Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Huawei Pura 70 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-04-29 | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is much newer, likely with more modern features. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Pura 70 Ultra is larger and bulkier, less pocketable, S21 5G is more compact |
| Weight | 169g | 226g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Ultra offers more screen real estate for media consumption, gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Ultra provides sharper images, better visual clarity. |
| PPI | 421 | 460 | Pura 70 Ultra has slightly better pixel density, resulting in finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks; slight difference in panel technology, though very similar in practice |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 Ultra is much more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Pura 70 Ultra has better performance based on benchmark score, but both may perform well for daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 869,707 | Pura 70 Ultra has better performance based on benchmark score, but both may perform well for daily tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Maleoon 910 | Different GPU architectures; practical difference varies based on specific use case |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5200mAh | Pura 70 Ultra has a much larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W | 100W | Pura 70 Ultra charges significantly faster. |
| Features | 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse, No charger | 80W wireless, 20W reverse | Pura 70 Ultra supports much faster wireless and reverse wireless charging |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens Res. | 12MP | 50MP | Pura 70 Ultra captures more detailed standard photos. |
| Standard Lens Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | Pura 70 Ultra has a slightly wider aperture, allowing more light in for better low-light photography. |
| Standard Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1" | Pura 70 Ultra has a much larger sensor that absorbs more light resulting in improved low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP (Telephoto + portrait) | 50MP (Telephoto Lens) | Both have telephoto lens, but S21 5G combines telephoto with portrait. Pura 70 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 10MP | 13MP | Pura 70 Ultra captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | S21 5G has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP (Wide Angle + Macro) | 40MP | Pura 70 Ultra has much better ultrawide camera, but lacks a macro. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K video | S21 5G can record higher resolution videos, good for pro usage. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 111 | 163 | Pura 70 Ultra has a much higher overall score. However, S21 5G has better video and photo score. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Unknown, but likely HarmonyOS | S21 5G's Android OS is more compatible with most apps, the other has missing info. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar WiFi capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pura 70 Ultra has newer Bluetooth with better stability and range. |
| GPS | Multiple Systems | More Satellite Systems | Pura 70 Ultra provides more accurate location data. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM use. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 512GB/1024GB | Pura 70 Ultra offers much more storage for files, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB | Pura 70 Ultra has significantly more RAM, improving multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancelling microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo sound but S21 5G has noise cancellation for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both utilize a standard fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 5G has environmental sensors, while Pura 70 Ultra has gravity and RGB sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Significantly lighter and smaller, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
- Superior Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, providing more robust scratch and shatter resistance.
- 8K Video Recording: Can capture higher resolution videos suitable for professional-grade video projects.
- Noise Cancellation Mic: Better audio clarity for calls.
- More detailed DxOMark video and photo scores.
- Established Android ecosystem: Easier access to apps, regular updates
- More mature software.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Advantages:
- Larger and Brighter Display: Larger screen with much higher peak brightness, better for media consumption and outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 100W wired charging is much faster than 25W on the S21 5G
- Faster Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: 80W wireless and 20W reverse wireless charging.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor and wider aperture results in better image quality, particularly in low light.
- More Telephoto Lens: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Larger Storage and RAM: Much larger storage capacity and double the RAM, better for heavy multitasking and storage intensive tasks.
- Higher Benchmark Scores: Scores much higher in performance benchmarks, although practical differences may be minor.
- More accurate GPS: Better for navigation.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Smaller battery and slower charging may not suit heavy users.
- S21 5G: Less capable main and ultrawide cameras.
- Pura 70 Ultra: Larger size and heavier build may be less comfortable for some users.
- Pura 70 Ultra: Uncertain software situation.
- Pura 70 Ultra: Screen protection information missing.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who value portability and ergonomics: Those who prefer a lighter, smaller phone that fits easily in a pocket.
- Users focused on content creation: People who need 8K video recording.
- Users who are looking for a device with more mature software: Reliable Android ecosystem.
- Cost-conscious buyers: May be available at lower price points now.
Specific Use Cases for S21 5G:
- Daily commuting, gym, quick calls, light gaming, casual photography, users who seek a balanced and reliable Android experience.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Ideal User:
- Power users and Multimedia consumers: Those who need a large screen, long battery life, and fast charging.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who prioritize the best possible camera performance.
- Users with large media libraries: Those who need ample storage.
- Users who want a higher-end and unique design.
Specific Use Cases for Pura 70 Ultra:
- Long travels, heavy media consumption, professional photography, users who enjoy a very capable camera and a premium experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is portability and weight? If compactness is key, the S21 5G is a better choice. If you're okay with a larger phone, the Pura 70 Ultra is an option.
- What are your priorities in camera quality? If you need a premium main camera and ultrawide capabilities, Pura 70 Ultra is the best. If you need 8K video, you should choose the S21 5G.
- What is your typical battery usage and charging preference? If you need all day battery and fast charging, Pura 70 Ultra is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Traveler/Commuter: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its light weight and pocket-friendly design.
- Professional Photographer: Huawei Pura 70 Ultra for its superior camera system.
- Heavy User: Huawei Pura 70 Ultra for its large battery, fast charging, and ample RAM.
- Budget-conscious User: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, may be more budget friendly given its age
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. Although the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a more compact and lighter design, which I appreciate, the significantly upgraded camera performance, much larger battery, faster charging, and ample RAM of the Pura 70 Ultra are more compelling to me.
Specifically, the Pura 70 Ultra's camera system is a big draw, since I like to have a great camera in my phone for spontaneous use and for more planned photoshoots. I also prefer to have better battery performance and am willing to carry a larger and heavier device for these features. The newer bluetooth, higher resolution, brighter display, and larger storage options are added benefits that make the Pura 70 Ultra a more attractive option. While the software situation is a slight concern, the hardware benefits of the Pura 70 Ultra outweigh this factor, for me personally. If the software experience was crucial, the S21 would be an easy choice.
