Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6A
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
Google Pixel 6A
Starting at
£100.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Google Pixel 6A?
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6A comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 6A starts at £100, £71.33 less than the Galaxy S21 5G. The Google Pixel 6A is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Google Tensor (5 nm) on the Google Pixel 6A.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Google Pixel 6A has a bigger battery: 4410 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6A specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and Google Pixel 6A both run Android and support 5G, with unlocked versions available. The Galaxy S21 5G has 8 GB of RAM and a 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, making it well suited for users who want smooth performance and vibrant, fluid visuals. The Pixel 6A offers 6 GB of RAM and a 60 Hz OLED display, which suits buyers seeking a simpler experience with solid screen quality. The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, while the Pixel 6A supports one physical SIM and eSIM. Storage options differ: the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, whereas the Pixel 6A is stocked with 128GB. Camera megapixels are similar, but the Galaxy S21 5G has a higher resolution front camera. These differences make the Galaxy S21 5G a good fit for those who want more memory, a smoother screen, and dual SIM capability, while the Pixel 6A suits users looking for simplicity and reliable everyday use.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6A 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
- GreenSold out
- WhiteSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6A battery life and software updates
Neither is foldable. Understanding their operating systems and update support helps you know they will keep current with software improvements.
Software Updates
This ensures the phones stay current with new features and protections over time.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 5G and Pixel 6A both use Android, so you get a familiar interface and access to the same apps. This means your choice can focus on other features since the OS experience will be similar on both.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6A performance
The Galaxy S21 5G and Google Pixel 6A use different chipsets and offer different RAM and storage options. These differences affect multitasking, app speed, and storage capacity for your apps and files.
Chipset
The Galaxy S21 5G uses either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, while the Pixel 6A uses the Google Tensor chipset. Each chipset is built on a 5 nm process, which speaks to modern manufacturing standards. The choice depends on your preference for the chipset brand or specific performance characteristics.
Memory
The Galaxy S21 5G includes 8 GB of RAM, which keeps more apps open and running smoothly during multitasking. The Pixel 6A has 6 GB of RAM, which is suitable for everyday use and lighter multitasking but may hold fewer apps in memory simultaneously.
Storage
The Galaxy S21 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage, offering more space for apps, photos, and media if you choose the higher capacity. The Pixel 6A is stocked with 128GB, which suits users with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6A screen
Screen quality affects how you view media and interact with the phone daily. The Galaxy S21 5G and Pixel 6A have similar resolution and screen size but differ in refresh rate and screen technology.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling appear smoother. This benefits users who value fluid visuals, especially when gaming or browsing. The Pixel 6A has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which suits everyday use and basic media viewing.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S21 5G features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, delivering vibrant colours and deep contrasts. The Pixel 6A uses an OLED screen, which also provides good colour and contrast but with less detail on technology. Both offer bright, clear displays for watching videos and reading.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch screen, slightly larger than the Pixel 6A's 6.1 inch screen. The difference is small but may be noticeable if you prefer a larger display area for video or reading.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6A camera
Camera resolution influences the detail you can capture in photos and selfies. Both phones have similar main cameras but differ slightly on the front camera megapixels.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S21 5G and Pixel 6A both have main cameras with very close megapixel counts: 12 megapixels on the Galaxy and 12.2 megapixels on the Pixel. This means both phones can capture similar levels of detail in their main shots.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S21 5G offers a 10 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls compared to the Pixel 6A's 8 megapixel front camera. This benefits users who prioritise higher resolution front-facing images.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6A size and design
Several practical features vary between the Galaxy S21 5G and the Pixel 6A. These include SIM options, connector type, and physical dimensions, which can affect usability and convenience.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, allowing you to use two SIM cards simultaneously alongside an eSIM. The Pixel 6A supports a single physical SIM plus eSIM, which suits users who only need one physical SIM.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB Type-C connectors, but the Pixel 6A supports USB Type-C 3.1, which can offer faster data transfer speeds if used with compatible accessories.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G measures 151.7 mm in height, 71.2 mm in width, and 7.9 mm in depth, weighing 169 g. The Pixel 6A is slightly smaller at 152.2 mm tall, 71.8 mm wide, and 8.9 mm deep, weighing 178 g. These small differences affect how each phone feels in hand or pocket.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or Google Pixel 6A: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (10 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
Buy the Google Pixel 6A if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £100, £71.33 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a bigger battery (4410 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want longer software support (until Jul 2027 vs ended Feb 2026)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S21 5G looks and feels like new with many noting excellent condition and battery health. Several mention it is often in pristine or near-perfect shape even when bought as refurbished. Users appreciate the dual SIM support and smooth performance, with reliable speed and condition reported across multiple purchases. Some mention a US version limitation affecting Samsung Pay but generally are very satisfied with the quality and usability.
Pixel 6A customers report the phone runs well with a fast, smooth processor. Many praise the phone's condition, describing it as brand new or nearly so. The camera is considered good and battery health reliable. A few customers report issues with battery condition or wrong models received, but most recommend the Pixel 6A for everyday use.
The Galaxy S21 5G suits those wanting a phone in excellent physical condition with more RAM and dual SIM functionality. The Pixel 6A fits buyers looking for a straightforward, reliable device with solid performance and camera quality for daily tasks.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6A FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs Google Pixel 6A comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Google Tensor (5 nm) on the Google Pixel 6A. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Google Pixel 6A is cheaper refurbished, from £100 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Google Pixel 6A has a bigger battery: 4410 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 5G has 12 megapixels and the Google Pixel 6A has 12.2 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The Google Pixel 6A gets updates until Jul 2027.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Google Pixel 6A in 128GB.
