Google Pixel 6a compares to. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Which one is better value?

As smartphone prices have risen in the past few years, many companies have been releasing cheaper “flagship killer” models with features that are higher-end to devices that are less expensive. Samsung has done this through their Fan Edition phones, the most recent being Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE. However, Google has stuck to its A-series of phones, which have been given a complete overhaul with the latest Pixel 6a.

While they’re technically in different price ranges but they’re more similar than you’d expect. Both have the same high-end processors you’ll find in the higher-end models. They also come with the same top features, and offer excellent software support. On first look, it appears that there is an obvious winner among the two phones, however our selection may surprise you.

Google Pixel 6a vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: Design

One thing they are able to share in the same way is in different levels, they’re both diluted versions of their top-of-the-line counterparts. This means that, as far as design they’re almost identical to higher-end models, but with some minor differences. But, one seems to pull it more effectively than the others, and it’s Google’s Pixel 6a.

The phone follows in the footsteps of its top competitors, especially its predecessor, the Pixel 6.. With the larger size difference between the two phones, this phone Pixel 6a is certainly the most pocket-friendly phone due to the 6.1-inch display, which appears to be the perfect size in tiny Android phones. It’s a flat-screen display with a minimalist and symmetrical edges. It has an aluminum frame and the back of the 6a features a dual-tone color scheme that features a distinct camera visor on the top. The back isn’t glass as you’ll see in Google’s latest flagships however, the polycarbonate is silky to the touch and the phone is still a strikingly premium design.

It is offered in Sage or Chalk and Charcoal shades, based on the location.

For Samsung’s Galaxy S21 the FE, Samsung took after the top-of-the-line S21 series, but it’s design is noticeably cheap(er). It’s not too awful, in and of itself however, when compared to it’s “glastic” back on the regular S21 the plastic back of the FE is boring. The problem is that Samsung has chosen washed-out colors complement it. The colors are Olive, Graphite, Lavender and white.

The front has the larger 6.4-inch flat screen with the center hole-punch camera an aspect that could be better suited for consumption of content over the smaller display of 6 inches. Bezels are also quite minimalist, but there is an ever-so-smallly bigger chin. The back of the camera is matte and is soft and comfortable to feel and slightly elevated to accommodate the camera’s housing.

Both phones feature stereo speakers, front-facing center hole-punch camerasand USB-C ports located at the bottom as well as water and dust resistance to IP67.

Of of course, beauty lies in the eyes of the viewer However, I cannot not help but consider this Pixel 6a a big win in the design area. While it’s cheaper and less expensive, it still looks more expensive over Samsung’s entry level “flagship killer.”

Google Pixel 6a compares to. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE hardware and specs

The two phones are quite identical in regards to specifications and hardware. For example Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE comes with the Snapdragon the 888 chipset (or Exynos 2100) which was the basis for many top-of-the-line Android smartphones in the year 2021. The Pixel 6a runs Google’s own Tensor chipset, which is the same which powers the most popular Pixel 6 series, which was launched in that same year. Both chips are well-performing with their own phones and are able to hold in their own with the top Android phones currently available.

However, the chipset is just one aspect of the story. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE has quite many features which makes it the “flagship” it is, beginning by the screen. It has an Full HD+ OLED display with 120hz of refresh rate, which gives users smoother animations. It’s twice as fast as the 60hz rate of the Pixel 6a. If you’ve ever used a phone that has a high-refresh rate you’ll know how difficult it is to go back to something less.

The display of both phones the display on both devices is Gorilla Glass. However, the S21FE chooses to use the latest GG Victus in in contrast to the GG3 that is found with the 6a.

It is interesting to note that The Pixel 6a has been marred by issues with its display fingerprint sensor. Apart from being insecure the users complained that someone else could access the phone using fingers that are not recognized in the phone and this could lead to a security concern. Google seems to have upgraded the security of the sensor with an update in September. It’s been more reliable after the update, but we’ll keep testing it. Concerning our experience with the S21 FE, we’ve noticed no issues, and we even like the sensor to the sensor on the Pixel 6. Pixel 6.

Under the hood, you’ll find eight GB RAM as well as 256GB storage that’s more than the 6a or even the top-of-the-line Pixel 6. However, you’ll have to pay more for this model and the most affordable option being the 6a, which comes with six GB RAM, and the storage capacity of 256GB. Both do not supports expansion memory.

The S21 FE also comes with some advantages over the competition in terms of edge in the area of battery and charging. Samsung provides it with 4500mAh of battery capacity, and the capability of up to 25W of charging as well as the 15W charging wireless. We tested it and it could last for an entire day, and last for up to two days of charge. In contrast Pixel 6a’s Pixel 6a battery comes with a slightly lower capacity of 4,410mAh and maxes with 18W. However, the lower capacity was evident in tests and the phone being a step behind the older Pixels in endurance of the battery. The charging speed is especially slow even if you’re using an Google Pixel charging device. There’s no wireless charging on this device.

One area where one area that the Pixel 6a excels in is the haptics. It’s an essential part of the mobile experience particularly for our Nicholas Sutrich who enjoys that haptic feedback of the 6a. But, he had nothing positive for the motors that are on the S21 FE, saying they appear old and cheap, “delivering that harsh, imprecise vibration of the phones of yore.”

Google Pixel 6a vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: Cameras

In terms of cameras regarding the cameras, in terms of cameras Galaxy S21 FE does better on paper because of its camera sensor. The primary camera it has is a wide 12MP sensor, and it also has the ultrawide of 12MP as well as 8MP Telephoto.

Its Pixel 6a only has a 12MP camera that is coupled with an ultrawide 12MP. However, despite having an older primary sensor as well as the lack any telephoto lens this Pixel 6a is likely to be the better choice in terms of image quality.

Our tests showed that the Pixel 6a produced amazing photos, beating all low-cost Android phone you could come across at this price. Google is always great in the field of computational photography, but the Tensor chip is a step up, presumably providing an old sensor with brand new techniques. The 6a is incredibly efficient during the day , and does not seem to suffer during the night.

The Galaxy S21 FE isn’t going down without fighting. It’s got the same primary camera and lens as the S21 and can capture amazing photos, and even beating its flagship model by delivering better HDR and clarity in photos taken from telephoto angles.

Overall, we think the Pixel is consistently more reliable than the Galaxy and that’s not a surprise. Being someone who mostly uses an expensive Samsung phone however, I cannot resist pulling out the Pixel whenever I’m in need of an excellent picture. But, you’ll never be disappointed by either camera.

Google Pixel 6a vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: Software

If it’s about operating systems, the phones provide the very best that Android can offer. It all all comes to individual preferences since each Samsung and Google offer different versions of their Android OS.

The Pixel 6a features “stock” Android with Google’s unique, vibrant. The OS is extremely smooth with animated bouncy motions and quick settings switchers which are larger than they are required to be. It’s nevertheless responsive and smooth despite the slower 60Hz display. Google includes features exclusive to Pixel like the Magic Eraser and instant voice typing via Google Assistant, Direct My Call and Hold for me and Live Translate, among others.

If you’ve had an Pixel that was running Android 12 and you’re a Pixel user, you’ll know the features Google has to offer and even though it’s a phone runs Android 13.. However, it’s not for all people, and some users may choose Samsung’s One UI over Google’s Pixel UI.

The Galaxy S21 FE launched in the beginning of 2022 and came featuring One UI 4 based on Android 12. It’s pretty neat, with smaller UI elements across. Due to its Snapdragon 808 processor the phone is pretty fast and users shouldn’t have to be concerned about delays. Samsung also comes with its own set of features , including Good Lock for extra customization, Bixby (although we prefer Google Assistant), Object Eraser and much more.

Functionally, the two devices are very similar, but the Pixel also has the benefit of being an official Google phone that means it’ll receive the latest Android features first or exclusively. However, Samsung promises longer updates on its S21 FE, providing four OS updates compared to the Pixel 6a’s three OS updates. Both phones will get support for software for five years.