Google Pixel 6 vs Samsung Galaxy S21: Which phone should you buy?

Introduction to the Titans of Technology: Google Pixel 6 vs Samsung Galaxy S21

In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, two giants stand tall, capturing the imagination and loyalty of tech enthusiasts worldwide. The Google Pixel 6 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 represent the pinnacle of modern smartphone technology, each with its own set of groundbreaking features, cutting-edge design, and unparalleled user experience. This article delves deep into a comprehensive comparison between these two titans of technology, offering you a detailed analysis that might just sway your next purchase decision.

Design and Display: A Visual Feast

When it comes to design, both the Google Pixel 6 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 boast aesthetics that blend innovation with elegance. The Pixel 6 introduces a refreshing and bold design with its unique camera bar, seamlessly integrating it into the phone’s structure. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 continues Samsung’s legacy of sleek, premium looks with a contoured metal frame that elegantly houses its camera setup.

Display-wise, the Google Pixel 6 features a 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Samsung Galaxy S21, on the other hand, sports a slightly smaller 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, but compensates with a higher resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smoother scrolling and more dynamic visuals.

Google Pixel 6 vs Samsung Galaxy S21


Specs

Google Pixel 6 Google Pixel 6 Pro Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Display Google Pixel 6:

6.4-inch OLED
20:9 aspect ratio
FHD+ resolution
2,400 x 1,080
411ppi
90Hz refresh rate
HDR support
24-bit depth

Gorilla Glass Victus front
Gorilla Glass 6 back

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

6.7-inch OLED
19.5:9 aspect ratio
QHD+ resolution
3,120 x 1,440
512ppi
120Hz adaptive refresh rate
HDR support
24-bit depth

Gorilla Glass Victus front and back

Samsung Galaxy S21:

6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED
Flat FHD+
2,400 x 1,080 at 421ppi
Adaptive 120Hz refresh rate
HDR10+ certified

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED
Flat FHD+
2,400 x 1,080 at 394ppi
Adaptive 120Hz refresh rate
HDR10+ certified

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED
Curved WQHD+
3,200 x 1,440 at 515ppi
Adaptive 120Hz refresh rate
HDR10+ certified

Processor Google Pixel 6:

Google Tensor
Titan M2 security

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

Google Tensor
Titan M2 security

Samsung Galaxy S21:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Samsung Exynos 2100

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Samsung Exynos 2100

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Samsung Exynos 2100

RAM Google Pixel 6:

8GB LPDDR5

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

12GB LPDDR5

Samsung Galaxy S21:

8GB

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

8GB

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

12 or 16GB

Internal storage Google Pixel 6:

128GB or 256GB
UFS 3.1

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

128, 256, or 512GB
UFS 3.1

Samsung Galaxy S21:

128 or 256GB

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

128 or 256GB

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

128, 256, or 512GB

Battery and power Google Pixel 6:

4,600mAh (typical)
30W wired charging
USB-PD 3.0 (PPS)
21W wireless charging (w/ Pixel Stand)
12W Qi wireless charging
Battery share

No charger in box

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

5,000mAh (typical)
30W wired charging
USB-PD 3.0 (PPS)
23W wireless charging (w/ Pixel Stand)
12W Qi wireless charging
Battery share

No charger in box

Samsung Galaxy S21:

4,000mAh
Fast wired and wireless charging
Reverse wireless charging

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

4,800mAh
Fast wired and wireless charging
Reverse wireless charging

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

5,000mAh
Fast wired and wireless charging
Reverse wireless charging

Cameras Google Pixel 6:

Rear:
– 50MP main
1.2 μm, ƒ/1.85, 82-degree FoV
1/1.31-inch sensor
LDAF, OIS, and EIS
– 12MP ultra-wide
1.25 μm, ƒ/2.2, 114-degree FoV
– Laser AF

Front:
– 8MP single
1.12 μm, ƒ/2.0, 84-degree FoV

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

Rear:
– 50MP main
1.2 μm, ƒ/1.85, 82-degree FoV
1/1.31-inch sensor
OIS and EIS
– 12MP ultra-wide
1.25 μm, ƒ/2.2, 114-degree FoV
– 48MP telephoto
0.8 μm, ƒ/3.5, 23.5-degree FoV
1/2-inch sensor
4x optical zoom
OIS and EIS
– Laser AF

Front:
– 11.1MP single
1.22 μm, ƒ/2.2, 94-degree FoV

Samsung Galaxy S21:

Rear:
– Wide-angle: 12MP, ƒ/1.8, 1.8µm with OIS and dual-pixel AF
– Telephoto: 64MP, ƒ/2.0, 0.8µm with OIS and phase-detection AF
– Ultra-wide: 12MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.4µm with 120-degree FoV

3x hybrid optical/digital zoom
30x “Space Zoom”

Front:
– 10MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.22µm, with dual-pixel AF

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

Rear:
– Wide-angle: 12MP, ƒ/1.8, 1.8µm with OIS and dual-pixel AF
– Telephoto: 64MP, ƒ/2.0, 0.8µm with OIS and phase-detection AF
– Ultra-wide: 12MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.4µm with 120-degree FoV

3x hybrid optical/digital zoom
30x “Space Zoom”

Front:
– 10MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.22µm, with dual-pixel AF

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

Rear:
– Wide-angle: 108MP, ƒ/1.8, 0.8µm with OIS and phase-detection AF
– Telephoto: 10MP, ƒ/2.4, 1.22µm with OIS, dual-pixel AF, and 3x optical zoom
– Telephoto: 10MP, ƒ/4.9, 1.22µm with OIS, dual-pixel AF, and 10x optical zoom
– Ultra-wide: 12MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.4µm with dual-pixel AF and a 120-degree FoV
– Laser AF sensor

10x optical zoom
100x “Space Zoom”

Front:
– 40MP, ƒ/2.2, 0.7µm, with phase-detection AF

Audio Google Pixel 6:

Stereo speakers
Triple mics
Bluetooth 5.2
No 3.5mm port

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

Stereo speakers
Triple mics
Bluetooth 5.2
No 3.5mm port

Samsung Galaxy S21:

Stereo speakers
Bluetooth 5.0
AKG tuning
No 3.5mm port

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

Stereo speakers
Bluetooth 5.0
AKG tuning
No 3.5mm port

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

Stereo speakers
Bluetooth 5.2
AKG tuning
No 3.5mm port

Security Google Pixel 6:

In-display fingerprint
Titan M2 chip
5 years security updates

IP68-rated

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

In-display fingerprint
Titan M2 chip
5 years security updates

IP68-rated

Samsung Galaxy S21:

In-display fingerprint
4 years security updates

IP68

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

In-display fingerprint
4 years security updates

IP68

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

In-display fingerprint
4 years security updates

IP68

Buttons and ports Google Pixel 6:

USB-C 3.1 Gen 1
Power button
Volume rocker
Dual SIM (single nano and eSIM)

No expandable storage
No 3.5mm port

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

USB-C 3.1 Gen 1
Power button
Volume rocker
Dual SIM (single nano and eSIM)

No expandable storage
No 3.5mm port

Samsung Galaxy S21:

USB-C 3.2
Power button
Volume rocker
Dual SIM (single nano and eSIM)

No expandable storage
No 3.5mm port

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

USB-C 3.2
Power button
Volume rocker
Dual SIM (single nano and eSIM)

No expandable storage
No 3.5mm port

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

USB-C 3.2
Power button
Volume rocker
Dual SIM (single nano and eSIM)

No expandable storage
No 3.5mm port

Connectivity Google Pixel 6:

Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC support

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC support
UWB chip

Samsung Galaxy S21:

Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth 5.0

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth 5.0

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth 5.2

Software Google Pixel 6:

Android 12
Pixel UI

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

Android 12
Pixel UI

Samsung Galaxy S21:

Android 11
One UI 3.1

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

Android 11
One UI 3.1

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

Android 11
One UI 3.1

Dimensions and weight Google Pixel 6:

158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9mm
207g

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9mm
210g

Samsung Galaxy S21:

151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9mm
171g

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8mm
202g

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9mm
229g

Colors Google Pixel 6:

Stormy Black, Kinda Coral, Sorta Seafoam

Google Pixel 6 Pro:

Stormy Black, Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny

Samsung Galaxy S21:

Phantom Violet, Phantom Gray, Phantom Pink, Phantom White

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus:

Phantom Violet, Phantom Black, Phantom Silver

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

Phantom Black, Phantom Silver

Performance and Hardware: The Engine Behind the Genius

Under the hood, both smartphones pack a punch with their proprietary chips – Google’s Tensor for the Pixel 6 and Samsung’s Exynos 2100 (or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 in some regions) for the Galaxy S21. These processors not only promise but deliver lightning-fast performance and efficient power management.

The Google Pixel 6 shines with its machine learning capabilities, enhancing everything from photo processing to voice recognition, thanks to the Tensor chip’s advanced AI capabilities. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S21 excels in gaming and multitasking, courtesy of its robust CPU and GPU performance.

Camera Capabilities: Through the Lens of Innovation

Photography enthusiasts will find themselves at a crossroads when choosing between the Pixel 6 and Galaxy S21. Google’s flagship offers a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, known for its computational photography prowess, particularly in low-light conditions and portrait mode.

The Samsung Galaxy S21, however, is no slouch, with a triple-camera array featuring a 64MP telephoto, a 12MP wide, and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. It stands out with its 8K video recording capability and Space Zoom feature, allowing for detailed photos even at high zoom levels.

Software and Ecosystem: Seamless Integration for a Streamlined Experience

Both Google and Samsung offer a clean, intuitive user interface with their latest OS versions. However, the Google Pixel 6 provides a more “pure” Android experience with its stock Android 12, offering unique features like Material You for a customizable interface.

Samsung’s One UI 3.1, coupled with Android 11 on the Galaxy S21, provides a user-friendly experience with additional customization options and Samsung-exclusive features, enhancing productivity and user engagement.

Battery Life and Charging: Power Through Your Day

The Google Pixel 6 comes equipped with a 4614mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate to heavy usage. It supports 30W fast charging and 21W wireless charging for a quick power boost.

Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy S21 features a slightly smaller 4000mAh battery but manages to provide comparable battery longevity. It supports up to 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging, ensuring you’re never out of juice when you need it the most.

Conclusion: The Verdict on the Ultimate Smartphone Champion

Choosing between the Google Pixel 6 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 boils down to personal preference and specific needs. If you prioritize groundbreaking AI features and a clean Android experience, the Pixel 6 is your go-to choice. For those who value a high-refresh-rate display, versatile camera capabilities, and a rich ecosystem, the Galaxy S21 emerges as the preferred option.

Both smartphones offer exceptional design, powerful performance, and innovative features, making them top contenders in the smartphone arena. Regardless of your choice, both the Google Pixel 6 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 are sure to provide a premium mobile experience that caters to the demands of modern users.

About Tips Clear

Tips Clear is a seasoned writer and digital marketing expert with over a decade of experience in creating high-quality, engaging content for a diverse audience. He specializes in blogging, SEO, and digital marketing strategies, and has a deep understanding of the latest trends and technologies. Tips Clear's work has been featured on various prominent platforms, and he is committed to providing valuable insights and practical tips to help readers navigate the digital landscape.