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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, are both Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S21 FE aims to deliver a balanced feature set from Samsung's flagship line, the Pixel 7 Pro emphasizes Google's advanced computational photography and a pure Android software experience. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they differ in their approach to hardware integration and software enhancements, catering to varying user preferences.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major Android OS updates, extending its software support up to Android 16. It also benefits from five years of security updates, with patches continuing until early 2027. The Google Pixel 7 Pro, released with Android 13, is guaranteed three major Android OS updates, also reaching Android 16, and five years of security updates, which are projected to last until October 2027.
• Physical Durability: Both smartphones feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating robust protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S21 FE incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus on its front display, while the Pixel 7 Pro utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus for both its front and back panels, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, which typically involves specialized tools and expertise for internal repairs. Users seeking to extend the life of their device beyond its initial warranty period might consider quality-assured refurbished options as a sustainable choice.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating applications to engaging in demanding multimedia activities. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Pixel 7 Pro offer capable hardware designed for smooth operation.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking efficiently, providing a responsive user experience. The Pixel 7 Pro features an advanced processor specifically designed by Google, which is optimized for artificial intelligence tasks and computational photography, contributing to a fluid interface and quick app launches.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: For users who frequently switch between multiple applications or engage in mobile gaming, both devices offer sufficient memory configurations to maintain smooth performance. The Pixel 7 Pro, with its integrated hardware and software optimizations, often provides a highly cohesive and responsive feel across the system.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage, particularly with 5G and high refresh rates, may necessitate more frequent charging. The Pixel 7 Pro comes with a larger 5000 mAh battery, and while some users report varying experiences, it typically offers reliable power for a full day, with Google's software optimizations contributing to its endurance.

The visual experience is a primary interaction point for any smartphone, and both devices offer high-quality displays with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, resulting in a sharper image with greater detail.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to fluid scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G reaches a typical brightness of around 700 nits, with a peak of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro offers a higher peak brightness of 1500 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor use under direct sunlight.
• Viewing Experience: The Pixel 7 Pro's larger and higher-resolution screen, combined with its LTPO technology, allows for more dynamic refresh rate adjustments, potentially optimizing power consumption while providing a consistently smooth visual experience. The Galaxy S21 FE's display, while slightly smaller and with a lower resolution, still provides an immersive viewing experience with excellent color reproduction.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Pixel 7 Pro are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture high-quality images and videos, though they approach photography with different strengths.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple camera setup including a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 7 Pro also has a triple camera system, comprising a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom, offering greater flexibility for distant subjects.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 Pro is widely recognized for its advanced computational photography, often producing images with excellent detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Users frequently praise its ability to capture consistent and high-quality stills. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also delivers dependable camera performance for everyday photography, with its ultrawide and telephoto lenses adding versatility.
• Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video. The Pixel 7 Pro's video capabilities are generally strong, though some users have noted occasional inconsistencies in video processing. Both phones offer good microphone quality for calls and recordings, and stereo speakers for media consumption, with the Pixel 7 Pro often providing a balanced audio output.