Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Huawei Mate X3
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and Huawei Mate X3, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature Category | Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-04-08 | Huawei Mate X3 is significantly newer, implying more up-to-date technology and longer software support lifespan. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Huawei Mate X3 offers a larger screen experience that folds into a smaller, more pocketable device, while the Samsung S21 is a typical smartphone. | |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 156.9 x 141.5 x 5.3 mm | Mate X3 is taller and significantly wider when unfolded, and thinner than the S21, making it less comfortable to use one handed when unfolded. S21 is much more pocketable in folded mode. | |
| Weight | 169g | 239g | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is much lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use. Huawei Mate X3 is heavier and will feel substantial in the hand and pocket. | |
| Display | Size | 6.2" | 7.85" | Huawei Mate X3 provides a significantly larger display, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 2224x2496 | Huawei Mate X3 has a much sharper display with significantly more pixels. | |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 426 PPI | Both phones have very similar pixel density, resulting in similar sharpness and clarity. | |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unspecified | Samsung S21's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, leading to better viewing experience. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth, responsive visual experience due to the 120Hz refresh rate. | |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G provides much better outdoor visibility and usability in bright sunlight. | |
| Performance | Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Huawei Mate X3 has a more recent and faster chipset, resulting in better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall app responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,238,400 | Huawei Mate X3 offers significantly higher performance for demanding tasks and smoother overall experience. | |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | Huawei Mate X3's GPU offers superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. | |
| Battery | Capacity | 4000mAh | 4800mAh | Huawei Mate X3 offers significantly longer battery life due to the larger battery capacity. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 66W fast charging, 50W wireless charging | Huawei Mate X3 charges much faster and offers wireless charging, providing superior convenience. | |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging, No in-box charger | 50W wireless charging, Non-removable | Samsung S21 offers reverse wireless charging capability, but Huawei Mate X3 has faster wireless charging. Both have non-removable batteries. | |
| Camera | Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Huawei Mate X3 has a significantly higher resolution for more detailed images. |
| Main Camera Sensor size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.56" | Huawei Mate X3 has a larger sensor, which generally results in better low-light performance. | |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP (S21) | None (Mate X3) | S21 has dedicated telephoto, but Mate X3 relies on its main sensor and digital zoom. | |
| Telephoto Lens | None (S21) | 16MP (Mate X3) | Mate X3 has a dedicated telephoto lens, while S21 relies on digital zoom. | |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP (S21) | 8MP (Mate X3) | S21 has higher resolution for self-portraits. | |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 (S21) | f/2.4 (Mate X3) | S21 has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. | |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 12.2 MP (S21) | 12 MP (Mate X3) | Both phones have very comparable wide-angle cameras. | |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps (S21), 4K@60fps (S21) | 4K@60fps (Mate X3) | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G can record in 8K offering professional grade video content creation and better quality than Mate X3 which caps at 4k. | |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 (S21) | None (Mate X3) | Samsung S21 has been tested and scored for its camera capabilities, giving an idea of its performance. Mate X3's camera performance is unknown. | |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Night Mode (S21) | Ultra stable video, Main camera for Selfies (Mate X3) | Both offer robust features. S21 has manual focus and night mode, while Mate X3 uses main camera for selfies and has ultra stable video. | |
| Software | OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | Unspecified | Samsung S21 runs on a well-known OS with updates. Mate X3's OS and support are not specified, potentially leading to uncertainty. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (S21) | Wi-Fi 6 (Mate X3), Wi-Fi MIMO | Both support the latest WiFi standards but Huawei Mate X3 has Wi-Fi MiMO offering faster and more efficient connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (S21), AptX | 5.2 (Mate X3), LDAC | Huawei Mate X3 offers a newer Bluetooth version with better audio codecs. | |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo (S21) | GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC (Mate X3) | Huawei Mate X3 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy and quicker GPS lock. | |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (S21) | Dual SIM Full Active (Mate X3) | Huawei Mate X3 supports using two SIMs simultaneously, while S21 supports only one active SIM at a time. | |
| Storage | Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB (S21) | 256GB/512GB/1024GB (Mate X3) | Huawei Mate X3 offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB (S21) | 8GB/12GB (Mate X3) | Huawei Mate X3 offers a 12GB option for better multitasking and performance. | |
| Expandable Storage | No (S21) | No (Mate X3) | Neither phone supports expandable storage. | |
| Audio | Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers (S21) | Stereo Speakers (Mate X3) | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers advanced audio features and better call clarity. |
| Security | Features | Basic fingerprint sensor (S21) | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor (Mate X3) | Huawei Mate X3 offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor for unlocking. |
| Build Quality | Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus (S21) | Unknown (Mate X3) | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a more durable screen with known scratch protection. |
| Sensors | Additional Sensors | Geomagnetic (S21) | Gravity, RGB (Mate X3) | Both have comprehensive sensor suites. S21 has geomagnetic sensor, while Mate X3 has RGB and gravity sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Significantly more comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around.
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display with high brightness offering superior visibility, color accuracy and vividness, especially outdoors.
- Established Camera Quality: DXOMark scores provide an idea of the camera performance, and 8K video recording capability gives it an edge for video enthusiasts.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices wirelessly is a convenient feature.
- Known Software Support: Android with confirmed updates up to version 15 provides certainty for future software updates and feature enhancements.
Huawei Mate X3 Advantages:
- Large Foldable Display: Offers a large screen experience when unfolded, ideal for media, multitasking, and gaming with great resolution.
- Superior Performance: Significantly better chipset and graphics performance for smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Provides longer battery life and much faster charging capabilities.
- More Storage and RAM options: Offers much higher storage configurations and a 12GB RAM option.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer bluetooth version, better wi-fi with MIMO, better GPS support.
- Telephoto lens: Dedicated telephoto lens provides a better zoom experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Huawei Mate X3 is heavier and bulkier and potentially less durable, and its unfolded screen may be more susceptible to damage due to the foldable nature. Its OS and software support are unspecified.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a smaller display, lower battery capacity, and less powerful performance but is easier to handle and more comfortable.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize portability, a high-quality display with great outdoor visibility, and a proven camera system.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday phone for messaging, social media, and web browsing.
- Users who value ease of handling and pocketability.
- Users looking for high quality photos and videos with known performance.
- Users that will be charging at home often rather than requiring all day battery life.
- Price-to-Value: Suitable for those looking for a well-rounded, compact, and reliable smartphone at a potentially lower price point.
Huawei Mate X3:
- Ideal User: Users who want a large screen, top-tier performance, and all day battery life in a foldable format.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy mobile gamers and multi-taskers.
- Users who consume a lot of video content and need a large, immersive display.
- Users needing all day battery life, with convenient and fast wireless charging.
- Users who want a device with top performance and advanced features.
- Price-to-Value: Suitable for users willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge technology, a large foldable display and top performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my priority for form factor and portability? Do I prefer a compact, easy-to-handle phone, or am I willing to sacrifice pocketability for a larger screen?
- What are my performance needs? Am I a heavy gamer or multi-tasker, or do I primarily use my phone for basic tasks?
- How important are battery life and charging convenience? Do I need all-day battery life and fast/wireless charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Everyday Use): If you value a compact design, reliable performance and don't do heavy gaming, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is more convenient and practical.
- Scenario 2 (Media Consumption): If you watch a lot of videos, the Huawei Mate X3's large foldable display and better battery life make it a compelling choice.
- Scenario 3 (Heavy Mobile Gaming): The Huawei Mate X3's superior processor and RAM make it the better choice for gaming and other demanding applications.
- Scenario 4 (Battery Life Priority): The Huawei Mate X3 is the clear winner for battery life, with wireless charging convenience.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Huawei Mate X3. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a very capable phone with a superior display in some aspects and a more convenient form factor, the Mate X3's sheer performance advantage, its much larger screen (that folds into a more pocketable device), much bigger battery, significantly faster charging, better storage options, and overall cutting edge nature, make it far more compelling for my use case. The lack of information about the Mate X3’s OS is a concern, but the advantages outweigh the uncertainties for me. I value having the best possible performance and the convenience of the foldability, which would allow me to have a much bigger screen for games, video and multitasking and still be able to put it in my pocket.
