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Comparing the Google Pixel 6, iPhone 13, and Samsung Galaxy S21

With Apple and Samsung already unveiling their iPhone 13 and Galaxy series respectively, Google’s new Pixel 6 is looking to make waves for consumers looking for a traditional flagship phone model when it’s expectedly released later this month. As the last major brand name to unveil this year’s latest model, how does the Pixel 6 stack up against iPhone and Galaxy devices? More importantly, how do you know which device is best for you?

In this article, we’re diving into the specs, details, and pros and cons of each flagship model so you can make the best decision when it comes to choosing your next phone!

Pixel 6, iPhone 13, and Galaxy 21: How do they compare?

While Samsung’s latest release with the Galaxy Flip and Fold models gave users a unique option, for those of us looking for a more traditional option, the Galaxy S21 is still the strongest competition against the new Pixel 6 and iPhone 13 models. This year, all three have made significant advances in the quality and performance of their cameras.

Google Pixel 6

In a bid to attract new customers and make waves amid the new phone season, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro both offer unique software unavailable on other Android phones. Since its release, Google says much of this is thanks to its new Tensor chip which is designed to deliver better performance for Pixel phones along with new AI and photo tech.

In addition to the new Tensor chip, the Pixel 6 gets a new 50MP camera, a 6.4-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, faster charging and a better battery than the Pixel 5. Plus, there are interesting new camera features like Magic Eraser which allows you to remove background elements from your photos. The Tensor chip will then predict what the picture would look like with the removed elements and fill in the blanks.

Couple this with the comparatively lower price tag, up to 48 hours of battery time using the extreme battery saver option, and a decent breadth of photo options, the Pixel 6 is a great option for people who don’t need the tip of the cutting edge, but still want some cool new features and capabilities in a phone.

On the Pixel 6 Plus, the device sports the same cool capabilities the Tensor chip brings to the base model, with a larger display at 6.71 inches as well as an additional 48MP telephoto with 4x optical zoom and 20x Super Res zoom alongside a bigger battery than the standard model.

iPhone 13

While the iPhone 13 is very similar to the previous iPhone 12, the 13 series did make great strides in terms of better battery life, an improved processor, and an upgraded camera setup that Apple hasn’t previously offered. With its new A15 Bionic chipset, it does give the iPhone 13 a decent alternative to the Pixel’s Tensor chip.

The new duo camera on the iPhone 13 also improves image quality while Sensor-Shift optical image stabilization (OIS) tech, previously only available on the iPhone Pro Max models, is great for those who want to take photos quickly without motion blur distorting images.

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are where Apple’s latest devices truly shine however, both models offer great photo experiences, with several camera options to handle daytime and nighttime photos at a number of different distances. Battery life is also one of the most predominant upgrades this year, with both the Pro and Pro Max able to last at or over 24 hours. It’s worth noting that the Pro Max also comes with a cool macro photography mode, which automatically shifts to the ultrawide camera when you zoom in close to objects.

For those who are less concerned with the latest-and-greatest, but still want a solid Apple upgrade, the iPhone 13 Mini sports (as the name suggests) a lot of the new features into a smaller profile. With a 5.4-inch screen, improved battery life, and the exact same cameras as the iPhone 13, it’s a decent alternative for those looking for a more affordable option with some cool new features to boot.

Galaxy S21

At a glance, all three Samsung Galaxy S21 models appear more or less the same. All three include the all-screen front with a single lens and a similar profile on the back. However, the S21 Ultra includes a much larger camera block for, you guessed it, increased photo capabilities. Both the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Plus share the same cameras, with a standard, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens capable of 3x zoom. For the top-tier device, the Galaxy S21 Ultra sports a quad lens capable of an additional 10x zoom.

Between the S21 and S21 Plus, the only major difference outside the higher price is the S21 Plus’ significantly larger screen and a better battery, with the lifespan of each device scaling up with each tier. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a different story. Beyond the size and price, it also has a better camera setup, resolution screen, and bigger battery.

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