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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (released January 2021) and the Google Pixel 7 Pro (released October 2022) are both flagship smartphones that offer advanced features and premium experiences. While the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G emphasizes a versatile camera system and a robust display, the Pixel 7 Pro focuses on computational photography and a streamlined Android experience. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but they offer distinct approaches to software and hardware integration.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G was introduced in January 2021, making it an earlier model compared to the Google Pixel 7 Pro, which launched in October 2022. This difference in release date impacts their respective software support cycles.
• Software Longevity: The Pixel 7 Pro is guaranteed five years of software support from its release, including three major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its support until at least October 2027. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, being an older device, has already received several updates and typically receives four generations of OS updates and five years of security updates from Samsung.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the Pixel 7 Pro features the slightly newer Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
• Repairability: The Pixel 7 Pro has been noted to have a repairability score of 5.5 out of 10, with screen replacements being relatively straightforward but battery replacements and charging port repairs posing more challenges due to strong adhesives and soldered components. While specific scores for the S21 Ultra 5G are not as widely published, Samsung flagships generally offer moderate repairability.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games. Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Pixel 7 Pro are designed to handle a wide range of activities efficiently.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is powered by a processor that delivers smooth performance for everyday applications and gaming, with users reporting no significant stuttering or slowdown during extended use. The Pixel 7 Pro features a newer generation processor designed for fast, secure, and efficient operation, particularly excelling in tasks that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers configurations with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for extensive multitasking and running numerous applications simultaneously. The Pixel 7 Pro comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, which is also sufficient for smooth multitasking. Both devices utilize UFS 3.1 storage, contributing to fast app loading and data transfer speeds.
• Battery Behavior: Both smartphones are equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, aiming to provide a full day of use for many users. Actual battery life can vary based on usage patterns, network conditions, and display settings.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with slight differences in their panel technology and characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Pixel 7 Pro comes with a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display, which also provides rich colors and deep blacks, with the LTPO technology allowing for more dynamic refresh rate adjustments. Both screens boast QHD+ resolutions (3200x1440 for S21 Ultra 5G and 3120x1440 for Pixel 7 Pro), ensuring sharp and detailed visuals.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer a peak brightness of 1500 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. They also feature adaptive 120Hz refresh rates, which means the screen can dynamically adjust its refresh rate up to 120 times per second for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, while conserving power when a high refresh rate isn't needed.
• Viewing Experience: The slightly larger screen of the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G might offer a marginally more expansive viewing area, though the difference is minimal. Both displays are well-suited for media consumption, browsing, and productivity tasks, providing an immersive visual experience.

Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Google Pixel 7 Pro are recognized for their advanced camera capabilities, though they achieve impressive results through different hardware and software philosophies.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom, respectively. It is known for its 100x Space Zoom capabilities. The Pixel 7 Pro employs a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens with autofocus and macro mode, and a 48MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G excels in capturing detailed photos across various lighting conditions, with strong low-light performance. The Pixel 7 Pro leverages its computational photography strengths to produce consistently excellent photos with natural colors and impressive dynamic range, particularly in challenging lighting. Its ultrawide camera also supports macro photography.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording, with the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supporting 8K video capture and the Pixel 7 Pro offering strong 4K video performance with enhanced stabilization. Both phones include stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience during media consumption.