1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and the Honor 70, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | The Honor 70 is slightly narrower, making it marginally easier to handle with one hand. Both are similar in height and thickness. |
| Weight | 200g | 178g | The Honor 70 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | The difference in screen size is negligible; both offer an immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, clear images. No discernible difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Very similar pixel density, resulting in equally sharp images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display quality. Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth visual experience, especially beneficial for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The Samsung S21+ has significantly higher brightness, making it much more visible under direct sunlight. Honor 70's brightness is unknown, making outdoor visibility a potential issue. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | The Exynos 2100 is slightly more powerful, offering better performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 600,525 | The Samsung S21+ is expected to have snappier performance, faster app loading, and better overall smoothness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | The Samsung's GPU generally provides better performance for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.8µm | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49", Sony IMX800, 1.0µm | The Honor 70 captures more detail, while the Samsung might perform slightly better in low light due to wider aperture. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung Bright S5KGW2, 0.8µm | None | The Samsung S21+ offers optical zoom and portrait capabilities missing on the Honor 70. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374, 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", Omnivision OV32C, 0.7µm | The Honor 70's selfie camera has higher resolution, while the Samsung's might perform slightly better in low-light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.2 | The Honor 70 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape and group shots, which the S21+ lacks. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Honor 70 includes a macro lens for close-up photography, which the S21+ lacks. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.40µm | None | The Samsung has a combined ultrawide/macro lens while Honor 70 offers them as separate lenses. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, various other resolutions | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | The S21+ offers much higher video resolution and frame rate options, along with HDR, making it a better choice for videography. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Mobile: 115, Photo: 115, Video: 129 | Honor 70 offers better video performance, while the S21+ has a slightly better photo score according to DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, PDAF, etc. | Ultra stable video | Samsung has more advanced photography features while Honor 70 emphasizes video stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 4800 mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, offering comparable battery life for typical use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | The Honor 70 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse Wireless charging 4.5W | Reverse charging | Samsung offers more versatile charging options with wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11, Max Version 15 | Android 12, Max version Unknown | The Honor 70 has a newer base OS, but the Samsung is guaranteed to get more updates. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 6, dual-band, Wi-Fi MiMO | The Honor 70 includes an advanced WiFi feature. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Honor 70 has a more modern Bluetooth version for better range and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Samsung S21+ offers more advanced GPS for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM | Samsung S21+ has eSIM support, allowing easier switching between carriers. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB, no expandable | 128GB/256GB/512GB, no expandable | The Honor 70 offers up to 512GB storage, while the Samsung has max 256GB. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Honor 70 can have up to 12GB of RAM for better performance with demanding applications. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | The S21+ has better audio quality and clarity through additional features. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer | No Barometer | Samsung has a barometer sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Brightness: Significantly better screen visibility in bright sunlight.
- Higher Performance: Stronger chipset (Exynos 2100) and higher AnTuTu score, ensuring better performance in demanding tasks.
- Advanced Camera Features: Includes telephoto lens, optical zoom, OIS, and 8K video recording, suitable for advanced photography and videography.
- More Audio Features Features Dolby Atmos, and a noise cancellation microphone for better audio quality.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless and reverse wireless charging, enhancing convenience.
- Better GPS Offers GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) for better location accuracy.
- eSIM Support: Flexible carrier options.
- Screen Protection: Offers Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- More Environmental Sensors Including a barometer.
Honor 70 Advantages:
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for extended use and carrying around.
- Faster Charging: 66W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures more detail.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Dedicated wide-angle camera lens for landscape and group shots.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro camera for close-up shots.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 for better range and efficiency.
- Higher storage options: Up to 512GB storage for users needing more storage.
- Higher RAM Options 12 GB option.
- Better video performance (DxOMark): Better video score.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21+: Heavier, slower charging, lacks dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Honor 70: Lower processing power, lower screen brightness, lacks wireless charging, telephoto lens and has less advanced GPS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize performance and demand smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who need high-quality video recording (8K) and versatile camera options like optical zoom and OIS.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need clear screen visibility in bright sunlight.
- Users valuing comprehensive features: Users who want more advanced features (e.g. wireless charging, eSIM).
Use Cases:
- Professional photography or videography on the go.
- Heavy multitasking, running demanding apps simultaneously.
- Gaming with high-fidelity graphics and smooth frame rates.
- Outdoor use in various lighting conditions.
Ideal User for Honor 70:
- Casual Users: Individuals who prioritize a lightweight design, fast charging, and good standard camera capabilities.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Those who take a lot of photos and videos, especially landscape shots and close-up photos.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for a balance of features and value.
- Users who like to take selfies: Better front-facing camera.
Use Cases:
- Everyday smartphone usage, including web browsing, social media, and multimedia consumption.
- Taking pictures with its versatile set of cameras.
- Extended use without worrying about weight or slow charging.
- Users who prioritize lighter design.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight? If yes, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is likely a better choice due to its higher screen brightness.
- Is fast charging a priority for you? If yes, the Honor 70 with 66W charging will be significantly more convenient.
- Do you need a versatile camera setup with telephoto zoom, or do you prefer ultrawide and macro capabilities? The S21+ excels in zoom, while the Honor 70 has dedicated wide and macro lenses.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Videography: If you need high-quality video features, 8K recording, and zoom capabilities, the Samsung S21+ is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Usage & Portability: For everyday tasks, and users who prefer a lighter phone with fast charging, the Honor 70 is a more practical option.
- Scenario 3: High-Performance Gaming: If high performance and graphical fidelity is important, the Samsung S21+ would be better.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
While the Honor 70 has some appealing aspects, like its lighter weight, faster charging, and higher-resolution main camera, the S21+ offers a more compelling overall package for my needs. I frequently use my phone for a variety of tasks, including performance-heavy ones like gaming and running multiple apps simultaneously. The S21+'s more powerful processor, superior display brightness, and more comprehensive camera features (including optical zoom and OIS) make it more versatile for my use cases. Also, the inclusion of wireless charging is a significant convenience factor for me. Although the Honor 70 has some newer features and advantages, the S21+'s strengths in key areas like display, performance, and camera flexibility are more important for my daily needs. While the Honor 70 offers 512 GB as a storage option, 256 GB of storage is enough for my needs.
