1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | HTC U23 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-05-18 | HTC U23 Pro is significantly newer, potentially offering better long-term software support. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 166.6 × 77.1 × 8.9 mm | S21 is more compact and pocketable; U23 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 205g | S21 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | U23 Pro offers a larger viewing area for media and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 393 PPI | S21 has a slightly sharper display, though the difference is subtle. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 offers drastically better outdoor visibility; the brightness for the HTC U23 Pro is missing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Different chipsets; S21 may have a slight performance edge based on benchmark scores but U23 Pro's is more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 699,600 | S21 has slightly higher theoretical performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 644 | Different GPUs, real-world gaming performance may vary. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 108MP | U23 Pro captures more detailed photos; S21's sensor has larger pixel size. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | U23 Pro has a slightly wider aperture allowing more light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP | None | S21 offers dedicated optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 32MP | U23 Pro captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | S21's wider aperture may perform slightly better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP | U23 Pro can capture wider scenes. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 5MP | U23 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | U23 Pro can take close-up macro shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP | None | S21 offers both wide-angle and macro capabilities in one sensor. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 offers significantly higher video recording resolution, and more options for fps. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 111 | Not Tested | S21's camera is professionally tested and rated. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 132 | Not Tested | S21's selfie camera is also tested and rated. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4600mAh | U23 Pro should offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 30W wired, 15W wireless | U23 Pro charges faster with the wired charger. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless, no charger in-box | Non-removable, 15W wireless, 5W reverse wireless | S21 offers reverse charging while HTC U23 Pro has slightly faster reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | U23 Pro ships with a newer OS, likely offering more extended support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support modern WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | U23 Pro has a more recent Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | Basic GPS | S21 has more accurate GPS with dual-band and more constellations. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256GB | U23 Pro has only one 256 GB option. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | U23 Pro offers a 12GB RAM option for heavy users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | S21 has a richer audio experience with advanced features. |
| Security | |||
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | U23 Pro has a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have good protection for the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Gravity | S21 offers a more comprehensive set of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry in a pocket.
- Superior Display Brightness: Significantly better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Higher Performance: Slightly better AnTuTu benchmark scores, although real-world impact is marginal.
- Better Telephoto Camera: Offers dedicated optical zoom.
- Higher Video Recording Resolution: Supports up to 8K video.
- Tested Camera: DxOMark results for both main and selfie camera.
- Superior Audio Features: Includes Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation.
- More Comprehensive GPS: Dual-band and more constellations for better location accuracy.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes Barometer, Hall, and Geomagnetic sensors.
- Wireless Charging: More options for wireless charging
Practical Implications: The S21 is better suited for users who need a compact phone with an excellent screen, powerful camera with optical zoom capabilities, high-quality video recording, and superior audio features, while still having a decent performance.
HTC U23 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched over two years after the S21, likely with better long-term software support.
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience.
- Larger Battery: Should offer longer battery life.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures more detailed photos and more advanced set of cameras.
- Faster Wired Charging: Recharges the battery faster.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Reader: More advanced fingerprint sensor.
- More RAM option: 12 GB RAM option is available.
Practical Implications: The U23 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize a larger screen, extended battery life, higher resolution images, a newer device with modern software, and more RAM for heavy multitasking.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21: Sacrifices screen size and battery life for a more compact design, and its camera system lacks a wide-angle and macro lens.
- U23 Pro: Sacrifices brightness, overall performance, audio quality, and telephoto zoom for larger display, battery life, and better main camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who value portability, screen quality, camera performance, audio features and video quality while maintaining a decent performance.
- Use Cases:
- Frequent travelers who need a compact phone with a great camera.
- Users who watch a lot of videos outdoors, benefitting from the high brightness.
- Users who make video calls.
- Users who want a phone that can do it all but in a smaller package.
HTC U23 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize long battery life, a larger screen, and high-resolution photography.
- Use Cases:
- Users who frequently consume media on their phone.
- Users who need extended battery life for long days away from a charger.
- Users who want more detailed photos from their main camera and macro.
- Users who multitask or play intensive games.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is likely to be available at a lower price due to its older age, making it a good value if you can find a good deal. The HTC U23 Pro will be more expensive but will offer the more modern features of the two, though without the tested camera quality and brighter screen.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is portability and brightness? If you prioritize a compact phone with a very bright display, the S21 is better.
- Is long battery life and large display size more important? If you need the battery to last and prefer a larger viewing area, the U23 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you need Telephoto zoom and 8k video, or a better main camera with multiple camera options? If the former, the S21 is better; If the latter, then the U23 Pro wins.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Enthusiast: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is superior due to its high brightness screen.
- Scenario 2: Media Lover: If you mainly watch videos or play games, the HTC U23 Pro with its larger screen and battery is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Power User: If you constantly multitask and need a phone that lasts all day, the HTC U23 Pro with its larger battery and RAM options is a better choice.
- Scenario 4: Casual User: If you just need a reliable phone for day-to-day tasks and the price is a big factor, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers great features at a better value (if available at a lower price), but ensure its brightness is still fine for your needs.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the HTC U23 Pro has some strong points, especially the larger battery and newer software, the S21's brighter display, superior audio, better camera (especially the telephoto capabilities), and significantly more accurate GPS are more aligned with my needs.
The compact design is also more appealing to me personally as I value portability. I also appreciate the tested camera quality and 8k video recording which make it more versatile for content creation. While the U23 Pro has a better main camera, the inclusion of the telephoto camera in the S21 makes it more versatile.
Additionally, since both do not have expandable storage, and I am fine with the 256GB version of the S21, I don't see a need to get the U23 Pro. The lack of a brightness value for the U23 Pro and the lack of a DXOMark rating also make me suspicious of its capabilities in that area.
Even though the S21 is an older model, its advantages make it a more well-rounded device for my particular needs.
