Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Huawei nova 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 160 × 73.7 × 7.8 mm | Nova 9 is larger and slightly wider, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. S21 is more compact. |
| Weight | 169g | 175g | S21 is slightly lighter, which can improve comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.57" | Nova 9 provides a larger screen for media consumption and gaming, S21 offers a more compact and pocketable experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Similar sharpness overall, slight difference won't be noticeable. |
| PPI | 421 | 392 | S21 display is slightly sharper, but the difference is minimal and may not be noticeable in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast; no practical difference in quality here. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing gaming and overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight with higher brightness, while the Nova 9 is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | S21 has faster overall performance, quicker app loading times, and more powerful graphics. S21 should handle heavy tasks more smoothly. Nova 9 is good for daily tasks, but less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 578,555 | S21 shows better performance for demanding tasks, gaming and multitasking |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | S21 has a more powerful GPU, leading to smoother graphics performance in games and applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4300mAh | Nova 9 might have slightly better battery life, but the difference is not large. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 66W fast charging | Nova 9 charges much faster, significantly reducing charging times. |
| Features | Wireless, reverse charging | Non-removable | S21 is more versatile with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging while Nova 9 only offers fast charging. S21 does not include a charger in box. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Nova 9’s main camera has higher resolution but smaller pixel size; S21 performs well in low light due to larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21 offers a dedicated telephoto camera for zoomed shots and portrait mode, whereas the nova 9 doesn't have it. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP f/2.0 | Nova 9 captures more detailed selfies and performs better in low light scenarios. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP f/2.2 | Nova 9 allows you to capture wide angle shots, whereas the S21 doesn't have a dedicated wide angle camera. |
| Portrait (depth) | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Nova 9 can take portrait shots, by blurring the background, whereas the S21 doesn't have a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Nova 9 lets you take close up pictures, whereas the S21 doesn't have a dedicated macro sensor. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21 has a dedicated Wide Angle + Macro lens for both purposes, whereas the nova 9 doesn't have it. |
| Video | Up to 8K 24fps | Up to 720p 960fps | S21 records much higher quality video, better stabilization. Nova 9 offers slow motion capabilities but with a lower resolution. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | N/A | Only the S21 is benchmarked on DxOmark, higher scores means better photo and video performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | N/A | S21 has a known update path. The software version of the Huawei Nova 9 is not available. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have the latest Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Nova 9 has a newer version of Bluetooth. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Micro/Nano SIM | Both are dual sim. Samsung uses dual nano sim. Huawei uses a micro and a nano sim. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both are very capable for gaming and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers a microSD card slot. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Basic Features | S21 provides better audio quality for listening and calls through its advanced audio technologies. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has a stronger glass which is more scratch and break resistant. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Barometer | None | S21 has a barometer, allowing it to better measure the environment. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 offers significantly faster performance, making it better for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Brighter Display: Higher brightness makes the screen much more visible in direct sunlight.
- Better Video Quality: Supports 8K video recording, with more advanced video stabilization.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities for more versatile power management.
- Better Audio: Has better audio features, with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support for a more immersive experience.
- Camera Capabilities: Includes optical zoom, optical image stabilization and an ultrawide lens. Has a higher overall DxOmark scores.
- Screen Protection: Has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior durability.
- Broader Range of Sensors: Includes additional sensors like barometer for more features.
Huawei nova 9 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides a bigger screen for media consumption.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 66W charging drastically reduces charging times.
- Higher Resolution Selfie: The higher resolution selfie camera captures more detailed selfies.
- Additional Camera Lenses: Features a wide-angle, macro and depth lens, offering more shooting options.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Lacks a larger battery, and a dedicated macro or depth sensor. More expensive.
- Huawei nova 9: Significantly less powerful processor, lacks wireless charging and high quality video recording features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who need the best performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Content Creators: Users who value high-quality video recording and advanced camera features.
- Frequent Travelers: Users who benefit from the brighter screen, advanced GPS, and wireless charging.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Individuals who want the latest features and technologies in a compact package.
Huawei nova 9 Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who prioritize a large display for watching videos and browsing.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who want high-resolution selfies.
- Budget Conscious Buyers: Consumers who want a good smartphone experience without the premium price tag.
- Fast Charging Prioritizer: Users who are more focused on charging speed than wireless charging or other higher-end features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Performance Needs: Do you need the most powerful performance possible for demanding tasks or is daily usage sufficient?
- Camera Priority: Are you looking for the best video capabilities and zoom options, or are diverse shooting options and a good selfie camera your priority?
- Charging Preferences: Is faster wired charging more important to you, or is the convenience of wireless charging more beneficial?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance Gaming & Content Creation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its superior processor, better graphics, and 8K video recording.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Use with Focus on Media & Selfies: The Huawei nova 9 is a good choice for its bigger screen, faster charging and good selfie camera.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Use: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G with its brighter display is a better option in bright sunlight environments.
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious User: If the budget is a constraint then the Huawei nova 9 is a more cost-effective option.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Huawei nova 9 offers a larger screen and faster charging, the S21's advantages are more compelling for my needs. The significantly better performance (especially in demanding tasks), superior video recording quality, much brighter display and higher overall DxOmark scores, along with features like wireless charging and a more robust build, are worth the trade-offs in my case. I often find myself needing to use my phone outdoors in bright conditions and prioritize performance for heavy multitasking and some gaming. The comprehensive sensor suite also provides valuable features.
I acknowledge that the lack of a dedicated macro lens is a slight drawback and the Nova 9's faster charging would be nice, but for my specific use case, the S21 is the better fit. The trade-offs make sense considering I want excellent performance in a compact package and do not mind sacrificing macro camera capabilities.
