Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. These are two very different beasts, each with its own set of strengths and trade-offs. Here's how they stack up:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-04-29 | Huawei Pura 70 Pro is significantly newer, likely with more up-to-date components. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 162.6 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | Pura 70 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, impacting handling comfort. |
| Weight | 177g | 220g | S21 FE is considerably lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience due to a larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Pro has a noticeably sharper display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 403 ppi | 460 ppi | Pura 70 Pro will exhibit clearer text and images, especially at closer viewing distances. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible difference in everyday use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 Pro is significantly brighter, offering excellent visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Kirin 9010 (7nm) | S21 FE uses a powerful chipset from 2021. Pura 70 Pro utilizes Huawei's in-house processor, differences in performance and AI capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 869,707 | S21 FE benchmarks slightly higher, indicating marginally faster performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Maleoon 910 | Different architectures. Real-world performance will vary; both should handle most games well. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.3" Omnivision OV50H | Pura 70 Pro should capture more detailed images with better low-light performance due to a larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated portrait camera; Pura 70 Pro lacks this dedicated sensor |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 13MP, f/2.4 | S21 FE has higher resolution and wider aperture selfie camera, potentially capturing more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.1 | Pura 70 Pro includes a telephoto lens, offering more versatility in photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.5MP, f/2.2 | Pura 70 Pro includes a wide-angle lens, allowing for expansive landscape shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | None | S21 FE has a macro lens, providing the ability to take close-up photos with more detail |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Yes; Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | S21 FE records up to 4K at 60fps, while Pura 70 Pro specs lack resolution details |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | No Data | Samsung S21 FE had a decent camera rating on DXOMark, Huawei Pura 70 Pro is untested. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5050mAh | Pura 70 Pro has a larger battery, potentially leading to better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Pura 70 Pro charges much faster, reducing waiting time. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 80W | Pura 70 Pro offers dramatically faster wireless charging |
| Reverse Wireless | 4.5W | 20W | Pura 70 Pro is faster for reverse charging |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | N/A | S21 FE comes with Android, While the OS for Pura 70 Pro is unknown but can be assumed to be a Huawei version of Android |
| Storage Options | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Pura 70 Pro offers more storage options, particularly the 1TB variant. |
| RAM Options | 6GB/8GB | 12GB | Pura 70 Pro has higher RAM, ideal for multitasking and heavy apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choose storage carefully. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 | Pura 70 Pro features a newer Bluetooth version, potentially more efficient. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5), Galileo (E1+E5a+E5b) | Huawei Pura 70 Pro has more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location tracking |
| SIM | Dual SIM Nano | Dual SIM Nano | Both phones offer Dual SIM support |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both devices offer high quality audio with stereo speakers, S21 FE has additional Noise cancellation microphone |
| Security | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer fingerprint biometric security |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE has a known screen protection system, Pura 70 Pro protection is unknown |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, RGB | S21 FE has a barometer and geomagnetic sensors, Huawei Pura 70 Pro includes Gravity and RGB sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
Strengths:
- Lighter and More Comfortable: Its lighter weight makes it ideal for extended use.
- Slightly Faster Performance: Benchmarks indicate a slight performance edge in daily tasks.
- Excellent Selfie Camera: High-resolution front camera with wider aperture, perfect for selfie enthusiasts.
- Established Ecosystem: Benefits from the wider Google and Android ecosystem.
- Known Screen Protection: The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides reliable screen protection.
- DXOMark Tested: Has a published DXOMark score, giving some indication of its camera capabilities
Trade-offs:
- Older Processor: Using the Snapdragon 888, it's a generation behind newer flagship chips.
- Smaller Screen: The 6.4-inch display offers less screen real estate than the Pura 70 Pro.
- Basic Charging: Slower wired charging and less efficient wireless charging.
- Fewer Camera Lenses: It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens and wide-angle lens, limiting versatility.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Larger and Sharper Display: A bigger screen with higher resolution provides a more immersive experience.
- Brighter Display: Superior brightness enhances visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- Superior Main Camera: Larger sensor and wider aperture on the main camera for improved image quality.
- Versatile Camera Setup: Includes telephoto and wide-angle lenses, offering greater flexibility.
- Faster Charging: Much faster wired and wireless charging capabilities.
- Larger Battery: Larger capacity battery for longer battery life.
- More Storage Options: Offers more storage variants, including a 1TB version.
- Newer Bluetooth Technology A newer Bluetooth version for enhanced audio performance.
- More Satellites: Supports more satellite systems for improved GPS accuracy
- Trade-offs:
- Heavier Design: Considerably heavier, potentially affecting long-term comfort.
- Unproven Camera Performance No DXOMark test results.
- Unknown Screen Protection: It's not clear what screen protection technology is used.
- Unknown Operating System The OS for this device is unknown.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize comfort, a lighter design, and a great selfie camera.
- Use Cases: Social media enthusiasts, users who value a well-rounded performance in a familiar environment, those who prefer the stability of Google's ecosystem.
- Value Proposition: A solid all-around device that offers balanced performance at a potentially more accessible price point.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Ideal For: Photography enthusiasts, users who prioritize display quality and battery life, and those who want the latest charging technology.
- Use Cases: Mobile photographers, content creators, users who watch lots of media and like the larger screen, tech enthusiasts who crave the newest innovations.
- Value Proposition: A premium device with cutting-edge camera and display technology at a higher price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize camera versatility and high-quality images over other factors? If so, the Huawei Pura 70 Pro is the clear winner, with its superior main sensor, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses.
- Is comfort and portability a key factor for you? The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's lighter weight and smaller design make it easier to handle and carry around.
- Do you need the latest technology and charging speeds? The Huawei Pura 70 Pro boasts much faster charging speeds and a more advanced display, making it a clear choice if you're keen on these aspects.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is likely more affordable and still offers good all-around performance.
- Mobile Photographer: The Huawei Pura 70 Pro is the better choice with its versatile and high-quality camera system, as long as you can live with its slightly heavier design.
- Heavy Media Consumer: The Huawei Pura 70 Pro with a larger, sharper, and brighter display will be more satisfying for extended viewing sessions.
- Everyday User: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a solid all-rounder that will cater to a variety of user needs with comfort and a good overall experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. While it is heavier, the larger and brighter display, along with a more versatile camera system and much faster charging, make it a compelling choice for someone who values cutting-edge technology and superior mobile photography. However, if portability and cost were major concerns, the S21 FE is still a solid contender.
The Pura 70 Pro's camera suite would be crucial for me, offering more shooting options, while the vastly improved charging would be a huge quality-of-life boost. The lack of DXOMark data is a concern, but the sensor specs and features suggest it'll excel in real-world scenarios. The larger screen would also be more enjoyable for watching media and browsing, even if it comes with the trade off of a heavier device.
