Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs Google Pixel 8 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, launched in October 2023, are both Android smartphones offering distinct experiences. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G focuses on delivering a balanced feature set from Samsung's flagship line, the Pixel 8 Pro emphasizes advanced computational photography and extended software support. 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 differentiators.

• Release and Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in early 2022 with Android 12, is expected to receive major Android OS updates up to Android 16 and security updates until January 2027. In contrast, the Pixel 8 Pro, released in late 2023 with Android 14, offers an industry-leading seven years of OS, security, and feature updates, extending its support until October 2030.
• Physical Durability: Both phones feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and has a plastic back with an aluminum frame. The Pixel 8 Pro upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for both its front and back, encased in an aluminum frame.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, suggesting a relatively straightforward repair process for common issues. The Pixel 8 Pro's repairability score is noted as 4.0 out of 10, indicating that repairs might be more challenging due to factors like strong adhesives and soldered components.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday applications and moderate multitasking smoothly. Users generally report a responsive experience, though some note it can warm up under sustained heavy use. The Pixel 8 Pro features an advanced processor designed for efficient handling of complex tasks, including AI-driven features and demanding applications, providing a fluid user interface.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which supports comfortable multitasking for most users. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB. The Pixel 8 Pro comes with 12GB of RAM, offering more headroom for extensive multitasking and resource-intensive applications. It provides a wider range of storage configurations, from 128GB up to 1TB.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery. User experiences suggest that while it can last a full day for moderate use, heavy users might find themselves needing to charge more frequently. The Pixel 8 Pro has a larger 5050 mAh battery. Reviews indicate good battery life, often extending through a full day of varied usage.

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

• 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 8 Pro sports a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, which also delivers rich colors and excellent contrast.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, providing clear and sharp visuals for everyday content consumption. The Pixel 8 Pro has a higher resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels, resulting in a slightly sharper image, particularly noticeable with fine details.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's display has a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations, with a peak brightness of around 800 nits, offering good outdoor visibility. The Pixel 8 Pro's LTPO display features an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, which can conserve battery life, and boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of up to 2400 nits, making it exceptionally bright for outdoor use.

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

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a versatile triple-camera setup: a 12 MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide camera, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. Users praise the main and ultrawide cameras for producing vibrant and detailed photos, though the telephoto can be less consistent in low light. The Pixel 8 Pro features a more advanced triple-camera system: a 50 MP main camera with OIS, a 48 MP ultrawide camera with autofocus, and a 48 MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom and OIS.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel 8 Pro is widely recognized for its outstanding camera performance, delivering exceptionally detailed and clear photos with remarkable night mode capabilities and excellent dynamic range. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also performs well in various lighting conditions, producing good detail and color.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32 MP front camera, providing clear selfies. The Pixel 8 Pro features a 10.5 MP front camera with autofocus, also capable of high-quality self-portraits.