1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-09-28 | The Mate 50 Pro is significantly newer, likely having newer tech and longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | The Mate 50 Pro is noticeably larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 205g | The S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.74" | The Mate 50 Pro offers a more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1212x2616 | The Mate 50 Pro has higher resolution, resulting in sharper images and text. |
| PPI | 421 | 428 | Both have very similar pixel density resulting in comparable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 5G's significantly higher brightness offers better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Mate 50 Pro's brightness is unknown, potentially a disadvantage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | The Mate 50 Pro's chipset is newer and more powerful, providing better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,022,043 | The Mate 50 Pro scores significantly higher in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | The Mate 50 Pro has a more modern GPU for better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12MP | 50MP | The Mate 50 Pro captures much more detailed images with a higher-resolution sensor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | The Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture, allowing for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.56" | The Mate 50 Pro has a larger sensor, capturing more light and detail. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP | None | The S21 5G has a dedicated Telephoto + portrait camera. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 10MP | 13MP | The Mate 50 Pro's front camera has a slightly higher resolution |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | The S21 5G's front camera has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP | The Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed-in photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP | The Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP | None | The S21 5G has a dedicated wide-angle + Macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The S21 5G can shoot in higher 8K resolution, while Mate 50 pro goes up to 4k at 60fps, Mate 50 Pro has a wider variety of slow motion options. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 111 | 149 | The Mate 50 Pro has a significantly higher DXOMark score, indicating superior camera performance. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 | 145 | The Mate 50 Pro scores slightly higher overall and in photo tests for the selfie camera, while the S21 5G has a marginally better score in video tests. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4700mAh | The Mate 50 Pro has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 66W Fast | The Mate 50 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | The Mate 50 Pro offers significantly faster wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Unknown | The S21 5G runs on Android OS, and software support should be up to Android 15. The Mate 50 Pro OS is unknown which is a big limitation. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The Mate 50 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Mate 50 Pro has better GPS support for location accuracy, including NavIC. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 512GB | The Mate 50 Pro offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both have similar RAM capabilities for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | The S21 5G has better audio features with Dolby Atmos and a noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have a basic fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 5G has a known superior screen protection using Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Both include a comprehensive set of sensors. S21 5G: Geomagnetic; Mate 50 Pro: Gravity |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The S21 5G is significantly lighter and smaller, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
- Superior Screen Brightness: The higher brightness of 1300 nits provides better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- 8K Video Recording: The ability to record video in 8K resolution offers more options for professional content creators.
- Known OS and Software Support: The S21 5G uses Android and has a known maximum software upgrade path.
- Dolby Atmos and Noise Cancellation Mic: Provides enhanced audio quality for media consumption and clearer calls.
- Gorilla Glass Victus: Superior screen protection.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers a significant performance boost, especially for gaming and demanding apps.
- Larger Display: The larger screen provides a more immersive viewing experience.
- Higher Camera Resolution & Better Sensors: The main camera and telephoto camera have better resolution and low light performance.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: The larger battery and faster charging provide significantly better endurance and quicker recharge times.
- Superior DXOMark Camera Scores: The camera performs much better in both photo and video quality, based on DXOMark scores.
- More advanced GPS system: Better location accuracy thanks to NavIC system.
- More Storage Options: Available in 512 GB version for users that need more storage.
- More Advanced Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 compared to the S21 5G's 5.0
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Sacrifices overall performance and camera quality for compactness, brightness and software features.
- Mate 50 Pro: Is larger, heavier, and has an unknown operating system, potentially limiting future software support. Its screen brightness is also unlisted, so it's potentially very bad for sunlight usage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight design and ease of one-handed operation.
- Users who need a very bright screen for outdoor use.
- Users who value the reliability of a known OS and software updates up to Android 15
- Users who need 8K video recording.
- Users who prioritize high quality audio features such as Dolby Atmos and Noise Cancellation Mic.
Specific Use Cases for S21 5G:
- Daily carry phone for portability.
- Outdoor photography and videography in bright conditions.
- Creating and consuming media with enhanced audio features.
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks, apps, and casual gaming.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Ideal Users:
- Users who want top-tier camera performance and are willing to trade portability and software support.
- Users who prioritize raw performance and gaming.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who need extra storage and a larger display.
- Users who require the latest Bluetooth technology.
- Users who require advanced GPS capabilities.
Specific Use Cases for Mate 50 Pro:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming and other performance-intensive tasks.
- Long days away from a power outlet and needing fast charging.
- Power users who want the best overall performance in any conditions.
- Professionals who need very accurate location data.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 5G will likely be more affordable now, providing good value if its use cases match your needs.
- The Mate 50 Pro, being newer and higher-performing, will likely be more expensive. Its value is tied to the user's need for its top-end features and camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is size and weight for your daily use? If portability is key, the S21 5G is a better choice. If a larger screen and advanced camera are your top priorities, the Mate 50 Pro is better.
- Is camera quality and performance a priority, or is basic performance acceptable? If you need the best camera performance, the Mate 50 Pro is superior. If high-resolution 8K video is needed, the S21 is preferred.
- Are you okay with an unknown software situation, or do you want the comfort of a known Android version? The S21 5G offers software support up to Android 15 while the Mate 50 Pro's operating system is unknown, which could lead to compatibility issues.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: The "Everyday User": You need a reliable phone for daily tasks, social media, and occasional photography. The S21 5G is likely a better choice due to its compact design, portability, and reliable software support.
Scenario 2: The "Photography Enthusiast": You prioritize camera performance and image quality above all else. The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the better choice because of its advanced camera and higher DXOMark score. However, be ready to deal with the unknown software situation and a heavier, bigger phone.
Scenario 3: The "Power User/Gamer": You need top-tier performance, a large display, long battery life and fast charging, and don't mind a larger phone. The Huawei Mate 50 Pro wins with its superior performance, and large battery.
Scenario 4: The "Outdoor User": You spend a lot of time outdoors and need a screen that's visible in direct sunlight. The S21 5G has a much higher brightness than the unknown brightness of the Mate 50 Pro, making it the more suitable choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Although the Huawei Mate 50 Pro has a superior camera, a bigger screen, better performance, and a bigger battery, the fact that the OS is unknown is a big red flag. I also value a compact phone that is very pocketable and has a very bright screen which the S21 5G excels at. For me, a phone that is easy to use daily is more important than one with the best performance and camera.
