Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Huawei nova 9 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm | S21 5G is more compact, easier for one-handed use; nova 9 SE is larger, may be better for media consumption |
| Weight | 169g | 191g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.78" | nova 9 SE offers a larger viewing area, better for movies and gaming |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Both offer a sharp display; minor difference not noticeable in everyday use |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 387 PPI | S21 5G has a slightly sharper display, text and images may appear crisper |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G offers vastly better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight (brightness value for Nova is missing) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 (6 nm) | S21 5G has a significantly more powerful chip, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, smoother gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 248,000 | S21 5G performs dramatically better, offering a superior overall user experience |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21 5G has a more powerful GPU for better gaming graphics and performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, comparable endurance |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 66W fast charging | nova 9 SE charges significantly faster, reducing downtime |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse wireless | Reverse charging | S21 5G offers more charging versatility with wireless and reverse wireless options; no charger included |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | nova 9 SE offers higher resolution, while S21 5G has larger pixels and better low-light capabilities |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities and portrait photography |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.2 | nova 9 SE offers higher selfie resolution |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | nova 9 SE has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | nova 9 SE has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21 5G has higher resolution for ultrawide photos |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 5G supports higher resolution video, better for professional content creation |
| Camera Scores (DxOMark) | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not available | S21 5G camera quality is rated significantly higher than Nova 9 SE |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 | S21 5G is guaranteed to receive more OS updates for a longer lifecycle; Nova 9 SE max version is missing |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards, providing fast wireless speeds (Nova 9 SE also support MIMO) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with advanced codecs | 5.0 | S21 5G supports more audio codecs for wider compatibility and enhanced audio quality; both devices support APT-x, SBC |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, BeiDou (B1) | S21 5G supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy in challenging environments |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer same storage capacities |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8 GB | S21 5G with 8 GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking and performance; Nova 9 SE also has an 8 GB option |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | S21 5G offers a better audio experience with enhanced sound quality, clearer calls and better audio separation |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Side-mounted | nova 9 SE has a more modern and convenient side-mounted fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Includes Barometer | Basic Sensors | S21 5G is equipped with a barometer, useful for weather tracking and accurate altitude readings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide significantly better processing power and gaming performance compared to the Snapdragon 680 in the Nova 9 SE. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience.
- Better Display: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers superior color vibrancy, contrast, viewing angles, and smoother animations. The higher brightness level is better for outdoor use.
- Advanced Camera System: Features like optical zoom, OIS, and 8K video recording provide greater versatility and better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, plus a telephoto lens.
- More Charging Features: Includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging in addition to standard fast charging.
- Software Updates: Guaranteed to receive more OS updates (up to Android 15), ensuring a longer lifespan for the device.
- Better Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers for a more immersive audio experience.
- Advanced Sensors: Barometer provides advanced environmental sensors for accurate readings.
Huawei nova 9 SE Advantages:
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the 25W charging of the S21 5G.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 108MP main camera can capture highly detailed photos, though real-world image quality depends on more than resolution.
- Larger Display: The larger 6.78-inch display may be preferable for media consumption, gaming, and those who prefer a bigger screen.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Cameras: Offers more versatility in photography for close-up shots and portrait mode.
- More Convenient Fingerprint Scanner: Side mounted scanner provides easier access.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G sacrifices charging speed and screen size for significantly better performance, display quality, and a more advanced camera system.
- The Huawei nova 9 SE provides a larger display and faster charging but falls behind in performance, display technology, and camera versatility and features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who prioritize performance, multitasking, and demanding applications like gaming and video editing.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value advanced camera features, better low-light performance, and want flexibility with telephoto and wide-angle shots.
- Media Consumers: Those who want the best possible display for watching videos, with vibrant colors and smooth animations.
- Users Seeking Long-Term Use: The promise of software updates up to Android 15 makes this a better option for long term usage
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Smooth gameplay and excellent graphics due to the powerful processor and GPU, plus the 120Hz display.
- Professional Photography: High-quality photos with optical zoom and OIS, plus 8K video recording capability.
- Outdoor Use: Excellent screen visibility under direct sunlight.
- Long Term Use: Better software support for users who keep their devices for longer periods of time.
Huawei nova 9 SE is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a larger screen and fast charging at a more affordable price point.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a high-resolution main camera, a macro lens, and a dedicated depth sensor for basic photography needs.
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a larger screen size for videos, browsing, and social media.
- Users who need a side fingerprint reader: The convenient side mounted reader is a great addition
Specific Use Cases:
- Social Media Browsing: Larger screen is ideal for scrolling through feeds and viewing content.
- Fast Charging: Quick top-ups for those constantly on the go.
- Basic Photography: Good for general photos and social media posts with the high-resolution main camera.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 5G is better for users who value premium features, such as performance, display quality, and camera features at higher budget.
- The Nova 9 SE offers a more budget-friendly option with a larger display and fast charging but compromises on performance and display quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks, the S21 5G is better. For more casual use, the Nova 9 SE is acceptable.
- How important is display quality? If you need the best display quality with vibrant colors and smooth animations, the S21 5G is the clear choice.
- Do you prioritize fast charging or more advanced features? The Nova 9 SE charges faster, while the S21 5G offers wireless charging, more versatile camera features, and higher quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a mobile gamer who needs a phone that can handle the latest games at high settings. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Scenario 2: You primarily use your phone for social media, watching videos, and basic photography and want a large screen and fast charging. Recommendation: Huawei nova 9 SE.
- Scenario 3: You are a photography enthusiast who wants high-quality images, a variety of lenses, and 8K video. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
- Scenario 4: You are on a budget but still desire a smartphone with a large screen for media consumption, basic photography and fast charging is important. Recommendation: Huawei nova 9 SE
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Here's why:
Although the Huawei nova 9 SE offers a larger screen and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G provides a significantly better overall experience in areas that are crucial to me:
- Performance: As a heavy user, I need a phone that can handle demanding tasks, multitasking, and intensive gaming without lag. The Exynos 2100 chipset in the S21 5G is a clear winner here.
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate makes a big difference in daily use, providing better color accuracy, contrast, and smoother animations for everyday tasks such as web browsing, media consumption, and social media.
- Camera Capabilities: I appreciate versatility in photography with its various lenses and a high-quality main camera sensor which will suit my everyday picture taking needs. The option to record 8K video is another important advantage, especially for future-proofing.
- Long Term Usage: Guaranteed software updates to Android 15 makes this device last longer than the Nova 9 SE
- Audio Quality: The stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos is a nice to have for listening to music and playing games.
While the faster charging of the Nova 9 SE is appealing, I find the improved overall performance, superior display quality, and the advanced camera system of the S21 5G to be more important. The inclusion of wireless charging is another convenience that I value. In my opinion, the S21 5G provides a more complete and well-rounded experience.
