Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs Google Pixel 7 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Google Pixel 7, launched in October 2022, are both Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S21 FE focuses on delivering a balanced feature set with a versatile camera system, the Pixel 7 emphasizes advanced computational photography and a streamlined software experience. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing access to a wide ecosystem of applications and services.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was introduced earlier in January 2022, while the Google Pixel 7 followed in October 2022, making the Pixel 7 a slightly newer device.

• Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 7 is guaranteed to receive five years of OS and security updates, extending its support until at least October 2027. The Galaxy S21 FE, typically, would receive four years of OS updates and five years of security updates from Samsung, meaning it will likely receive fewer major Android version updates compared to the Pixel 7.
• Physical Durability: Both smartphones feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S21 FE has a Gorilla Glass Victus front, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, while the Pixel 7 also uses Gorilla Glass Victus for its display and has a glass back with an aluminum frame.
• Repairability: The Pixel 7 has a repairability score of 6 out of 10, with screen replacements being relatively straightforward, though battery replacements can be complex due to strong adhesive. The Pixel 7 Pro, which shares many design similarities, received a 5.5/10, with similar challenges regarding battery and soldered charging ports. Information on the specific repairability score for the S21 FE was not readily available, but Samsung devices generally offer moderate repairability.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app responsiveness, and demanding applications. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Google Pixel 7 offer capable hardware, but with different architectural approaches.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Verizon model) is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking efficiently, providing a smooth user experience for most tasks. The Google Pixel 7 features a custom-designed processor optimized for machine learning and artificial intelligence tasks, which contributes to its fluid real-world performance and enables advanced software features.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 7 comes with 8GB of RAM, facilitating smooth transitions between multiple open applications. The Galaxy S21 FE is available with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, offering similar multitasking capabilities depending on the configuration. Both devices offer 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, but neither supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE features a 4500 mAh battery, designed to provide all-day power for typical usage. The Pixel 7 has a 4355 mAh battery, with user reports indicating it can last a full day for moderate users, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging. Both support fast wired and wireless charging.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with some notable differences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Google Pixel 7 has a slightly smaller 6.3-inch AMOLED display, also offering rich colors and clear visuals. Both displays have a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for S21 FE, 2400 x 1080 pixels for Pixel 7), ensuring sharp text and images.
• Smoothness and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 FE boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to very smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Pixel 7 offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which still provides a fluid experience, though not as high as the S21 FE. Both displays offer good brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor visibility, with the Pixel 7 capable of nearly 1,000 nits peak brightness.
• Viewing Experience: The slightly larger screen of the S21 FE might offer a marginally more expansive viewing area for media consumption. Both phones feature flat displays, which some users prefer for ease of use and reduced accidental touches compared to curved screens.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Google Pixel 7 are recognized for their camera capabilities, though they approach photography with different strengths.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens with a 123-degree field of view, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and OIS. This provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from wide landscapes to zoomed-in subjects. The Google Pixel 7 employs a dual-camera system with a 50MP main wide-angle lens with OIS and a 12MP ultrawide lens with a 114-degree field of view. The Pixel 7 relies heavily on its advanced computational photography for image processing and digital zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 is highly praised for its computational photography, producing natural colors, sharp details, and excellent low-light performance with its Night Sight mode. The S21 FE also delivers strong image quality across its lenses, with its dedicated telephoto lens providing clear zoomed shots. Both phones offer good dynamic range and color reproduction in everyday conditions.
• Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording video at 4K resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second. The Pixel 7's video stabilization is noted for its effectiveness, even during movement. For audio, both phones feature stereo speakers, providing a more immersive sound experience for media consumption.