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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (2022) and the Google Pixel 7 (2022) are both Android smartphones released in the same year, offering distinct approaches to the mobile experience. While the Galaxy S21 FE focuses on delivering a balanced set of features from Samsung's flagship line, the Pixel 7 emphasizes Google's advanced computational photography and software integration. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing users with 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 released 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. Samsung typically provides four years of OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices, suggesting a similar, though potentially slightly shorter, software lifespan for the S21 FE 5G.
• Physical Durability: Both smartphones feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of resilience against environmental elements.
• Repairability: The Google Pixel 7 has a repairability score of 6 out of 10, with screen replacements being relatively straightforward, though battery removal can be challenging due to strong adhesive and a soldered charging port. Information on the S21 FE's repairability score is less readily available, but Samsung devices generally offer moderate repairability.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app usage, and multitasking. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Google Pixel 7 are equipped with capable processors designed to handle modern mobile computing demands.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by a current-generation octa-core processor, either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G or the Exynos 2100, depending on the region. The Google Pixel 7 features Google's Tensor G2 chip, which is optimized for machine learning tasks and Google's software ecosystem. Both processors ensure smooth app loading and efficient multitasking.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers configurations with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The Google Pixel 7 comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, supporting 25W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging. The Google Pixel 7 has a 4355 mAh battery, with 20W fast wired charging and 20W wireless charging capabilities. User experiences with Pixel 7 battery life are varied, with some reporting it lasts a full day, while others find it requires more frequent charging for heavy use.

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

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the Google Pixel 7 has a slightly smaller 6.3-inch AMOLED/OLED display. Both technologies provide vibrant colors and deep blacks.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), ensuring clear and sharp visuals for everyday content. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. The Google Pixel 7 features a 90Hz refresh rate, which still provides a fluid experience, though not as high as the S21 FE.
• Brightness: The Pixel 7 offers a peak brightness of up to 1400 nits for HDR content, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The S21 FE 5G's brightness maxes out around 700 nits, which is still good for most environments.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Google Pixel 7 offer advanced camera systems, though they approach photography with different strengths.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup: a 12MP wide lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Google Pixel 7 comes with a dual-camera system, including a 50MP wide lens with OIS and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 7 is particularly noted for its computational photography, excelling in low-light conditions and producing natural-looking images.
• Front Camera and Video: For selfies, the S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front camera. The Pixel 7 features a 10.8MP ultrawide front camera. Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 30 or 60 frames per second. The Pixel 7 also includes features like Cinematic Blur for video.
• Audio Quality: Both phones offer stereo speakers for media consumption. Microphone quality for calls and recording is generally clear on both devices.