Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Honor 50
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Honor 50 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 160 × 73.8 × 7.8 mm | Honor 50 is taller and wider, may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. Similar thickness. |
| Weight | 169g | 175g | S21 5G is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for long-term use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.57" | Honor 50 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp visuals, minor resolution difference unlikely to be noticeable. |
| PPI | 421 | 392 | S21 5G has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, AMOLED is slightly better in most cases. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, Honor 50 has unknown screen brightness rating. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | S21 5G has a more powerful chipset, translating to faster app loading and smoother overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 582,766 | S21 5G is significantly faster in benchmarks; expect better performance in demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 642L (Adreno 642L) | S21 5G's GPU generally provides better graphics performance, more fluid for gaming and intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4300mAh | Honor 50 offers slightly longer battery life due to a larger capacity, however, the chipset will impact battery life greatly. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 66W fast charging | Honor 50 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless 15W, Reverse wireless 4.5W | Reverse charging | S21 5G offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging; Honor 50 lacks wireless charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm pixel size | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.70µm pixel size | Honor 50 offers a higher-resolution sensor, S21 5G better low light performance due to larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm pixel size | None | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens, offering better zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm pixel size | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/3.14", 0.70µm pixel size | Honor 50 captures higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Honor 50 has a dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Portrait (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Honor 50 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Honor 50 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm pixel size | None | S21 5G has a dedicated Wide Angle + Macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 5G supports higher-resolution video recording and higher quality stabilization technologies. |
| DXOMark Camera Scores | S21 5G: Mobile 111, Selfie 132 | No scores | S21 5G has a tested score, better performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Android 15 | Android 11, Max version unknown | S21 5G is confirmed to be upgraded to Android 15, while Honor 50 max version is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Dual band, Hotspot | WiFi 6, Dual band, Hotspot, MiMO | Both are similar, but Honor 50 has Wi-Fi MiMO for potentially better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.2 | Honor 50 has a more recent Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1) | S21 5G supports a broader range of satellite navigation systems, better precision and accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Similar SIM functionality on both phones. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer similar internal storage options; no expandable storage for either phone. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Honor 50 offers more RAM options, especially 12GB, allowing better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation, Stereo | Hi-Res Audio | S21 5G offers better spatial audio, clearer calls, and immersion, Honor 50 offers Hi-Res. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer standard fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G has significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 5G has additional sensors for more comprehensive functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly faster processing and graphics capabilities, resulting in a smoother, more responsive user experience.
- Brighter Display: The display's significantly higher peak brightness of 1300 nits makes it much more readable outdoors, especially under direct sunlight, and has better pixel density than the Honor 50.
- Better Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens, higher-quality video recording (up to 8K), and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) gives the S21 5G a versatile and robust camera system.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities, a convenience not found on the Honor 50.
- More Accurate Location: Supports a wider range of satellite navigation systems and L5 GPS for more accurate and precise location tracking.
- Software: S21 5G has a confirmed update to Android 15, giving it a much longer support cycle than the Honor 50.
- Audio: The S21 5G has Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation and stereo speakers, offering a superior audio experience.
- Screen Protection: Better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
- Comprehensive Sensors: Includes a barometer, hall, and geomagnetic sensor, providing a more comprehensive sensor suite for various applications and uses.
Honor 50 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The larger 6.57" display offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption.
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging capability significantly reduces charging time, a key advantage for those always on the move.
- Higher Resolution Main and Selfie Cameras: The 108MP main camera and 32MP selfie camera allow for higher resolution photos and more details.
- More RAM Options: Offering up to 12GB of RAM, which can be beneficial for heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Extra Camera Lenses: The Honor 50 has a dedicated wide-angle, macro and depth sensor, offering more versatility.
- Bluetooth 5.2: Has the newer bluetooth version, offering faster speeds and lower latency.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G prioritizes performance, display quality, and camera versatility, but lacks the faster charging and larger display offered by the Honor 50.
- The Honor 50 provides a larger screen and faster charging, but lags behind in overall performance, outdoor visibility, and camera capabilities, and has less robust screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize smooth, fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera system with great zoom, video quality, and OIS for capturing clear, stable footage, and better low-light performance
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phones in bright sunlight and need a display with excellent visibility.
- Users who value security and screen protection: The S21 5G's security and robust build quality provides a safer and more durable phone.
- Users looking for a more comprehensive software experience: Due to the extended support for the OS, the S21 5G offers more security and feature updates.
Ideal Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Mobile gaming with high graphics settings.
- Capturing high-quality videos and photos in various conditions.
- Working outdoors or in bright environments.
- Extended use of apps and multitasking.
Ideal User for Honor 50:
- Media Consumers: Users who primarily use their phone for watching videos and browsing content and prefer a large display.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Ideal for individuals who are always on the go and need to quickly top up their battery.
- Selfie enthusiasts: Users who take frequent selfies and prioritize higher resolution.
- Budget-conscious users: The Honor 50 will be more affordable while having similar capabilities.
Ideal Use Cases for Honor 50:
- Long hours of media consumption, such as watching movies and TV shows.
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks.
- Taking high-resolution selfies and group shots.
- Using wide angle, macro and depth sensors for different types of photos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do I need peak performance for demanding tasks and games? (If yes, S21 5G is better).
- Is outdoor visibility and battery life a major concern for my daily use? (S21 5G has a brighter screen, Honor 50 has better battery)
- Do I prioritize camera versatility or higher resolution in photos and faster charging? (S21 5G has more versatility, Honor 50 has higher resolution)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User (Gaming, Performance, Photography): Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Its superior chipset, display brightness, and camera system make it the better choice.
- Scenario 2: On-the-Go User (Media, Fast Charging, Budget-Conscious): Choose the Honor 50. The larger screen, faster charging, and higher resolution cameras are ideal for media consumption and staying connected.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use (Everyday Tasks, Occasional Gaming/Photos): Consider both options based on budget and personal preferences. The S21 5G offers a more premium experience, while the Honor 50 provides great value for money.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Honor 50 offers a larger screen and faster charging, the S21 5G provides a more well-rounded experience, particularly in areas that are important to me. The vastly superior performance, brighter display that will make viewing my phone outdoors easy, and a more versatile camera system are the core reasons why I would choose the S21 5G. The added benefits of wireless charging, better audio and a confirmed update to Android 15 also tips the scales in its favor. Although the Honor 50 has some tempting features such as a larger screen and faster charging, the overall package of the S21 5G makes it a more compelling option for my needs, and I am okay with waiting a little longer for a full charge.
