Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in January 2021, is a traditional flagship smartphone known for its expansive display and comprehensive camera system. In contrast, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, launched in August 2024, represents a newer generation of foldable technology, offering a versatile dual-screen experience. While the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G provides a premium, conventional smartphone experience, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold introduces the flexibility of a large, folding internal display alongside a capable external screen, running on Google's optimized Android platform.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, launched in January 2021, is an older device compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which debuted in August 2024. This difference in release year directly impacts the remaining period of official software support.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G typically received four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its major OS updates likely concluded in 2025, with security updates extending into 2026. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, however, is promised seven years of OS and security updates from its launch, extending its support until at least August 2031.
• Repairability: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been noted for its modular design, which can simplify certain repairs, such as replacing the USB-C port, though battery replacement can be challenging due to flimsy pull tabs. Information regarding the specific repairability score for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is less prominent, but as a traditional slab phone, it generally presents different repair challenges compared to foldables.

The performance of these devices is influenced by their internal components and how they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is powered by a processor from 2021, which capably handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and moderately demanding applications. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a newer generation processor, designed to offer enhanced performance for more intensive tasks, advanced AI features, and smoother operation across its dual displays.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G generally experience fluid navigation and quick app loading. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with its more recent processor and increased RAM (16GB compared to the S21 Ultra's 12GB or 16GB), is engineered for highly responsive interactions, especially when switching between applications or utilizing the larger internal screen for productivity.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing substantial power for a full day of typical use, with some tests showing over 7 hours of screen-on time. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a 4650mAh battery, and despite powering two displays, it has demonstrated strong endurance, lasting over 16 hours in certain usage scenarios.

The display experience differs significantly between these two devices, primarily due to their form factors and display technologies.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a single 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a dual-screen setup: an 8.0-inch folding OLED internal display and a 6.3-inch OLED cover display, providing flexibility for different viewing needs.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S21 Ultra 5G boasts a QHD+ resolution (3200x1440 pixels) with a high pixel density of 515 PPI, resulting in exceptionally sharp images. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's internal display has a resolution of 2076 x 2152 pixels (373 PPI), while its cover display is 1080 x 2424 pixels (422 PPI), both delivering clear visuals.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S21 Ultra 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1500 nits. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's displays offer a higher peak brightness of 2700 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems, though their approaches and capabilities reflect their respective generations and design philosophies.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with a triple-lens rear camera system, comprising a 48MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 10.5MP ultrawide lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S21 Ultra 5G is known for its detailed photos and strong zoom capabilities, performing well in various lighting conditions. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold leverages Google's computational photography, which is designed to produce consistent and high-quality images, particularly excelling in areas like low-light performance and dynamic range, even with potentially different sensor specifications.
• Video Recording and Front Cameras: Both devices support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, with the S21 Ultra 5G also capable of 8K video at 24fps. For selfies, the S21 Ultra 5G has a 40MP front camera, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 10MP front camera and an additional 10MP inner camera for use when unfolded.