking and keeping multiple applications open without slowdowns. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. Both devices offer 128GB or 256GB storage options, utilizing UFS 3.1 technology for fast data access.
• Battery Behavior: The Pixel 9 houses a 4700 mAh battery, and user reports often highlight its ability to comfortably last a full day of use. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides sufficient power for moderate use, though heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Pixel 9 offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with some distinctions in technology and brightness.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature OLED displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi. The Pixel 9 has a slightly smaller 6.3-inch Actua display with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels, offering a comparable pixel density of around 422 ppi. Both provide a clear and detailed viewing experience for everyday content.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 9's display offers significantly higher peak brightness, reaching up to 2700 nits, which enhances outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a peak brightness of around 800 nits, with some measurements showing up to 1044 cd/m² in specific conditions, which is still good but less intense than the Pixel 9. Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.
• Viewing Experience: Users who frequently use their phone outdoors or consume HDR video content may appreciate the Pixel 9's brighter display. Both offer a smooth visual experience due to their high refresh rates, making interactions feel responsive.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both devices offer strong photographic performance, albeit with different strengths and hardware configurations.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup: a 12 MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. This provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, including distant subjects. The Google Pixel 9 comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 50 MP wide-angle lens with OIS and a 48 MP ultrawide lens with autofocus. The Pixel 9 does not include a dedicated telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom for magnification.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is praised for producing good photos with vibrant colors and detail in ample lighting, though its telephoto lens can be less reliable in low light. The Pixel 9 is known for its excellent computational photography, delivering consistent results with great color, contrast, and strong low-light performance through features like Night Sight.
• Video and Front Camera: Both phones support 4K video recording at 30/60fps. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32 MP front camera, while the Pixel 9 features a 10.5 MP front camera with autofocus. User reviews indicate both provide good quality selfies.