Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
Google Pixel 6
Starting at
£120.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Google Pixel 6?
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 6 starts at £120, £51.33 less than the Galaxy S21 5G.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Google Tensor on the Google Pixel 6.
- The Google Pixel 6 has a bigger battery: 4614 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
- The Google Pixel 6 has a bigger screen: 6.4 inch vs 6.2 inch.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6 specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and Google Pixel 6 both offer solid features for everyday use, but they suit different priorities. The Galaxy S21 5G has a smaller, sharper screen with a higher 120 Hz refresh rate that benefits smoother scrolling and gaming. It also has a lighter design and dual SIM support. The Google Pixel 6 offers a larger screen and a bigger battery, which can help with longer usage between charges. Its main camera captures more detail with a higher megapixel count, making it a good choice for photography enthusiasts. Both phones run Android with 8 GB RAM and support 5G. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a lighter device with a faster screen or a larger display and stronger battery with a powerful camera.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6 price
Colour
- GreyStarting at £171.33
- BlackStarting at £201.60
- PurpleStarting at £171.33
- SilverStarting at £171.33
- WhiteStarting at £180.33
- PinkStarting at £171.33
- BlackSold out
- CoralSold out
- GreenSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6 battery life and software updates
Battery life and basic durability features affect how long you can use each phone daily.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 6 has a larger 4614 mAh battery compared to the Galaxy S21 5G's 4000 mAh. This means the Pixel 6 is likely to last longer between charges, which suits users who need extended daily use or spend more time away from power outlets.
Operating System And Updates
This ensures ongoing security and access to new features, giving you confidence in software support regardless of which phone you choose.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6 performance
Performance depends on the chipset and memory. Both phones have 8 GB of RAM and options for storage up to 256GB, letting you keep apps and files readily available.
Processor Choices
The Galaxy S21 5G offers either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, both built on a 5 nm process. The Google Pixel 6 uses the Google Tensor chipset at 5 nm. Each chipset delivers smooth performance for everyday use, multitasking, and gaming, appealing to different preferences for processor design.
Memory And Storage
Both phones come with 8 GB RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. This amount of memory keeps apps running smoothly and storage sizes accommodate most users' photo, app, and media collections.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6 screen
Screen size, resolution, and refresh rate influence viewing experience. Both screens share the same resolution but differ in size and technology, affecting how content looks and feels.
Screen Size And Type
The Google Pixel 6 has a 6.4 inch AMOLED screen, providing a slightly larger display area for watching videos or browsing. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which offers rich colours and contrast with a more compact size that fits comfortably in one hand.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 5G supports a 120 Hz refresh rate compared to the Pixel 6's 90 Hz. This higher refresh rate means smoother motion and scrolling, making the Galaxy S21 5G well suited for users who value fluid animations and gaming responsiveness.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6 camera
Camera quality and front-facing cameras influence photo and video quality for selfies and snapshots. Both phones offer different strengths in camera capabilities.
Main Camera Detail
The Google Pixel 6 has a 50 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos. This makes it a good choice for users who prioritise photography and want sharper images. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 12 megapixel main camera, offering reliable photo quality for everyday use.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S21 5G features a 10 megapixel front camera, which allows for clearer selfies and video calls. The Pixel 6's front camera has 8 megapixels, suitable for video chats and casual selfies.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6 size and design
Other features like size, weight, SIM card options, and connectivity affect how the phones fit your lifestyle and network needs.
Size And Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G is lighter at 169 g and slightly narrower at 71.2 mm wide with a height of 151.7 mm and depth of 7.9 mm. The Google Pixel 6 is larger and heavier, weighing 207 g with a width of 7.48 cm, height of 15.86 cm, and depth of 0.89 cm. Choose the Galaxy S21 5G if you prefer a lighter, more compact device, or the Pixel 6 if you want a larger phone to hold and view content.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing two physical SIM cards and one eSIM for flexible mobile network setups. The Pixel 6 supports a single Physical SIM plus eSIM. This difference suits users who want multiple physical SIMs for work and personal use on the Galaxy.
Carrier Compatibility And Connectors
Both phones come unlocked and compatible with 5G networks, giving freedom to choose your carrier. They also use USB Type-C connectors, so charging and accessories are similar in convenience.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or Google Pixel 6: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (10 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 207 g)
Buy the Google Pixel 6 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £120, £51.33 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a bigger battery (4614 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 6.2 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S21 5G looks like new and often comes in excellent or pristine condition. They mention the battery life as good and appreciate the lightweight design. Several note the dual SIM support as useful for separating work and personal use. Some users highlight the screen quality and smooth performance, and many recommend the phone for its reliable condition even in fair grade. Overall, buyers find the Galaxy S21 5G a dependable and well-built device for everyday use.
Reviews of the Google Pixel 6 praise its clean and slick design. Customers report it works smoothly and appreciate the large screen and camera quality, especially for photography. The battery life is described as impressive with fast charging. Many find the phone looks and feels like new, even in fair condition, making it a solid choice for those wanting a practical and capable device. Users also like the range of colour options and the general performance for daily tasks.
The Galaxy S21 5G suits those who want a lighter phone with a smoother screen and dual SIM flexibility. The Pixel 6 is a good fit for users who want a larger display, longer battery life, and a camera that captures more detail. Both phones offer reliable performance and Android updates, making them good refurbished options depending on your priorities.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6 FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Google Tensor on the Google Pixel 6. The Google Pixel 6 has a bigger battery: 4614 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Google Pixel 6 is cheaper refurbished, from £120 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Google Pixel 6 has a bigger battery: 4614 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Google Pixel 6 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. Updates for the Google Pixel 6 ended in Oct 2026. Its last version is Android 17.
Both come in 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
