1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.9 × 74.1 × 7.8 mm | Honor 90 is taller and wider, making it feel larger in hand; S21 is slightly more compact. |
| Weight | 169g | 183g | S21 is slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable for long usage. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus Screen | Unknown screen | S21 has superior screen protection, more resistant to scratches and drops, Honor 90 Screen protection is not listed. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | Honor 90 offers a more immersive viewing experience with a larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1200x2664 | Honor 90 has a sharper display with more detail, resulting in clearer visuals. |
| PPI | 421 | 435 | Both have similar pixel density, leading to sharp images on both devices. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks common in AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90's display is noticeably brighter, offering better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition (4 nm) | Different chips, both are powerful for everyday tasks. Exynos scores higher in benchmarks. Snapdragon is slightly more power efficient. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 701,227 | S21 has slightly better performance, but differences in daily use will be minor. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 644 | Different GPUs, both are powerful for gaming; S21 may have an edge in graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 200MP | Honor 90 offers much higher detail in photos, allowing for more cropping and better large print quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | S21's aperture is slightly wider, potentially better in low light, but marginal |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.4" | Honor 90's larger sensor captures more light, generally better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP (f/2.0) | None | S21 provides a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait mode. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 50MP | Honor 90 captures more detail in selfies with higher resolution |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | S21 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low light selfies. |
| Portrait Depth Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Honor 90 has a dedicated depth sensor, potentially better portrait mode effects. |
| Wide Angle/Macro Camera | 12.2MP | 12MP | Both have similar wide-angle capability for creative shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 records higher resolution videos, offering professional-grade video capabilities. |
| DXOMark - Mobile | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 90 | Main: 122, Photo: 128, Video: 126 | Honor 90 has better overall camera performance. |
| DXOMark - Selfie | Main: 132, Photo: 125, Video: 145 | Not Tested | S21's selfie camera is very capable but does not have the same detail as the main camera on the Honor 90. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, 8K Video | Front Flash | S21 has optical zoom and OIS, great for stable photos and videos. Honor 90 has a front flash for low-light selfies. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Honor 90 has a significantly larger battery, potentially providing much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 66W fast charging | Honor 90 charges significantly faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21 has wireless charging convenience and can charge other devices wirelessly. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Better Performance: Higher Antutu score.
- More Versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom, OIS for stable photos and videos, better low light selfie due to wider aperture.
- Better Video Recording: Capability to record up to 8K resolution.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient and can charge other devices wirelessly.
- More Location Accuracy: Supports more satellite systems for GPS.
- Enhanced Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for enhanced audio.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus for added durability.
Honor 90 Advantages:
- Larger, Brighter Display: More immersive viewing and better outdoor visibility.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: Significant detail in photos, better cropping ability.
- Better Battery Life: Larger capacity means longer usage between charges.
- Faster Charging: Significantly reduces charging time.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Potentially better connectivity and more features
- Better Overall Camera Performance: Better photo and video capabilities based on DXOMark score
- More RAM Options: Available with up to 16GB for demanding users
- Higher Internal Storage Options: Available with up to 512 GB of storage.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Sacrifices battery life and screen size for a more compact design and better camera versatility and higher video quality.
- Honor 90: Lacks wireless charging, optical zoom, and OIS, but prioritizes display quality, camera resolution, battery life and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize camera versatility (optical zoom, OIS), enhanced audio and video capabilities
- Those who value wireless charging and reverse charging.
- Users who prefer a more compact, pocketable design.
- Users who prioritize high screen protection.
Specific Use Cases:
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera with good low-light capabilities
- Users who make and consume high quality video content.
- Users who frequently use wireless charging and may need to charge other devices on the go.
- Professionals who need accurate GPS navigation with additional support for more satellite systems.
Honor 90:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a large, bright, and sharp display.
- Users who want maximum battery life and fast charging.
- Users who want high-resolution photos.
- Those who consume a lot of media content.
Specific Use Cases:
- Users who watch a lot of videos and play games on their phone.
- Users who need all-day battery life and quick charging for busy lifestyles.
- Users who primarily take pictures in well-lit conditions and want very high levels of detail.
- Users who want the latest version of android.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Honor 90 is a newer device, typically coming with a higher price tag than the older Galaxy S21. However, the enhanced display, battery, and camera resolution offer considerable value for the price, making it a very competitive option in its class.
- The S21 is an older device so can be found at a lower price point and is a good value for money for users who prioritise its features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for your smartphone? (e.g., photography, media consumption, gaming, productivity).
- Do you prioritize battery life, a large display, and fast charging, or camera features such as optical zoom, video quality and wireless charging?
- How important are the latest software updates and a modern design to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G due to its more versatile camera system with OIS, optical zoom, and 8k video recording.
Scenario 2: Media Consumption and Gaming:
- Recommendation: Honor 90 due to its large and bright display, plus excellent battery life and fast charging.
Scenario 3: All-Day Power User:
- Recommendation: Honor 90 due to its superior battery life and faster charging capabilities.
Scenario 4: Budget Conscious:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, due to its lower price whilst still having excellent performance and camera.
My Choice
Given my needs, I would choose the Honor 90.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G boasts a more versatile camera with telephoto zoom, a more robust build and the inclusion of wireless charging, the Honor 90's larger, brighter display, superior battery life, significantly faster charging, higher main camera resolution and newer software, all of which contribute greatly to a better overall user experience. I value the immersive viewing experience, better battery life and detailed photos more than optical zoom, higher video resolution and wireless charging. The Honor 90's advantages make it a more compelling daily driver for my personal needs.
