Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB)
Side by side comparison between Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?
,
6.3"
POLED
POLED
1080x2424
48
MP
MP
13mp
8GB
RAM
RAM
Octa-core
5100
mAh
mAh
(Non removable)
vs
6.8"
AMOLED
AMOLED
1440x3200
108
MP
MP
40mp
16GB
RAM
RAM
Octa-core
5000
mAh
mAh
(Non removable)
What's the better phone? Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB)
The phonemore's choice is much more technical than personal. Therefore, you shouldn't only consider this. Our goal is to help you, but what's important to us may not be important to you. You decide which one is the best! Comment!
8 Advantages 
17 Advantages | 35 Common items in both devices |
| UFS 3.1 |
| 8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches) |
| Aluminum body, glass front, plastic back / Aluminum frame, glass front/back |
| 120Hz |
| 16 million |
| PDAF: phase detection autofocus / PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras |
| OIS: Optical stabilization |
| +28 specs and more in the table below |
Check the comparison table below for more items that are not evaluated in comparison score above.
Highlight differences Clear highlight📱 Model features | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| Model | Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) |
| Other model names | Google Pixel 9a GXQ96 | Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (SM-G998U1) Unlocked |
| Country or region available |  USA | USA |
| Brand | Samsung | |
| Release date | 4/10/2025, Announced: 3/19/2025 | 1/29/2021, Announced: 1/14/2021 |
| Depth | 8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches) | 8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches) |
| Size (width x height) | 73.3 x 154.7 millimeters (2.89 x 6.09 in) | 75.6 x 165.1 millimeters (2.98 x 6.5 in) |
| Weight | 186 grams (6.51 ounces) | 227 grams (7.95 ounces) |
| Build, materials | Aluminum body, glass front, plastic back | Aluminum frame, glass front/back |
| Protection against water and others | IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant | IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant |
📲 Display | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| Display type | P-OLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Screen size | 6.3" inches | 6.8" inches |
| Screen-to-body ratio | ~83.9% (screen-to-body ratio) | ~89.4% (screen-to-body ratio) |
| Display resolution | 1080x2424 pixels (20:9) | 1440x3200 pixels (20:9) |
| Touchscreen | Capacitive Multitouch | Capacitive Multitouch 10-points |
| Pixel density (dot pitch) | 421 PPI | 516 PPI |
| Colors | 16 million | 16 million |
| Scratch-resistant glass | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Display features | 2700nits[peak] HDR8 Always-On Display | 1500nits[peak] HDR10+ Always-On Display |
🤖 Operating System | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| System version | Android 15 | Android 11 |
| Firmware update | Android 16 | Android 15 |
| User Interface | feature not registered | One UI 3.1 / 4.1 / 5.1 / 6.0 / 7.0 |
⚙️ Processor | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| Chipset | 64bit: Google Tensor G4 (4nm) | 64bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (SM8350) (5nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core, 3 processors: 1x 3.1GHz ARM Cortex-X4 (Single-core) 3x 2.6GHz ARM Cortex-A720 (Triple-core) 4x 1.92GHz ARM Cortex-A520 (Quad-core) | Octa-core, 3 processors: 1x 2.84GHz Kryo 680 (Single-core) 3x 2.42GHz Kryo 680 (Triple-core) 4x 1.8GHz Kryo 680 (Quad-core) |
| GPU graphical controller | ARM Mali-G715 MP7 (940MHz) | Qualcomm Adreno 660 (840MHz) |
| Performance (benchmark) | AnTuTu: 1030262 (v10) | AnTuTu: 681099 (v8), 809165 (v9) Geekbench: 3539 (v5.2) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
💽 Memory and storage | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| RAM memory | 8GB LPDDR5X | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Internal storage | 256GB (220GB available) UFS 3.1 | 512GB (457GB available) UFS 3.1 |
| External storage | Not supported | Not supported |
📶 Mobile networks | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| Dual-SIM | Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card | Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card |
| SIM card | 1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM | 1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM |
| Maximum Download / Upload | 3000/1024 Mbps | 5000/1920 Mbps |
| Network technology | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Frequency, bands | Expand band details Collapse details | |
| GSM MHz band | Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900 | Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Primary 2G network | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Primary 3G network | UMTS 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 |
| Primary 4G network | LTE Cat24 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66, 71) TD-LTE (38, 41, 48) VoLTE | LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 66, 71) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48) VoLTE |
| Primary 5G network | SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78) | SA/NSA/Sub6 (2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71) mmWave (260, 261) |
| Primary data network | GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 | GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 |
| Secondary 2G network | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Secondary 3G network | UMTS 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 |
| Secondary 4G network | LTE Cat24 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66, 71) TD-LTE (38, 41, 48) VoLTE | LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 66, 71) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48) VoLTE |
| Secondary data network | GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 | GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 |
📷 Camera | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| Back camera (main camera) | (dual camera) 48 megapixels 13MP ultrawide f/2.2120°1/3.1"1.12µm | (quad camera) 108 megapixels 10MP periscope telephoto f/4.9240mm1/3.24"1.22µmPDAFOIS10x-optical-zoom 10MP telephoto f/2.470mm1/3.24"1.22µmPDAFOIS3x-optical-zoom 12MP ultrawide f/2.213mm1/2.55"1.4µmPDAFSuper-Steady-video |
| Main camera resolution | 8000x6000 pixels | 12000x9000 pixels |
| Video recording (primary) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps | 8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps |
| Flash | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Focal aperture | f/1.7 (aperture) | f/1.8 (aperture) |
| Focal length | 25mm (lens) | 26mm (lens) |
| Sensor size | 1/2" inches | 1/1.33" inches |
| Pixel size | 0.8µm pixel | 1.8µm pixel |
| Autofocus | PDAF: phase detection autofocus | PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras |
| Touch focus | Supported | Supported |
| Image stabilization | OIS: Optical stabilization | OIS: Optical stabilization |
| Zoom | Only digital zoom | Digital and optical zoom |
| Face/smile detection | Face detection, Smile detection | Face detection, Smile detection |
| BSI sensor | Supported | Supported |
| HDR | HDR photo/video on both cameras | HDR photo/video on both cameras |
| Camera extras | 4K@30/60fps 1080p@30/60/120/240fps | 4K@60fps 1080p@240fps 720p@960fps |
📸 Front camera | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| Front camera (secondary) | 13 megapixels | 40 megapixels |
| Front camera resolution | 4128x3096 pixels | 7296x5472 pixels |
| Video recording (secondary) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) |
| Front flash | Not supported | Not supported |
| Focal aperture | f/2.2 (aperture) | f/2.2 (aperture) |
| Focal length | 20mm (lens) | 26mm (lens) |
| Sensor size | 1/3.1" inches | 1/2.8" inches |
| Pixel size | 1.12µm pixel | 0.7µm pixel |
🔉 Sound and multimedia | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| Loudspeaker | Stereo sound | Stereo sound 32-bit/384kHz Dolby Atmos Tuned by AKG |
| Active noise cancellation | 2 microphones | 3 microphones |
| Radio | Not supported | FM |
| TV | Not supported | Not supported |
| Video formats | MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV | MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV |
| Audio formats | MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC | MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC |
🔌 Connectivity | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| USB | USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go | USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go |
| Audio output | Type-C reversible connector | Type-C reversible connector |
| TV output | USB Type-C (reversible) | USB Type-C (reversible) |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 + A2DP/LE | 5.2 + A2DP/LE |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6E/6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot |
| DLNA | Supported | Supported |
| GPS | feature not registered | A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou |
| NFC | Supported | Supported |
| Infrared port | Not supported | Not supported |
🧭 Sensors | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| Sensors | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock 2D Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gyroscope Proximity sensor | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock 2D Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gesture Gyroscope Hall effect Proximity sensor UWB (Ultra Wideband) |
| Vibrating alert | Supported | Supported |
🔋 Battery | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| Battery type | LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable) | LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable) |
| Battery capacity | 5100 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charger, watts | 23W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 3.0 | 25W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 3.0 |
| Inductive / wireless charging | 7.5W Qi wireless charging | 15W Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA) 4.5W Reverse wireless charging |
| Talk time autonomy | feature not registered | feature not registered |
| Standby | feature not registered | feature not registered |
➕ Other features | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| Call control | Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands | Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands |
| Messaging | SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail | SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail |
| Hands-free calling | Supported | Supported |
| Video calling | Supported | Supported |
| Ringtones | Polyphonic and customized | Polyphonic and customized |
| Web browser | HTML, XHTML, HTML5 | HTML, XHTML, HTML5 |
| Antenna | Internal antenna | Internal antenna |
| Qwerty physical keyboard | Not supported | Not supported |
| Miscellaneous | • Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony • Google Cast | • Colors: Phantom Black, Silver, Titanium, Navy, Brown • Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard) • Samsung DeX • Stylus pen support |
☢️ Radiation rate | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 512GB) | |
| SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.) | feature not registered | 0.77W/kg (head), 1.02W/kg (body) |
| SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.) | 0.99W/kg (head), 1.39W/kg (body) | feature not registered |