Pixel 8a Vs S21 Fe Is The Newer Google Phone Worth The Upgrade

When deciding between the Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, it's not just about brand loyalty or design preference—it's a practical decision rooted in long-term usability, software experience, and value for money. Both phones occupy the upper-midrange tier, offering flagship-level features at more accessible prices. But with the Pixel 8a launching in 2024 and the S21 FE dating back to early 2022, does the newer Google device truly justify an upgrade for those already using Samsung’s fan edition?

The answer depends on what you prioritize: raw hardware power, long-term software support, camera consistency, or ecosystem integration. Let’s break down the key differences and see where each phone excels—and whether switching makes sense.

Design and Build Quality

The Pixel 8a continues Google’s minimalist aesthetic with a polished aluminum frame, matte finish, and flush rear camera bar. It feels premium in hand despite its plastic back—a common compromise in this price range. At 6.1 inches, it’s compact enough for one-handed use, weighing in at 186g. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is rare for mid-tier devices and speaks to Google’s commitment to durability.

In contrast, the S21 FE opts for a glossy plastic body with a contoured frame that gives it a sporty feel. Its 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen is larger and slightly more vibrant, but it uses Gorilla Glass 3—less scratch-resistant than the Pixel’s protection. The Samsung also feels lighter at 177g, though some may find it less substantial.

Tip: If pocketability matters, the smaller Pixel 8a offers better ergonomics despite being marginally heavier.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the Pixel 8a runs on Google’s Tensor G3 chip, optimized specifically for AI tasks, photo processing, and voice recognition. While it doesn’t match the peak performance of Samsung’s Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 (both used in the S21 FE depending on region), it delivers smoother day-to-day operations thanks to tighter software-hardware integration.

More importantly, the Pixel ships with Android 14 and guarantees **seven years of OS and security updates**—a landmark promise in the smartphone industry. This means users can expect updates through 2031. The S21 FE, while initially launched with Android 12, is capped at four major OS upgrades and five years of security patches. As of 2024, it has likely received its final OS update (Android 16), limiting future compatibility and app optimization.

“Longevity isn’t just about build quality—it’s about software support. The Pixel 8a sets a new standard.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

For users who keep phones beyond two years, this difference is critical. The Pixel 8a ensures access to new features, security enhancements, and modern app requirements well into the next decade.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

Both phones feature triple-camera setups, but their approaches differ significantly.

Feature	Pixel 8a	S21 FE
Main Sensor	64MP (f/1.9)	12MP (f/1.8)
Ultra-Wide	13MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2)
Telephoto	N/A	8MP (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom)
Front Camera	13MP (f/2.0)	32MP (f/2.2)
Video Recording	4K @ 60fps, stabilized	8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 60fps

On paper, the S21 FE appears stronger with higher-resolution front cameras and 8K video capability. However, real-world performance favors the Pixel 8a due to Google’s computational photography. Features like Magic Eraser, Best Take, and enhanced Night Sight consistently produce cleaner, more natural-looking photos—even in low light.

The absence of a telephoto lens on the Pixel is a drawback for zoom enthusiasts, but most users rely on digital zoom anyway, where the Pixel’s Super Res Zoom outperforms Samsung’s AI-enhanced crop shots.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photography Test

Lena, a frequent traveler using the S21 FE since 2022, upgraded to the Pixel 8a for a weekend trip to Iceland. She noticed immediate improvements: snow scenes retained detail without overexposure, night landscapes were brighter with less noise, and portrait mode accurately separated subjects from complex backgrounds. While she missed the 3x optical zoom when photographing distant waterfalls, she found that tapping to capture and cropping later yielded sharper results than her old phone’s digital zoom.

“I didn’t realize how much post-processing I was doing until the Pixel started delivering gallery-ready shots out of the box,” Lena said.

Battery Life and Charging Speeds

The S21 FE packs a 4500mAh battery, slightly larger than the Pixel 8a’s 4400mAh unit. In practice, both last around 1.5 days under moderate use. However, the S21 FE supports faster charging at up to 25W, reaching 50% in about 30 minutes. The Pixel 8a maxes out at 18W wired charging and lacks official fast wireless charging support.

Where the Pixel shines is efficiency. Thanks to Tensor G3’s machine learning optimizations, background app drain is minimized, and adaptive battery learning extends longevity over time. Users report consistent all-day performance even after months of use, whereas the S21 FE shows noticeable degradation in standby drain after prolonged ownership.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Need longer software support (up to 7 years)? → Choose Pixel 8a
• ✅ Prioritize photo quality over specs? → Choose Pixel 8a
• ✅ Want faster charging and slight edge in raw performance? → Stick with S21 FE
• ✅ Use Samsung ecosystem (Galaxy Buds, Watch, DeX)? → Staying may be smarter
• ✅ Value compact size and premium materials? → Pixel 8a wins

Display and User Experience

The S21 FE’s 6.4-inch 120Hz AMOLED panel remains one of the best in its class—bright, colorful, and fluid for scrolling and gaming. The Pixel 8a uses a 6.1-inch OLED with a flat design and 90Hz refresh rate. While technically inferior in smoothness, the lower refresh rate contributes to better battery life, and the flat screen reduces glare and accidental touches.

Google’s stock Android interface offers cleaner navigation, fewer pre-installed apps, and quicker access to AI tools like Call Screen and Assistant Voice Typing. Samsung’s One UI 6 provides deeper customization, multi-window functionality, and built-in privacy tools—but comes with added bloatware and occasional lag during transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pixel 8a waterproof?

Yes, the Pixel 8a has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The S21 FE also has IP68, offering slightly better protection.

Can the S21 FE get more updates?

No. Despite early promises, Samsung confirmed the S21 FE will not receive Android 17. Its update path ends with Android 16, expected in late 2024.

Does the Pixel 8a support expandable storage?

No, neither phone supports microSD cards. Both offer 128GB base storage, with the Pixel also available in 256GB.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For owners of the S21 FE who are still satisfied with their device, the upgrade to the Pixel 8a isn’t urgent—but it is meaningful. The combination of extended software support, superior camera processing, and refined design makes the Pixel 8a a compelling long-term investment. If you plan to keep your phone beyond three years, the seven-year update promise alone could justify the switch.

However, if you're deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem, enjoy the high-refresh AMOLED display, or frequently use features like DeX or Wireless PowerShare, staying put makes sense. The S21 FE still performs admirably in daily tasks and media consumption.

The true advantage of the Pixel 8a lies not in raw power, but in sustainability. In an era where electronic waste is rising and planned obsolescence prevails, choosing a phone designed to last nearly a decade represents a shift toward responsible tech consumption.

🚀 Ready to make a smarter upgrade? Evaluate your current usage, consider how long you keep devices, and choose based on longevity—not just specs. Share your thoughts below: are you team Pixel or team Samsung?