1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 200 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-05-31 | Honor 200 is significantly newer, benefiting from newer tech. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 161.5 × 74.6 × 7.7 mm | Very similar size, Honor 200 is slightly thinner and narrower which might feel slightly better to handle. |
| Weight | 200g | 187g | Honor 200 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical size means similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1200x2664 | Honor 200's higher resolution will result in sharper, more detailed visuals, especially for text and fine details. |
| PPI | 394 | 436 | Honor 200 will have a slightly crisper image due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar technologies, expect excellent contrast and deep blacks from both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth, fluid experience for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 4000 nits | Honor 200's much higher peak brightness makes it far more readable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Honor 200's chipset is newer and likely more power-efficient, and has a slight performance edge. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 865,000 | Honor 200 shows noticeably better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 720 | Different GPUs, with the Adreno 720 in the Honor 200 generally performing better in graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP f/1.95, 1/1.56" | Honor 200 captures more detail due to higher resolution. Samsung S21+ slightly wider aperture. Honor 200 has larger sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | Samsung S21+ has dedicated telephoto capabilities |
| Selfie | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 50MP f/2.1 | Honor 200 will produce significantly more detailed selfies and is wider. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 50MP, f/2.4 | Honor 200 offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.2 | Honor 200 offers a wide angle lens for group photos and landscapes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | Samsung S21+ has a macro capability |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Samsung S21+ captures higher resolution videos for professional content creation and detail, but Honor 200 OIS provides more stable footage |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Mobile: 130, Photo: 133, Video: 121 | Honor 200's camera performs significantly better overall, especially for video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5200mAh | Honor 200's larger battery may offer slightly longer usage times between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Honor 200 charges significantly faster, a huge convenience for busy users. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging | Reverse Charging | Samsung S21+ offers wireless charging capabilities missing in the Honor 200. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 14 | Honor 200 has a more modern OS and potential for longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Honor 200's newer Bluetooth offers slightly better efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo (L1+L5, E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS (L1+L5, E1+E5a) | Honor 200 has slightly wider global coverage |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Both phones support dual SIM usage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Honor 200 has more base storage and a larger max capacity. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12/16 GB | Honor 200 offers more RAM options for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards for additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Samsung S21+ offers a slight edge for audiophiles but both phones have stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Similar security features |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ uses a known, durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Samsung S21+ has a more comprehensive sensor suite, including a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- 8K Video Recording: Higher video resolution is ideal for those wanting the highest quality possible
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Useful for convenience and charging accessories on the go.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better sound quality for music lovers.
- More comprehensive sensor suite: Offers a wider array of sensing capabilities, including a barometer.
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus: Screen is protected by a known, very durable glass.
Honor 200 Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 offers better overall performance and efficiency.
- Higher Resolution and Brighter Display: Sharper, more vibrant screen that excels in bright outdoor conditions.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 100W charging offers a major convenience over 25W charging.
- Superior Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark scores, indicating better photo and video quality, especially for video.
- More RAM: More RAM options for smoother multitasking and gaming
- More Storage: Offers both more base storage and a higher max capacity
- More Up-to-date Software: Starts with Android 14, providing more modern features and support.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21+ 5G gives up performance, display quality and faster charging for better video recording, wireless charging and a slightly more premium audio experience.
- Honor 200 lacks wireless charging but offers significant advantages in performance, screen quality, charging speed, and camera performance.
- Honor 200 does not have a known screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Ideal User
- Multimedia Creators: Those who prioritize high-resolution video capture and audio quality for creative projects.
- Users of Wireless Charging: Individuals who have integrated wireless charging into their lifestyle and desire the convenience.
- Those Seeking a More Premium Audio Experience: Music enthusiasts who value Hi-Res Audio.
- Users needing a reliable phone with premium screen protection
Use Cases:
- Filming high-quality videos with the need for 8K content creation.
- Wireless charging of the phone and accessories on the go.
- Listening to music with higher fidelity and better audio reproduction.
- Using the phone for advanced sensing applications that require a barometer.
Honor 200: Ideal User
- Power Users: Individuals who need fast performance for gaming and multitasking, and prioritize a vibrant, clear display.
- Frequent Travelers: Those who need a reliable phone with excellent outdoor visibility, fast charging, and strong camera performance.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Users who want high-quality photos and videos for social media and sharing.
- Users wanting a phone with more modern software
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games or running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Taking photos and videos in various lighting conditions, especially outdoors.
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks without needing to leave it plugged in for extended periods.
- Having a modern software experience with the latest Android version.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The Honor 200 offers newer technology and better performance in key areas like the display, chipset and camera while being a newer phone. It offers much more for a better value.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, being an older model, may offer value for users who need specific features like 8K Video or wireless charging at a more affordable price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- How important is fast charging to you? If you need to charge your phone quickly, the Honor 200 is the clear choice with 100W charging.
- How important is the camera? If camera quality is very important, the Honor 200 has a higher DxOMark score for photo and video, a higher resolution camera and has dedicated wide and telephoto lenses.
- How important is screen quality for you? If you need to use your phone in bright sunlight or want the best visual experience, the Honor 200's significantly brighter and higher resolution display offers a superior experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget Conscious User - If on a strict budget and wireless charging is not required, the older Samsung S21+ can be more affordable and still provide a satisfactory camera experience.
- Scenario 2: Content Creation Focus - For high-end content creation and users who rely on 8K video and a more premium audio experience, the S21+ is a better option.
- Scenario 3: Performance and Convenience - For users who need fast performance, a good camera, excellent display quality and don't mind the lack of wireless charging, the Honor 200 is superior.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Honor 200. The significantly better display, much faster charging, and superior camera performance make it the more appealing choice for my needs. I also highly value the newer and faster chipset. While the lack of wireless charging is a trade-off, the 100W fast charging more than compensates for it. The Honor 200 also offers more RAM and storage options which is ideal for my needs. I also like the fact that it comes with a more modern Android version and has newer software support. The Honor 200 also has much better benchmark scores indicating better real-world performance.
