Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Huawei P60 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-03-31 | Huawei P60 Pro is significantly newer, potentially benefiting from newer technologies. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 161 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | P60 Pro is larger and thicker, making it less pocketable. S21 is more compact. |
| Weight | 169g | 200g | S21 is significantly lighter, improving comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.67" | P60 Pro offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2700 | P60 Pro's display is noticeably sharper, providing finer detail. |
| PPI | 421 | 444 | P60 Pro has slightly higher pixel density, resulting in marginally sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; practical difference is minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, resulting in a responsive user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is much brighter, making it significantly easier to see in direct sunlight. P60 Pro's brightness is unknown, a potential limitation. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | P60 Pro's chipset is more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,228,811 | P60 Pro has significantly higher benchmark score, translating to much smoother performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | P60 Pro's GPU is more capable, especially for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4815mAh | P60 Pro offers longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 88W fast charging | P60 Pro charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse | 50W Wireless, 7.5W Reverse | P60 Pro has faster wireless charging, while the S21 has slightly better reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 48MP, f/1.4, 1/1.4", 1.17µm | P60 Pro's primary sensor has better resolution, aperture and sensor size, likely resulting in superior image quality and low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | 48MP, f/2.1 | Both have telephoto lenses, but P60 Pro's capabilities are better due to its aperture and sensor. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 13MP, f/2.2 | P60 Pro has a dedicated wide angle lens, likely offering better wide-angle shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 31MP, f/2.4 | P60 Pro has a much higher resolution selfie camera, resulting in sharper selfies. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 is capable of higher resolution video recording; P60 pro is limited to 4K. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 156 | P60 Pro has a significantly higher overall score, indicating better camera performance. |
| DXOMark Photo Score | 118 | 159 | P60 Pro achieves superior photo quality as indicated by the DXOMark score. |
| DXOMark Video Score | 90 | 147 | P60 Pro records higher quality video as shown by the DXOMark score. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Unknown | S21's OS is known with upgrade path, while P60 Pro's is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Both have similar WiFi capabilities, P60 Pro additionally supports Wi-Fi MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | P60 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth, offering more reliability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, NavIC, QZSS | P60 Pro supports more satellite systems for better positioning accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | P60 Pro offers more base storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12 GB | P60 Pro offers up to 12GB RAM, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage; user must select appropriate storage size at purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation | Stereo Speakers | S21 has extra audio enhancements. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both have standard fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 offers superior screen protection, while P60 Pro's is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity | Both have comprehensive suites; S21 also features geomagnetic sensor; P60 Pro also has gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and pocketable, better for users who prefer a smaller device.
- Significantly brighter display: Better outdoor visibility, crucial in sunny conditions, unlike the unknown brightness of the P60 Pro.
- 8K video recording: Higher resolution videos that can be useful for professional use cases.
- Dolby Atmos & Noise cancellation microphone: Better audio quality, especially for video recording, calls, and media consumption.
- Known and upgradable OS: Guarantees a more predictable software experience with updates.
- Gorilla Glass Victus: Provides superior screen scratch and shatter resistance.
Huawei P60 Pro Advantages:
- Newer and more powerful chipset: Provides better performance, smoother multitasking and gaming experiences, crucial for power users.
- Significantly higher AnTuTu benchmark score: Translates to faster loading times and overall responsiveness.
- Larger higher resolution display: More immersive experience, better for media consumption, browsing, and gaming.
- Larger battery: Better battery life and reduced need for frequent charging.
- Much faster charging: 88W charging means you can quickly top up the battery.
- Superior camera performance according to DXOMark: Notably better photo and video quality.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Wide Angle lenses - Better image quality when using these features compared to using zoom and digital cropping.
- More RAM option (12GB): Offers better multitasking capabilities for demanding users.
- More internal storage options: Available in higher storage configurations, crucial for media hoarders.
- More GPS satellite compatibility: Improved location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- S21: Older technology, smaller battery, lower performing camera and processor, but lighter, brighter display, and better known software future.
- P60 Pro: Larger and heavier, may not be as pocketable; has an unknown OS and display brightness, but better performing processor, better camera and longer battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight, and pocketable device.
- Users who frequently use their phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Users who need professional video recording.
- Users who prefer enhanced audio experience and better software upgrades and guarantees.
- Users who want a more durable screen.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily commuters and travelers who need a light and compact phone.
- Users who record video frequently, whether for personal or professional use.
- Users who watch media and require a bright screen for outdoor use.
- Users who rely heavily on phone calls and prefer clear audio with noise cancellation.
- Users that prefer a known software roadmap, with confirmed future updates.
Huawei P60 Pro Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize top-tier performance and gaming.
- Users who are passionate about photography and want the best image quality from their phone camera.
- Users who want a long-lasting battery with fast charging.
- Users who prioritize a large, high-resolution display for immersive media consumption.
- Users who need larger storage capacity for photos, videos, and apps.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers and power users who want a smooth experience with graphically intensive apps.
- Professional photographers or social media influencers who need high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who are frequently on the go and require a phone that lasts all day.
- Users who watch movies, stream videos, and want a large display for a better viewing experience.
- Users that require large storage capacity.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is an older phone, therefore could be found cheaper, but would offer less performance and a lower quality camera, while the P60 Pro might be higher-priced, but delivers cutting edge performance and camera capabilities, making them a reasonable value for users with different priorities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my priority: compactness, brightness and known software, or performance, camera, and battery? This determines if they value portability and outdoor visibility (S21) or top-tier performance and camera capabilities (P60 Pro).
- How much do I care about camera quality and video recording capabilities? This clarifies if the user values the P60 Pro's superior camera or needs the 8K video of the S21.
- What is my budget, and am I okay with a potentially unknown OS and screen brightness on the P60 Pro? This addresses cost implications and if they are okay with the uncertainty of some of the specifications on the P60 Pro.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile gamer/content creator on a budget. If the budget is flexible, and high performance, long battery life, and a great camera are paramount, the Huawei P60 Pro is the better choice; the user would have to be okay with the unknown screen brightness and software situation.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor user who needs a lightweight, compact phone with guaranteed software updates. The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is preferable for its portability and bright display, and more defined software roadmap.
- Scenario 3: Social media influencer who needs to take high-quality photos and videos throughout the day The Huawei P60 Pro is the obvious choice due to its superior camera performance and longer battery life, although the user must be comfortable with a heavier, bigger phone and the lack of 8K video.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the Huawei P60 Pro. My primary considerations are performance, camera quality, and battery life. While I appreciate the S21's lighter design and brighter display, the P60 Pro's significantly superior chipset and camera performance, along with its longer battery life and faster charging, better align with my daily needs. I would be willing to carry a heavier phone for the substantial gains in overall performance, camera, and battery. Also, the unknown software situation does not bother me as much, given that I often use apps that are not as dependent on Google's services.
