Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Honor 200 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Honor 200 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-05-31 | Honor 200 Pro is a significantly newer device with potential software updates and newer technology. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163.3 × 75.2 × 8.2 mm | Honor 200 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 199g | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more portable and comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.78" | Honor 200 Pro offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1224x2700 | Honor 200 Pro has a sharper display with more detail. |
| PPI | 421 | 437 | Both have very similar pixel density, which means similar sharpness levels |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 4000 nits | Honor 200 Pro is much brighter, offering significantly better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Honor 200 Pro has a newer, more efficient chipset that provides higher performance. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 1,537,608 | Honor 200 Pro is significantly faster, resulting in smoother app performance and better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 735 | Honor 200 Pro's GPU offers better graphics processing for gaming and demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Res. | 12MP | 50MP | Honor 200 Pro captures more detail in standard photos. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.95 | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a slightly wider aperture which means slightly better performance in low light scenarios |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.3" | Honor 200 Pro's larger sensor will capture more light, improving low light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP | None | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens for better zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 10MP | 50MP | Honor 200 Pro captures much more detail in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.1 | Honor 200 Pro's wider aperture will be slightly better for low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 50MP | Honor 200 Pro offers a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP | Honor 200 Pro has a dedicated ultra-wide angle lens for landscape and group shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP | None | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a dedicated wide angle/macro lens for wide shots and close-ups. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers significantly higher video recording resolution. |
| Video Stabilisation | EIS, OIS | OIS, EIS | Both offer good video stability, with the Honor also featuring "Ultra stable" video. |
| DXoMark Camera Score (Mobile) | 111 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a tested score, indicating its camera performance, Honor is not tested so there is no benchmark |
| DXoMark Camera Score (Selfie) | 132 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a tested selfie score, indicating its selfie performance, Honor is not tested so there is no benchmark |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5200mAh | Honor 200 Pro has a significantly larger battery that offers much longer usage time. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Honor 200 Pro charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 66W | Honor 200 Pro offers much faster wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 18) | Honor 200 Pro has a newer OS out of the box, and longer OS update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Honor 200 Pro has a newer Bluetooth standard that offers improved power efficiency and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Honor 200 Pro has better GPS support with added QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM/eSIM) | Honor 200 Pro offers the flexibility of using a physical SIM or eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Honor 200 Pro offers much more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12/16 GB | Honor 200 Pro has a significantly higher RAM option, that offers better performance and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer a premium audio experience. |
| Microphones | Noise cancellation microphone | 2 microphones | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G provides noise cancellation, Honor 200 Pro has a multi-mic set up. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensors for device unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers known superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G includes more environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for one-handed use and portability.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Wide Angle + Macro: Offers more versatility in photography.
- 8K Video Recording: Suitable for users who need professional-grade video quality.
- Tested Camera Performance: DXoMark results provide a benchmark.
- Known Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior protection against scratches.
Honor 200 Pro Advantages:
- Newer and Faster Chipset: Provides superior performance for apps and gaming.
- Larger, Sharper Display: Better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Significantly Higher Brightness: Excellent visibility in direct sunlight.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and quick charging.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: Captures more detailed photos, especially selfies.
- eSIM Support: More flexible for digital carrier switching.
- More Storage Options: Offers larger internal storage.
- Newer OS with Longer Update Support: Ensures up to date OS and security updates.
- Better GPS Support: QZSS provides improved location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G's main advantage is its more portable design and 8K video capabilities, but it is older with an inferior processor and camera performance overall when compared to the Honor 200 Pro.
- The Honor 200 Pro, while offering better overall performance and a newer operating system, it is bulkier and heavier than the Samsung, and also has a weaker tested main camera, and no Macro camera
- The Honor 200 Pro is a newer device, meaning it will cost more in comparison to the S21, which is now a 3 year old phone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Users who prefer a compact, lightweight phone: Those who value portability and one-handed use.
- Users who occasionally need 8K video recording: Suitable for those who want high resolution video on a phone.
- Users who appreciate a device that has had its camera tested: Useful for those who want benchmarks of camera performance before purchasing
- Users looking for a more affordable price: As an older model, the price would be lower than the new Honor 200 Pro.
- Use Cases: Casual photography, everyday tasks, those who use their phone for work or study.
Ideal User for Honor 200 Pro:
- Power users and gamers: Those who need top performance for demanding apps and games.
- Media enthusiasts: Those who value a large, bright screen with high resolution for video viewing and gaming.
- Frequent travelers: Those who need long battery life and fast charging on the go.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want high-resolution selfies, great zoom capabilities and good main camera performance
- Users who want the latest OS: Good for users who want up to date security patches and the newest features.
- Use Cases: Intensive gaming, social media, content creation, professional photography.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a decent value for its price as a more older, budget-friendly option, focusing on portability and a versatile camera setup
- The Honor 200 Pro provides significantly more advanced tech and is a better choice for those who value performance, display quality, and battery life, but will cost more
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: Compact size or large screen? Do you need a more portable device or prefer a larger screen for media consumption?
- How important is battery life and charging speed? Do you need long battery life and the ability to charge quickly?
- What level of performance do you require? Do you require top-tier performance for gaming or are you okay with decent performance for everyday tasks?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: On-the-Go User: If you need a portable phone for casual use, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast: If you prioritize a large, bright display for media consumption and gaming, choose the Honor 200 Pro.
- Scenario 3: Power User: If you need top performance for demanding applications and long battery life, choose the Honor 200 Pro.
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious: If price is a big factor, and you are happy with a older phone, choose the S21.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Honor 200 Pro. Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: The newer chipset, more RAM, and newer OS version ensure that the Honor 200 Pro will remain fast and up-to-date for a longer period.
- Superior Performance: As someone who frequently uses demanding apps, the significantly higher Antutu score, higher ram capacity, and more efficient chipset of the Honor 200 Pro is important.
- Better Display: The higher resolution and significantly brighter display on the Honor 200 Pro is ideal for media consumption, which is a very important factor for me.
- Battery Life: A larger battery capacity and faster charging would be very useful to me.
- Photography: The Honor 200 Pro has a far superior main sensor and selfie camera as well as adding a telephoto and wide angle lens which is very useful for versatility.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has its advantages, the overall superiority of the Honor 200 Pro in terms of performance, display, battery, software and camera technology make it the better choice for me.
