1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Honor Magic4 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-04-09 | Honor is significantly newer, likely having better long-term software support and potentially newer technology. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 163.6 x 74.7 x 9.1 mm | S21 is more compact, easier to handle with one hand; Magic4 Pro is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 169g | 209g | S21 is significantly lighter, comfortable for extended use; Magic4 Pro is heavier, may feel more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.81" | Magic4 Pro offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1312x2848 | Magic4 Pro has a sharper display, making images and text clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 460 | Magic4 Pro has slightly sharper images due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible real-world difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | S21 is noticeably brighter, providing better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Magic4 Pro has a more powerful and efficient chip, leading to faster performance and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 945,832 | Magic4 Pro provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more responsive experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | Magic4 Pro’s GPU is more powerful and efficient, offering superior graphics for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4600mAh | Magic4 Pro's larger battery provides longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Magic4 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse | 100W Wireless | Magic4 Pro charges faster wirelessly; S21 has additional reverse wireless charging feature |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Magic4 Pro's main sensor captures more detail and performs better in low light due to larger sensor size. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | S21 has slightly larger sensor size for potentially better zoom quality than the Honor Magic4 Pro. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/2.4, N/A | Magic4 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera, while the S21 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/2.2, N/A | Magic4 Pro has a much higher resolution, resulting in more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| ToF 3D sensor | N/A | 0.3MP | Magic4 Pro has a ToF sensor for better depth sensing in portrait mode, not available on the S21. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 supports higher 8K video recording for professional video content creation. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 111 Selfie: 132 | Mobile: 126 | Honor Magic4 Pro scores significantly higher in mobile camera quality, but S21 has selfie camera scores. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Digital/Optical Zoom | OIS, Digital/Optical Zoom, Laser AF | Both offer similar features, but Magic4 Pro offers laser autofocusing. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 12 | Magic4 Pro has a newer out-of-box operating system, with no official updates promised. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both offer fast WiFi, Honor Magic4 Pro supports WiFi MiMO for faster connection speeds on compatible networks |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Magic4 Pro uses a newer Bluetooth standard for better efficiency and range. |
| GPS | More systems | More systems | Both have comprehensive GPS, but Magic4 Pro supports more systems and has better accuracy in urban environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Magic4 Pro offers larger storage options, suitable for users with extensive media files. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12GB | Magic4 Pro offers a 12GB variant for more demanding multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion, which might be a limitation for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation | DTS/DTS X | Both phones offer stereo speakers; S21 has enhanced audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both feature basic fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has excellent screen protection, while Magic4 Pro's screen protection is not specified. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, etc | Gravity, etc | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G includes additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The S21's 1300 nits brightness offers superior outdoor visibility compared to the Magic4 Pro's 1000 nits.
- More Compact & Lighter Design: The S21 is easier to handle and carry around due to its smaller size and lower weight.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers high-resolution video recording.
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging: This is better than Honor's options since it allows charging other devices.
- Superior screen protection Has Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More sensors Has environmental sensors like a barometer.
- Better Selfie camera performance, based on DXOMark score.
Honor Magic4 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Technology: Being launched later, the Magic4 Pro has a more modern chipset and overall features.
- Larger & Sharper Display: The larger and higher-resolution display is better for media consumption and gaming.
- More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers better overall performance and efficiency.
- Bigger Battery & Faster Charging: The larger battery and significantly faster charging provide longer use and less downtime.
- Superior Camera Performance: Better main camera sensor and scores in DXOMark.
- Higher storage options: The Magic 4 Pro has the option of 512GB storage.
- Newer Bluetooth: It uses Bluetooth 5.2, which provides better efficiency and range.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: The biggest trade-off is its older chipset and lower performance compared to the Honor Magic4 Pro. Also, the battery life and charging speed is not as good as Honor.
- Honor Magic4 Pro: The phone's larger size and heavier weight make it less comfortable to handle than the S21. Also, the screen is less bright and it's missing detailed information about the display's protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize portability: Those who need a lightweight, compact phone that is easy to use one-handed.
- Users who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight: The brighter display is a crucial advantage for outdoor visibility.
- Users who value good selfie capabilities: Based on DXOMark data, the S21's front camera performs well.
- Users who need to make 8k videos: It is capable of recording in higher resolutions.
- Users who need to wirelessly charge other devices: Has 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- Everyday phone use, especially in outdoor settings.
- Users who prioritize good quality selfies.
- Users looking for a lightweight device with reverse charging capability.
- Users who sometimes need to record in 8k
Honor Magic4 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and gaming: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides a superior experience.
- Users who consume a lot of media: The larger, sharper display enhances the viewing experience.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging: The bigger battery and 100W charging are significant advantages.
- Users who want a better camera for photos: Main camera sensor and scores in DXOMark are higher.
- Users who need storage space: Has the option of 512GB of internal storage.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, media consumption, and heavy multitasking.
- Power users who need a fast-charging phone and don't want to compromise on performance.
- Users who want better quality photos from the main camera sensor.
- Users who need a large amount of storage space.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize portability and one-handed use, or do you prefer a larger screen for media consumption and productivity?
- Is camera performance or overall performance more critical for your needs?
- Is fast charging and long battery life more important to you than the convenience of wireless charging other devices, and is it necessary for your daily activities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The casual user on the go
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for the superior portability, brighter screen, and good selfie camera.
- Scenario 2: The performance and media enthusiast
- Recommendation: Honor Magic4 Pro for the better performance, larger and sharper display, superior main camera, and longer battery life with fast charging.
- Scenario 3: The user with diverse needs
- Recommendation: If needing to charge other devices wirelessly, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Otherwise, Honor Magic4 Pro has a better main camera, performance and battery life.
My Choice:
Given my preference for a balanced smartphone experience, I would choose the Honor Magic4 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has the brighter display, and reverse wireless charging, the Honor's more powerful processor, bigger battery with much faster charging, significantly better main camera sensor and scores, as well as the larger, sharper screen are more compelling to me. The trade-off in portability and having a non-specified screen protection is acceptable for the improvements in performance and overall technology, especially when considering the fact it is a newer device.
