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Here’s how Samsung’s Galaxy S21 compares to the Pixel 5, OnePlus 8T, and more

Here’s how Samsung’s Galaxy S21 compares to the Pixel 5, OnePlus 8T, and more

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A detailed look versus its fellow Android competition

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Samsung got its S21 flagship phones out into the world a little sooner than usual this year, and the Galaxy S21 base model will appeal to a lot of folks with its balance of flagship specs and a price well under $1,000. In this refresh of the S-series lineup it’s the best choice for value, but how does it square up against its fellow Android competitors?

The OnePlus 8T, Google Pixel 5, and LG V60 are all highly capable challengers in their own right. Where the S21 aims to deliver a complete all-around package, some of its competitors have made tradeoffs for things like a bigger battery or a lower price tag that are worth considering. And Samsung’s 2020 models, the S20 and Note 20, are still solid options for now and will no doubt be offered with some attractive discounts.

Take a look at how the Galaxy S21 compares to these competitors.

Samsung Galaxy S21 compared to Android peers

CategorySamsung Galaxy S21Samsung Galaxy S20Samsung Galaxy Note 20Google Pixel 5OnePlus 8T LG V60 ThinQ 5G
OSAndroid 11 (One UI)Android 10 (One UI), upgradable to 11Android 10 (One UI), upgradable to 11Android 11Android 11Android 10, upgradable to Android 11
Display6.2-inch AMOLED6.2-inch OLED6.7-inch OLED6.0-inch OLED6.55-inch AMOLED6.8-inch OLED
Resolution2400 x 10803040 x 14402400 x 10802340 x 10802400 x 10802460 x 1080
Refresh rateup to 120Hzup to 120Hz60Hz90Hz120Hz60Hz
Dimensions (mm)71.2 x 151.7 x 7.969.1 x 151.7 x 7.975.2 x 161.6 x 8.370.4 x 144.7 x 874.1 x 160.7 x 8.477.6 x 169.3 x 8.9
Weight171g163g192g151g188g213g
Battery capacity4,000mAh4,000mAh4,300mAh4,080mAh4,500mAh5,000mAh
ProcessorUS: Snapdragon 888US: Snapdragon 865US: Snapdragon 865 PlusSnapdragon 765GSnapdragon 865Snapdragon 865
RAM8GB12GB8GB8GB8GB / 12GB8GB
Storage128GB, 256GB 128GB, expandable via microSDXC128GB128GB128GB / 256GB128GB, 256GB expandable via MicroSDXC
PortsUSB-C charging portUSB-C charging portUSB-C charging portUSB-C charging portUSB-C charging portUSB-C charging port
Rear cameras12MP (f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel AF, 1.8µm) wide angle, 12MP (f/2.2, 1.4µm) ultrawide, 64MP (f/2.0, OIS, 0.8µm) 3X hybrid optic telephoto12MP (f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel AF, 1.8µm) wide angle, 64MP (f/2.0, 0.8µm) telephoto lens, 12MP (f/2.2, 1.4µm) ultrawide12MP (f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel AF, 1.8µm) wide, 12MP (f/2.2, 1.4 µm) ultrawide, 64MP (f/2.0, 0.8µm) 3X hybrid optical telephoto 12MP (f/1.7, OIS, Dual Pixel AF, 1.4µm) wide, 16MP (f/2.2, 1.0µm) ultrawide48MP (f/1.7, OIS, 0.8µm) wide, 16MP (f/2.2, 1.0µm) ultrawide, 5MP (f/2.4) macro, 2MP (f/2.4) depth64MP (f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS, 0.8µm) standard, 13MP (f/1.9, 1.0µm) ultrawide, 0.3MP (f/1.4) depth
Front cameras10MP (f/2.2, autofocus)10MP (f/2.2, Dual Pixel AF, 1.22µm)10MP (f/2.2, Dual Pixel AF, 1.22µm)8MP (f/2.0, 1.12µm)16MP (f/2.4, 1.0µm)10MP (f/1.9, 1.22µm)
BiometricsFingerprint, face recognitionFingerprint, face recognitionFingerprint, face recognitionFingerprintFingerprint, face recognitionFingerprint
WaterproofIP68IP68IP68IP68NoneIP68
Wireless chargingYesYesYesYesNoYes
5Gsub-6GHz and mmWavesub-6GHz onlymmWave and sub-6GHzmmWave and sub-6GHzsub-6GHz onlysub-6GHz only
Starting price$799$999$999$699$749$799

Samsung S21 versus Android competitors