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Lab Benchmark Battle

Galaxy S21 5G vs Pixel 8a

Direct side-by-side battle analyzing display brightness, chipset benchmark percentiles, multi-camera arrays, battery capacity, and charging speeds.

Smartphone Battle
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe across ⇄
Samsung · 2021

Galaxy S21 5G

Galaxy S21 5G
81/ 100
Launch MSRP$799 USD
Google · 2024

Pixel 8a

Pixel 8a
82/ 100
Launch MSRP$499 USD
WHO WINS WHERE

WHY IS Pixel 8a BETTER THAN Galaxy S21 5G?

Tap an area on the radar to inspect category hardware facts

Galaxy S21 5G
Pixel 8aWinner 🏆

BIGGEST HARDWARE DIFFERENCES

Margin Delta
SPEC FACTORGalaxy S21Pixel 8aLEADER
Refresh Rate120Hz120Hz120Hz
Battery Capacity4,000 mAh4,492 mAh+4,492 mAh
Wired Fast Charging25W18W25W Max
Main Camera Sensor64 MP64 MP64 MP
Screen Display Size6.2"6.1"6.2"
Chassis Weight169g188g169g Lightest
Compare All 177+ Specifications Below↓

Which Phone Should You Buy: Key Reasons & Hardware Advantages

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Reasons to buy Galaxy S21 5G:
  • ✓19g lighter chassis (169g) optimized for one-handed ergonomics
  • ✓64MP primary camera sensor with 4K/120fps video recording
  • ✓6.2" display with 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate
Reasons to buy Pixel 8a:
  • ✓$300 lower launch MSRP ($499 vs $799)
  • ✓Larger 4,492 mAh battery capacity (+492 mAh more capacity)
  • ✓64MP primary camera sensor with 4K/120fps video recording

How Do the Specifications Compare Side-by-Side?

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SpecificationGalaxy S21 5GPixel 8a
1. Display & Screen🏆 Pixel 8a Wins Display
Screen Type & TechDynamic AMOLED 2XOLED
Screen Size6.2"6.1"
Resolution & Density2400x1080 (421 ppi)2400x1080 (429 ppi)
Refresh Rate120 Hz ProMotion120 Hz ProMotion
Brightness1,300 nits peak2,000 nits peak
Screen ProtectionScratch-resistant glassScratch-resistant glass
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Galaxy S21 5G Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorHigh performance SoC High performance SoC
CPU CoresMulti-core high performanceMulti-core high performance
GPU GraphicsIntegrated GraphicsIntegrated Graphics
Operating SystemAndroid 11Android 14
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory8 GB LPDDR8 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage128GB / 256GB128GB / 256GB
Storage SpeedHigh-speed flashHigh-speed flash
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Galaxy S21 5G Wins Camera
Primary Camera64 MP, f/1.8, OIS64 MP, f/1.89, OIS, Samsung GN2
Telephoto Zoom10 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.4, OISNone (Digital zoom only)
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.213 MP, f/2.2
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video Recording Capabilities
Main Camera Video
4K@60fps1080p@240fpsHDR
4K@60fps1080p@240fpsHDR
Front Video
4K@60fps1080p@60fpsgyro-EIS
4K@60fps1080p@60fpsgyro-EIS
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens10 MP, f/2.213 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S21 5G Lightest Chassis
Dimensions151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm
Weight169 g188 g
Build MaterialsGlass front, metal/glass frameGlass front, metal/glass frame
SIM TypeNano-SIM / eSIM supportNano-SIM / eSIM support
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Galaxy S21 5G Wins Battery
Battery Capacity4,000 mAh4,492 mAh
Wired Fast Charging25W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging15W wireless charging18W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingReverse wireless chargingReverse wireless charging
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerStereo speakersStereo speakers
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity & Comms
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth5.05.3
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.2
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsBiometric fingerprint/face, accelerometer, gyro, compassBiometric fingerprint/face, accelerometer, gyro, compass
Satellite FeaturesEmergency SOS via satellite (select markets)Emergency SOS via satellite (select markets)
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsStandard finishesStandard finishes
Launch Price$799$499
Editorial Lab Verdict

Pixel 8a edges ahead with a BeastScore of 81.6/100

After comprehensive hardware benchmark comparisons, Pixel 8a ranks as the overall top pick in this matchup. Key differentiators include its advanced processor architecture and verified 88/100 camera rating.

When to buy Galaxy S21 5G:
Dedicated optical telephoto zoom (1 lens system) · Lighter body: 169g (19g lighter in hand)
When to buy Pixel 8a:
Higher overall BeastScore: 81.6 vs top rival 80.8 · Larger battery capacity: 4,492 mAh (+492 mAh more)
Quick Answers

Frequently Asked Questions: Galaxy S21 5G vs Pixel 8a

Which phone is better: Galaxy S21 5G or Pixel 8a?

Pixel 8a leads with an overall BeastScore of 81.6/100 compared to Galaxy S21 5G (80.8/100), driven by advantages in Higher overall BeastScore: 81.6 vs top rival 80.8 and Larger battery capacity: 4,492 mAh (+492 mAh more).

What are the primary battery and display differences between Galaxy S21 5G and Pixel 8a?

Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a 6.2-inch display and 4000 mAh battery, while Pixel 8a features a 6.1-inch display and 4492 mAh battery.

How do the camera capabilities compare between Galaxy S21 5G and Pixel 8a?

In lab hardware evaluations, Galaxy S21 5G scores 91/100 in camera performance, while Pixel 8a scores 88/100.

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