Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S21
The Verdict
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S21 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the cheaper of the two at $799 versus $1,099, a difference of about $300. The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL stands out for largest pixel ever at 6.8 inches, while Samsung Galaxy S21 is praised for $200 price cut from s20 launched at $799. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL if…
- →Largest Pixel ever at 6.8 inches
- →5200 mAh battery for all-day use
- →Same pro camera system as Pixel 10 Pro
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 if…
- →$200 price cut from S20 launched at $799
- →Lightweight and compact at 169 g
- →120Hz AMOLED with adaptive refresh
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Pros
- Largest Pixel ever at 6.8 inches
- 5200 mAh battery for all-day use
- Same pro camera system as Pixel 10 Pro
- 16GB RAM with up to 1TB
Cons
- 221g is heavy for a Pixel
- 37W charging is slow for this price
- $1099 starting price
Samsung Galaxy S21
Pros
- $200 price cut from S20 launched at $799
- Lightweight and compact at 169 g
- 120Hz AMOLED with adaptive refresh
- Snapdragon 888 performance
- Eye-catching Contour Cut camera design
Cons
- Plastic (Glasstic) back panel
- FHD+ only, no QHD option
- No microSD card slot
- Slow 25W charging
- No charger included in the box
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 10 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 16 | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 221 g | 169 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Aluminum frame, Glasstic back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77 x 8.8 mm | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 42 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 48 MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP, f/1.7 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5200 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 37W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 23W wireless | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.8 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Type | LTPO OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1344 x 2992 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 3000 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 |
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Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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