Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
50.8Performance37.5
65.3Display47.2
71Camera41.7
59.3Battery41.7
94.7Features78.7
16 spec wins — Google Pixel 9 Pro XL2 spec wins — Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
InnoReviews verdict
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL wins this phone face-off, 63.8 to 45.2, pulling ahead mainly in camera (+29) and display (+18). Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Stronger performance score: 51 vs 38
- Stronger display score: 65 vs 47
- Stronger camera score: 71 vs 42
- Stronger battery score: 59 vs 42
- Stronger features score: 95 vs 79
Reasons to pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- 20% lower weight: 177 g vs 221 g
- Lower launch price: $699 vs $1,099
Display
| Spec | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.8 ″+6% | 6.4 ″ |
| Panel type | LTPO OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1344x2992 | 2340x1080 |
| Pixel density | 486 ppi+21% | 401 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 3,000 nits+150% | 1,200 nits |
| Screen-to-body | 89 % | — |
Performance
| Spec | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Snapdragon 888 |
| AnTuTu 10 | 1,180,000+13%Top 37% | 1,040,324Top 46% |
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,980+37%Top 34% | 1,450Top 48% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 4,750+30%Top 38% | 3,650Top 53% |
| RAM (max) | 16 GB+167% | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128/256/512GB/1TB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Storage type | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
Camera
| Spec | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP+317% | 12 MP |
| Main aperture | f/1.68 | f/1.8 |
| Ultra-wide | 48 MP+300% | 12 MP |
| Telephoto | 48 MP+500% | 8 MP |
| Optical zoom | 5 x+67% | 3 x |
| Max video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Front camera | 42 MP+31% | 32 MP |
| OIS | Yes | Yes |
Battery
| Spec | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,060 mAh+12% | 4,500 mAh |
| Wired charging | 37 W+48% | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 23 W+53% | 15 W |
| Active use endurance | 11 h | — |
Design
| Spec | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 221 g | 177 g+20% |
| Thickness | 8.5 mm | 7.9 mm+7% |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Connectivity
| Spec | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes |
Software
| Spec | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 14 | Android 12 (One UI 4) |
| OS update pledge | 7 years+75% | 4 years |
Audio
| Spec | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Stereo speakers | Yes | Yes |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
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