1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2021-08-12 | Huawei is ~6 months newer, potentially newer tech |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm | S21 is more compact & pocketable, P50 Pro is larger |
| Weight | 169g | 195g | S21 is lighter, more comfortable for long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | P50 Pro has a larger viewing area, better for media |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1228x2700 | P50 Pro is sharper and more detailed |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 450 PPI | P50 Pro provides slightly crisper text/images |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is much brighter, easier to see outdoors (P50 Pro brightness data unavailable) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Different chips, similar performance tier |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 697,566 | S21 has slightly higher benchmark performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G78 MP24 | Different GPU configurations, likely similar gaming performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4360mAh | P50 Pro has slightly larger capacity for longer usage |
| Charging | 25W | 66W | P50 Pro charges significantly faster |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | P50 Pro charges wirelessly at faster rate |
| Other Features | Reverse charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging, No charger in-box | Reverse wireless charging | P50 Pro has faster wireless charging, S21 has basic reverse charge |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | P50 Pro has higher res, larger sensor for better photos |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | Not Available | S21 has a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 13MP, f/2.4 | P50 Pro has higher res selfie, S21 wider aperture |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Available | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" | P50 Pro has dedicated telephoto lens |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | Both have wide-angle, S21 has slightly larger sensor |
| Black & White | Not Available | 40MP, f/1.6, 1/1.7" | P50 Pro has dedicated B&W sensor |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 can record in higher 8k resolution |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 143 | P50 Pro has significantly superior camera performance |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 132 | 144 | P50 Pro has superior selfie camera performance |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Unknown | S21 offers a well known OS, Huawei's OS is unavailable |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have current standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 | P50 Pro has a newer standard with potentially better performance |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | P50 Pro supports more systems, potentially more accurate location |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | P50 Pro has 512GB option for more storage |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | P50 Pro can have up to 12GB of RAM, better for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offer expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 has an additional noise cancellation mic |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both share the same basic security feature |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has strong screen protection (P50 Pro protection data unavailable) |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, RGB | Both have robust suites, P50 Pro has a more comprehensive set |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly brighter screen (1300 nits), ideal for outdoor use in sunlight.
- More Compact & Lighter: Easier to handle and more pocketable.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher-resolution video for professional-grade content.
- Well known OS: Runs on Android with the ability to upgrade to version 15.
- Reverse Charging: Offers additional functionality with reverse charging options.
- Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, a high quality screen protection.
Practical Implications: The S21 is a better choice for users who prioritize outdoor visibility, portability, and the ability to record 8K content. It is also ideal for users who prefer using android over a possibly unknown operating system.
Huawei P50 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Higher DXOMark scores, larger sensors, and versatile lens options (telephoto, B&W).
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging.
- Larger Display: More immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
- More RAM: Option for 12GB RAM allows for smoother multitasking.
- More Storage Option: Has option for 512GB for users with high storage needs.
- More Satellite Systems: Better location accuracy and reliability.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Provides enhanced functionality.
Practical Implications: The P50 Pro is a better fit for users who prioritize top-tier camera performance, fast charging, a larger screen, and potentialy more RAM and storage.
Trade-offs:
- S21: Lacks the superior camera hardware and battery performance of the P50 Pro, also has a smaller screen.
- P50 Pro: Larger, heavier, and the screen brightness remains unknown, it's software is also unknown.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - Ideal Users:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Bright display performs well in direct sunlight.
- Users Who Value Portability: Lighter and more compact for easy handling and carrying.
- Casual Content Creators: 8K video for creating higher resolution content.
- Android Users: Users who are already familiar with the android OS.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking photos and videos in bright outdoor conditions.
- Comfortable one-handed usage while on the go.
- Creating high-resolution videos.
- Casual gaming and everyday app usage.
Huawei P50 Pro - Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Top-tier camera with versatile lens options.
- Power Users: Benefit from fast charging, more RAM, and the large screen.
- Gamers: Can benefit from the faster charging and larger screen.
- Users Needing More Storage: 512GB option provides abundant storage for photos and videos.
- Users who care about accurate location: Additional satellite systems provide more accurate location.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional-level photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming for extended periods, utilizing a bigger screen.
- Frequent travelers who need faster charging for on-the-go usage.
- Work from home usage with multiple apps running smoothly.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The price of both phones may vary depending on region and retailer.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality? (P50 Pro has much higher DXOMark, better camera features)
- What is the priority: portability or immersive experience? (S21 is more portable, P50 Pro has a larger screen)
- How important is battery life and fast charging? (P50 Pro has fast charging, larger capacity)
- How important is software familiarity? (S21 is on android while P50 Pro is an unknown operating system)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual User needing a pocketable, well performing all-rounder: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. It provides a compact design, bright display, and solid overall performance.
Scenario 2: Professional Photographer needing the best mobile camera: Choose the Huawei P50 Pro. It has the best camera hardware and versatile features to ensure quality photography and videography.
Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer and Heavy Multi-tasker: Choose the Huawei P50 Pro for its faster charging, larger screen, potential 12GB RAM, and bigger battery capacity.
My Choice
If I were to choose between the two, I would choose the Huawei P50 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a more compact form factor and a brighter display with the familiarity of android, the P50 Pro's outstanding camera system, superior battery and charging performance and option for more storage and RAM is too enticing to ignore. The P50 Pro's ability to handle heavy multi-tasking with its faster processor and larger ram option is also a very useful factor.
While the S21 is an excellent all rounder, the P50 Pro excels in areas that I prioritize which is high quality photography and efficient performance. Ultimately, the P50 Pro's advanced camera technology and fast charging, outweigh the S21's advantages.
