1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | The S21 is more compact and pocketable, while the nova 12i is larger and may feel less ergonomic for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 199g | The S21 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone form factors. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | The nova 12i offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming, while the S21 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Both provide sharp, detailed images. The difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 421 | 391 | The S21's higher pixel density means slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors and better power efficiency, especially with dark themes, compared to the LCD on the nova 12i. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, while the 90Hz of the nova 12i is slightly less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21's significantly higher brightness makes it much more usable outdoors in bright sunlight. The nova 12i's brightness is unknown, but its unlikelihood to match is a strong disadvantage. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The S21's flagship-level Exynos chip offers substantially better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking compared to the midrange Snapdragon chip in the nova 12i. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 289,000 | The S21 offers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and is significantly better suited for graphically intense games than the nova 12i. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | The S21's Mali GPU provides superior graphics processing power, which means better gaming and video editing performance compared to the Adreno GPU in the nova 12i. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm) | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.67", 0.64µm) | While the nova 12i has a much higher megapixel count, the S21's larger pixel size often leads to better low-light performance, even though it has a smaller sensor. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm) | None | The S21 can take higher-quality zoomed photos and portrait shots with a dedicated telephoto/portrait camera. The nova 12i lacks dedicated telephoto capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm) | 8MP (f/2.0, No sensor size provided, No pixel size provided) | The S21's selfie camera, while higher resolution, is only slightly better. The nova 12i has wider aperture which can help in low light conditions, but without sensor and pixel size, it is difficult to conclude with certainty. |
| Portrait Depth Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | The nova 12i has a dedicated depth sensor to assist with portrait mode effects. The S21 uses software to achieve similar portrait effects. |
| Wide Angle/Macro Camera | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm) | None | The S21 has an ultrawide lens for landscape and group photos and can capture macro details. The nova 12i lacks dedicated wide angle and macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The S21 can record video with higher resolution and frame rates, making it suitable for professional-grade content creation. The nova 12i is limited to 1080p and only 30fps. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not tested | The S21's camera performance is well-regarded based on DxOMark scores. The nova 12i does not have an official DxOMark score, limiting comparisons. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The nova 12i has a larger battery, likely leading to significantly longer battery life. However, real battery life depends on user habits, screen brightness, and software. |
| Charging | 25W | 40W | The nova 12i charges faster. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | None of those features | The S21 has wireless charging and can even charge other wireless-charging devices, while the nova 12i lacks these features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher brightness, 120Hz refresh rate and better contrast. This provides better visual quality, especially in daylight.
- Higher Performance: Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a versatile triple camera setup, including a telephoto lens, wide-angle lens and ability to record 8K video, resulting in superior photography and videography.
- Wireless Charging: Supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Better Audio: Has Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, and Stereo Speakers.
- Software Updates: Official software update to Android 15.
- Build Quality: Offers Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection.
Practical Implications for S21:
- More enjoyable media consumption, gaming, and everyday usage.
- Smoother and faster performance overall.
- Higher quality photos and video recordings.
- Convenient wireless charging options.
Huawei nova 12i Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery should provide significantly longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 40W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Potentially better value: Being a budget-oriented phone, it will likely be significantly cheaper.
Practical Implications for nova 12i:
- Longer usage time between charges, ideal for users who are frequently away from charging points.
- Less waiting time when charging the phone.
Trade-offs:
- S21: Smaller screen and battery life compared to nova 12i, lacks expandable storage.
- Nova 12i: Lower display quality, significantly lower performance, less versatile camera system, lack of wireless charging, and lack of confirmed software updates.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality, smooth performance, and advanced camera capabilities.
- Gamers, photographers, content creators, and those who require high performance from their devices.
- Users who value a premium, compact device.
- Users who value software updates.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with smooth graphics and responsiveness.
- High-quality photography and 8K video recording.
- Multitasking with multiple apps.
- Outdoor usage due to high brightness display.
- Use of wireless charging accessories.
Huawei nova 12i Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize long battery life and faster charging.
- Budget-conscious buyers who need a large screen for media consumption.
- Users who do not require top-tier performance and are less demanding in terms of camera quality.
Use Cases:
- Watching videos and browsing social media.
- Basic everyday use, including calls, messaging, and web browsing.
- Users who are frequently away from a power outlet.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 is positioned as a premium phone and typically commands a higher price, but provides a flagship-level experience.
- The nova 12i is likely a budget phone and offers excellent value for its price, targeting users seeking essential features at a lower cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for high-intensity gaming and multitasking, or will basic tasks suffice?
- Battery Life vs. Display Quality: Do you prioritize a long-lasting battery or a top-tier display with superior image quality?
- Budget: What is your budget, and what features are most important to you at that price point?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Performance and Camera Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Reasoning: Prioritizes performance, camera quality, display, and features over battery life.
Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious, Long Battery Life User
- Recommendation: Huawei nova 12i
- Reasoning: Focuses on a large battery, faster charging, and basic usage without the need for high-end features.
Scenario 3: Balanced User with Focus on Display
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Reasoning: Despite the smaller battery, superior display and overall performance make it a worthwhile option for daily usage.
My Choice and Reasoning:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Huawei nova 12i offers a larger battery and faster charging, the overall user experience provided by the S21 is far superior. The AMOLED display with its higher brightness and 120Hz refresh rate will make daily usage much more enjoyable. The vastly superior performance of the Exynos 2100 chipset will provide a much smoother experience, especially when multitasking or gaming. Furthermore, the significantly better camera system on the S21 allows for higher-quality photos and videos, especially with the included telephoto and wide-angle lenses. The software support of up to Android 15 is another very important point. Although the S21 might require more frequent charging due to the smaller battery, the overall premium experience, far better features, and superior performance justify my choice. The S21 feels more like a complete, modern smartphone compared to the nova 12i.
