Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Honor 200 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 200 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-05-31 | Honor 200 Pro is a much newer device. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.3 x 75.2 x 8.2 mm | Honor 200 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, but both are similar in width and overall size. |
| Weight | 200g | 199g | Both phones are virtually the same weight, making them equally comfortable for holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer expansive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1224x2700 | Honor 200 Pro has a sharper display with more detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 437 | Honor 200 Pro has a slightly crisper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both technologies offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 4000 nits | Honor 200 Pro is significantly brighter, ensuring better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Honor 200 Pro's newer chipset offers faster processing and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,537,608 | Honor 200 Pro offers a significantly faster experience in daily use and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 735 | Honor 200 Pro has a newer, more powerful GPU for enhanced gaming and graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5200mAh | Honor 200 Pro may offer slightly better battery life due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 100W fast charging | Honor 200 Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse | 66W Wireless | Samsung S21+ has more wireless charging options. Honor 200 Pro offers much faster wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 50MP (f/1.95, 1/1.3") | Honor 200 Pro captures more detail with a larger sensor and higher resolution main camera. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72") | None | Samsung S21+ has a dedicated telephoto camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 50MP (f/2.4) | Honor 200 Pro has a dedicated Telephoto lens camera |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | 12MP (f/2.2) | Honor 200 Pro has a wide angle lens camera and Samsung S21+ a wide angle + macro camera |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | 50MP (f/2.1) | Honor 200 Pro captures more detail with a much higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Video | Up to 8K @ 24fps, 4K@60fps | Up to 4K @ 30fps | Samsung S21+ offers higher resolution video recording capabilities, while Honor 200 Pro has OIS. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo) | Not Available | Samsung S21+ has a DxOMark rating, the Honor 200 Pro has not been tested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 18) | Honor 200 Pro has a newer OS version out of the box with better future update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have the same Wi-Fi capabilities for fast wireless internet. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Honor 200 Pro has the latest bluetooth technology, potentially offering more efficient and stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Honor 200 Pro supports more satellite systems for enhanced location accuracy in more regions. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB, 512GB or 1024GB | Honor 200 Pro offers significantly more storage options for users needing more space. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | Honor 200 Pro has more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose a storage capacity that meets your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Samsung S21+ may offer a slightly richer audio experience with Hi-Res audio and noise cancelling mic. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung S21+ screen has more durable glass, protecting it better from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensor Features | Proximity, Compass, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Gravity | Samsung S21+ includes more sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher resolution video recording for professional-grade footage.
- Hi-Res Audio and Noise Canceling Mic: May provide higher quality audio playback.
- More Wireless charging options - Offers more ways of wireless charging, including reverse wireless charging.
- Screen Protection: Has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better durability.
- Telephoto Lens Has a telephoto camera for optical zoom
Practical Implications: The S21+ is suitable for users who prioritize high-resolution video recording, advanced audio features, and a more durable screen.
Honor 200 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset provides much better performance, faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper display with more detail.
- Much Higher Brightness: Offers excellent visibility even in direct sunlight.
- Much Faster Charging: The 100W fast charging reduces downtime.
- Larger Battery: Might result in longer battery life
- Higher Resolution Cameras: Both front and back cameras have higher resolutions offering more detail.
- More RAM & Storage Options: Provides significantly more RAM and storage options for multitasking and media consumption
- Newer Software - Comes with newer Android version and likely to receive updates for longer.
- More GPS satellites supported - More accurate location tracking
Practical Implications: The Honor 200 Pro excels in performance, display quality, charging speed and camera quality. Suitable for power users, gamers and people who use their phone outdoors a lot.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has an older chipset with significantly lower performance.
- The Honor 200 Pro lacks 8K video capabilities, but provides 4K video recording with OIS.
- Samsung S21+ has more wireless charging capabilities, but lower fast charging speeds.
- Honor 200 Pro has no screen protection specifications provided.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Users who need 8K video recording capabilities.
- Users who prefer high quality audio with noise cancellation.
- Users who use wireless charging regularly.
- Users who need telephoto lens.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional videographers who need high-resolution video.
- Audiophiles who appreciate higher quality audio playback.
- Users who prioritize screen protection
- Users who need optical zoom
Ideal Users for Honor 200 Pro:
- Gamers and power users who need fast processing and smooth multitasking.
- Users who often use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Users who value fast charging speeds.
- Users who want high quality cameras.
- Users who want the latest software experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, demanding apps.
- Outdoor photography and videography in bright conditions.
- Users who are constantly on the move and need fast charging.
- Users that want more storage on their phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, being an older model, should be more affordable.
- The Honor 200 Pro offers much better performance and features for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize high-resolution video recording and superior audio? If yes, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is an option. However, note that it lacks in other aspects.
- Do you need top-tier performance and a very bright display? If yes, the Honor 200 Pro is the better choice.
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary concern, then the older Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G may be cheaper. If not, the Honor 200 Pro offers much better value for the price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Content Creator on a Budget: If high-resolution video is important and budget is very tight, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G might work, but be aware of its older chipset.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer or Power User: The Honor 200 Pro is a clear winner, offering significantly better performance, display, and charging speeds.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor User: The Honor 200 Pro's superior display brightness is a massive advantage, making it the better choice.
- Scenario 4: General User: The Honor 200 Pro offers the best performance and newer software features for general use.
My Choice
I would choose the Honor 200 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers some compelling features like 8K video, superior audio and screen protection, the Honor 200 Pro is the superior device in almost every other aspect. The massive performance increase, much brighter display, significantly faster charging, improved camera, and larger storage options make it the better overall experience. The newer software will also ensure longer software update support. The trade-offs of not having 8K video or a telephoto lens are outweighed by the benefits in daily use. The lack of specified screen protection is concerning but a screen protector can mitigate this.
