Galaxy S21 vs. Pixel 5: Which Android phone should you buy?

Samsung’s Galaxy S21 is right here, and it is a strong all-round Android machine. However the S21 is is not the one telephone round with glorious cameras, a crisp show and reliable batteries. The S21 has joined the likes of the iPhone 12, Mi 11, and the Pixel 5 in an more and more crowded taking part in discipline. 

For the needs of this text, I will pit the S21 in opposition to the Pixel, however you’ll be able to learn CNET’s comparisons between the S21 and iPhone 12 and our coverage of Xiaomi’s Mi 11, in case you’re . Listed below are the important thing variations to issue into your shopping for choice in case you’ve been eyeing the Pixel 5 and the S21.

Samsung and Google dropped costs of their telephones

Samsung and Google have each found out that promoting $1,000 telephones is tougher on this pandemic-ravaged world financial system. And each corporations have rightly slashed costs. 

The Galaxy S21 begins at $800 (£769, about AU$1,030), permitting you to purchase into the favored Galaxy S line at $300 lower than final yr’s S20 line. Google, for its half, dropped the Pixel 5’s value by $100 to $699 (£599, AU$999). It additionally scaled again on some options, marking a departure from the pricier Pixel telephones of years previous.

Samsung’s Galaxy S21 is smooth with a brand new wraparound steel design

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Does the S21 have a greater digital camera than the Pixel 5? 

I am unable to make an outright name on which machine has the higher digital camera since CNET hasn’t performed a shootout evaluating the 2. What I can say is that you will get a extra versatile vary of pictures with the S21. That is as a result of the S21 has three lenses: a telephoto lens for zooming in to faraway topics, an ultrawide lens for capturing sweeping landscapes and a 3rd commonplace lens for just about the whole lot else. 

Google removed the telephoto lens that we noticed on the Pixel 4, changing it with an ultrawide digital camera on the Pixel 5, which is accompanied by an ordinary lens. Due to that, the 21 lacks optical zoom, and as a substitute is determined by digital zoom that maxes out at 7x. For particular numbers on the digital camera, scroll right down to the specs chart. 

Does the S21 have a quicker processor than the Pixel 5?

Sure. The S21 runs on Qualcomm‘s latest and quickest Snapdragon 888, which includes a 5G modem on the identical chip because the brains together with blazing-fast efficiency. As talked about earlier, Google took a midrange method to 2020’s Pixel 5, and a method it did that was through the chipset. The Pixel 5 runs on a midrange chipset generally known as the Snapdragon 765G (the G stands for gaming). Final yr’s quickest Qualcomm processor is the Snapdragon 865. Though you may discover a distinction in efficiency between the 2 processors, the Snapdragon 765G continues to be highly effective sufficient that’ll you will sail by on a regular basis duties and not using a hitch.

Another variations I ought to know?

The Pixel 5 is a lighter telephone and it has a USB-C connector, a function that is absent on the S21. The S21 now not has a charging brick both, as Samsung urges its prospects to reuse older equipment within the identify of the atmosphere. For the remainder of the specs, check out the chart beneath.