Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Unlocked vs Google Pixel 8a • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Google Pixel 8a, launched in May 2024, are both smartphones designed to offer a balanced experience for everyday users. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G arrived as a 'Fan Edition' of a previous flagship, the Pixel 8a continues Google's tradition of providing a feature-rich device in a more accessible package. A primary distinction between these two models lies in their release timelines and the resulting software support durations, alongside their distinct approaches to camera technology and overall user experience.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it an older device compared to the Google Pixel 8a, which launched in May 2024. This difference in release year directly impacts the remaining period of official software and security updates.
• OS Support Duration: The Google Pixel 8a offers an extended software support period, with Google committing to seven years of OS updates, security updates, and Pixel Feature Drops from its release date. This means the Pixel 8a is expected to receive updates until at least 2031. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, having been released earlier, has a shorter remaining update window, typically receiving fewer major Android version updates and security patches compared to the Pixel 8a's extensive commitment.
• Physical Durability: Both devices offer a degree of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features an IP68 rating, indicating robust dust and water resistance, capable of submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. It also uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection. The Pixel 8a comes with an IP67 rating, providing protection against dust and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and utilizes Gorilla Glass 3 for its display.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Pixel 8a are equipped to handle daily tasks efficiently, though they approach performance with different underlying hardware.

• Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by a processor designed to deliver strong performance for demanding applications and multitasking, similar to flagship devices from its release era. This allows for smooth navigation, responsive app launches, and capable handling of graphically intensive games. The Pixel 8a features a more recent, custom-designed processor that integrates advanced machine learning capabilities, contributing to efficient performance for everyday use, AI-driven features, and a fluid user experience. While it handles demanding tasks well, some benchmarks suggest its performance might be optimized for efficiency and AI tasks rather than raw computational power compared to some high-end chips.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both phones offer configurations with ample RAM, typically 8GB, which supports effective multitasking and keeps multiple applications running in the background without significant slowdowns. Storage options for both devices generally include 128GB and 256GB, providing sufficient space for apps, photos, and media.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, designed to provide lasting power even with 5G connectivity and a high refresh rate display. The Pixel 8a has a 4492 mAh battery, which, combined with its power-efficient software and processor, aims for all-day usage for many users. Actual battery life for both devices will vary based on usage patterns and network conditions.

The visual experience on both smartphones is characterized by vibrant displays, though with slight differences in size and protection.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Pixel 8a feature OLED display technology, known for producing deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. Both screens offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), resulting in sharp and clear visuals for text, images, and videos.
• Size and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display, offering a slightly larger viewing area. The Pixel 8a features a 6.1-inch display, which contributes to a more compact form factor. Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations, which enhances the overall responsiveness of the user interface and gaming experience.
• Brightness and Protection: The Pixel 8a's display can reach up to 2000 nits peak brightness, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offers satisfying levels of brightness for outdoor use. For protection, the S21 FE 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, while the Pixel 8a uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

Both devices offer capable camera systems, each with its own strengths in capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and up to 30x Space Zoom. This configuration allows for a range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed distant subjects. The Pixel 8a comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 64MP wide main camera and a 13MP ultrawide camera. While it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, its main sensor is designed to capture detailed images, and Google's computational photography enhances zoom capabilities digitally.
• Photography Features and Low Light: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes features like Scene Optimizer and an enhanced Night Mode with AI multi-frame processing for improved low-light shots. The Pixel 8a leverages Google's advanced computational photography and AI features, such as Best Take, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser, to enhance photos and videos, particularly excelling in areas like Night Sight for low-light performance and Real Tone for accurate skin tones.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at 30 or 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers features like Director's View, allowing seamless switching between lenses during filming. The Pixel 8a also includes features like Audio Magic Eraser to clean up noisy backgrounds in videos. Both devices are equipped with stereo speakers and multiple microphones for clear audio capture and playback.