Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Google Pixel 5: Which do you have to purchase?

Credit score: Adam Molina / Android Authority

Samsung unveiled its first 2021 flagship sooner than regular, taking the wraps off of the Galaxy S21 collection at an occasion earlier right now. As soon as once more, three gadgets make up the collection. The Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Extremely will likely be vying in your consideration and {dollars}. In fact, the primary query on many individuals’s minds is how the telephones stack up in opposition to the most effective telephones you should purchase, which incorporates Google’s Pixel 5. Right here’s a fast take a look at the Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Google Pixel 5!

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Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Google Pixel 5

Specs

Design

Samsung continues to refine the Galaxy S collection design, with a specific concentrate on the rear digicam housing. The “contour minimize” digicam appears to be like sleeker and extra aesthetically pleasing, particularly with the choices that provide contrasting colours. There’s nonetheless a big digicam bump, nevertheless it appears to be like rather a lot higher at first look.

The common Galaxy S21 comes with a “glasstic” construct that’s much less premium however extra sturdy than the all-glass our bodies of the Plus and Extremely. A punch-hole to accommodate the front-facing digicam is the one blemish on the close to bezel-less entrance. These are all handsome gadgets, providing an enchancment over their predecessors.

Our first impressions: Samsung Galaxy S21 collection — cheaper, however are they higher?

Alternatively, the Pixel 5’s design is a dramatic overhaul in comparison with earlier generations. A punch-hole notch is tucked away within the nook, and the skinny bezels are welcome. Nonetheless, the bodily fingerprint scanner and twin rear digicam setup give the telephone an old-school really feel, which is furthered by the texture of the textured aluminium chassis.

The Sorta Sage colorway is the standout, however the Pixel 5’s design is much more muted than what you get with the Samsung Galaxy S21 gadgets.

Options

The Samsung Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Plus are fairly comparable. The most important distinction is the show’s dimension — 6.2-inch vs 6.7-inch — and the battery capability. You get flat shows with a Full HD+ decision with the 2. Moreover, each have the identical Snapdragon 888 processing package deal (Exynos 2100 in international markets), 8GB of RAM, as much as 256GB of storage, and an equivalent digicam setup.

See additionally: Which Samsung Galaxy S21 telephone is best for you?

The Galaxy S21 Extremely is the one you need if you wish to kick issues up a notch. The show is curved, a contact bigger at 6.8-inch, and with the next QHD+ decision. Nonetheless, all three include an adaptive 120Hz refresh charge. Whereas the processor is similar, you’ll be able to go as much as a whopping 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage as effectively.

Moreover, the Galaxy S21 Extremely stands aside from its siblings by being the primary Galaxy S telephone to function S Pen assist. However, you received’t get a built-in slot for the stylus and in contrast to the Galaxy Word collection, you’ll have to purchase it individually.

Sadly, the Pixel 5 is at a decrease degree in comparison with the brand new Galaxy S21 vary the place uncooked energy is worried. You get the Snapdragon 765G beneath the hood, backed by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The 6-inch Full HD show’s 90Hz refresh charge and inventory Android contribute to easy efficiency. Even so, the Pixel 5 shouldn’t be going to win any efficiency races in opposition to the Galaxy S21 collection telephones.

The Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Extremely include 4,000mAh, 4,800mAh, and 5,000mAh batteries respectively. We’ll must run assessments to determine battery life, however issues look good on paper. The Pixel 5’s 4,080mAh gives spectacular battery life, with Android Authority’s personal David Imel having fun with as much as eight hours of screen-on time in his assessment.

The Galaxy S21 and Pixel 5 are comparable flagships, however Samsung’s telephones smash Google’s for uncooked energy.

All 4 telephones function high-end staples like an IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance, quick charging, and wi-fi charging. You can even use them to cost different telephones and peripherals, like smartwatches and wi-fi earbuds, with their reverse wi-fi charging function.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus include a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 64MP telephoto lens. In distinction, the Galaxy S21 Extremely bumps the first telephoto to 108MP and tacks on a second 10MP telephoto as effectively.

The Pixel 5 falls behind on the spec sheet on this regard as effectively, with “simply” a twin rear digicam setup, comprising a 12.2MP major shooter and 16MP ultra-wide lens. Nonetheless, Google depends on software program to bolster digicam efficiency, and it’s no shock that the Pixel 5 is among the finest digicam telephones you may get. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see how the Galaxy S21 collection and different upcoming 2021 releases fare in opposition to Google’s finest.

Value

The Samsung Galaxy S21 collection is at the moment obtainable to pre-order and can go on sale from January 29. The Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus, and Samsung Galaxy S21 Extremely will begin at $799.99, $999.99, and $1,199, respectively. Within the UK and Europe, the collection will retail for £769/€849, £949/€1,049, and £1,149/€1,249, respectively.

Alternatively, you may get the Pixel 5 for $699/£599/€629.

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Google Pixel 5: Which do you have to purchase?

It’s flagship vs higher mid-ranger, and the flagship unsurprisingly takes the win when you worth efficiency over all else. In fact, the Galaxy S21 Plus and S21 Extremely are far costlier as effectively.

Probably the most attention-grabbing comparability is between the Pixel 5 and Galaxy S21 although. Samsung is carrying ahead the teachings from the Galaxy S20 FE, with the Galaxy S21’s $799 making for a really engaging possibility. It brings flagship efficiency, a flashier design, and a extra feature-packed digicam for $100 extra.

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The Pixel 5 is barely smaller, understated, comes with the promise of well timed updates, and takes implausible photographs. The Google telephone is among the finest on this value vary, however at the least on paper, the Galaxy S21 gives extra bang in your buck.