1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Honor X7b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 166.7 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | S21 is more compact and pocketable, while X7b is larger and potentially less comfortable for smaller hands. X7b has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 169g | 199g | S21 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.8" | X7b offers a larger screen for media consumption and gaming; S21 more compact for easier one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both have sharp displays; a negligible resolution difference. |
| PPI | 421 | 389 | S21 has a slightly sharper display; text and images appear a little clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 provides deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colours, and better power efficiency for dark themes. X7b will have less vibrant colours and less contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 offers smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 has superior visibility in bright sunlight, making it easier to use outdoors. The Honor X7b's brightness spec is missing, which makes it difficult to compare. This is a significant limitation for the X7b if the display is not easily visible in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | S21 offers vastly superior performance, making it faster in apps, multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 249,150 | S21 is significantly faster, with better benchmark scores, indicating superior overall performance in terms of app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21 has a much more powerful GPU for better graphics in demanding games and other graphical applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5330mAh | X7b has a substantially larger battery for potentially longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W | 35W | X7b offers slightly faster charging, meaning less time plugged into a charger. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless, No charger | No additional Features | S21 offers more versatility with wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly, but does not come with a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm pixel | 108MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm pixel | X7b has a much higher resolution sensor, but the S21 has larger pixels and a larger sensor size, meaning its photos might have better quality in low-light scenarios; missing sensor model for X7b limits comparison. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm pixel | None | S21 has a telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities, missing on X7b |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm pixel | 8MP, f/2.0, Unknown pixel | S21 has a slightly higher resolution; X7b has a wider aperture and unkown pixel size, meaning low-light could be better |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm pixel | 5MP, f/2.2, Unknown pixel | The Samsung has better wide-angle lens than the Honor X7b |
| Macro/Portrait | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Honor has dedicated macro and portrait lenses but their usage is likely limited. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps | S21 has significantly better video recording capabilities, offering higher resolutions and frame rates. |
| DxoMark Mobile | 111 (photo 118, video 90) | N/A | S21 has better photo and video scores. |
| DxoMark Selfie | 132 (photo 125, video 145) | N/A | S21 has better scores for selfies, demonstrating superior selfie quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | X7b has a newer base OS, but S21 will receive a further version upgrade. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | X7b has a slightly newer version with minor improvements. |
| GPS | GPS L1/L5 | GPS | S21 has more precise GPS due to dual-band support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have similar storage options; neither can be expanded. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both are good for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation | Stereo Speakers | S21 has better audio features, offering enhanced sound and clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | X7b offers a faster, more convenient fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has superior screen protection, likely more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer | None | S21 has an additional Barometer sensor which is useful for atmospheric pressure measurements and navigation |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly faster processing, app loading, and gaming performance compared to the Snapdragon 680.
- Better Display: The AMOLED screen provides deeper blacks, more vibrant colours, higher brightness, and a smoother 120Hz refresh rate than the Honor X7b's IPS LCD.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21 features a telephoto lens, better video recording quality (up to 8K), OIS, and superior low-light photography with larger sensors and pixel sizes. It also has superior camera scores.
- Wireless Charging: Offers 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, providing convenient battery management options.
- Better build quality: S21 has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
Honor X7b Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5330mAh battery offers significantly longer battery life compared to the 4000mAh on the S21.
- Faster Charging: With 35W charging, the X7b charges slightly faster than the S21 with 25W charging.
- Newer OS out of the box: The X7b has a newer Android version.
- Potentially more affordable: the X7b will likely be the more affordable option.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- S21: Sacrifices battery life and potentially in-box charger and the size is smaller for better performance, display, and camera quality.
- X7b: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for longer battery life, larger screen, and potentially a lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who want a vibrant and high-quality display for watching videos, streaming, and browsing.
- Photography Lovers: Those who need a versatile camera system with good zoom capabilities and video recording.
- Tech Savvy Individuals: Those who appreciate advanced features like wireless charging and the superior build quality with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Outdoor use under bright sunlight.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for personal projects.
- Using wireless charging and reverse wireless charging features.
Honor X7b Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize a long-lasting battery for daily tasks and media consumption.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Those looking for an affordable smartphone with a large screen and decent overall performance for everyday use.
- Users who are less demanding: Individuals who aren't playing graphic-intensive games and who primarily use their phone for messaging, browsing the internet, and social media.
Specific Use Cases:
- Extended battery life for long days without easy access to power outlets.
- Watching a lot of movies and TV shows on the large screen.
- Basic photo and video capture.
- Simple social media and internet browsing.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 offers more premium features and better performance for its price but can be more expensive.
- The X7b focuses on value, offering a large battery and large screen without breaking the bank.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for you? (Gaming, app usage, multitasking)
- Do you prioritize battery life or screen quality and camera capabilities?
- What is your budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User on the go: If you frequently use demanding apps, play graphic-intensive games, edit photos and videos, and need a high-quality display, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better option. However, be aware that you'll need to charge more often and possibly buy a charger seperately.
- Scenario 2: Battery-Focused Everyday User: If you want a phone that can last throughout the day with basic usage, watching movies, and casual social media browsing, without worrying about battery, then the Honor X7b is a better fit and will likely save you money. However, be aware that the quality of the display and camera will be less than the S21.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious user: If you are looking to save money, and don't need the best performance the Honor X7b is the more sensible option. However, do be aware of the trade-offs in terms of display and camera quality.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Honor X7b's larger battery is appealing, the performance difference is simply too significant for my use case. I require a phone that can handle demanding apps and games, and the S21's superior display and camera are important for my enjoyment of media and photography. The smaller battery life is something I can deal with given that I often have access to charging, and it's a trade-off that I think is worth it for the performance, screen quality and camera performance.
