1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 161.9 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm | S21+ is slightly wider. Both share similar height and thickness, affecting in-hand feel; Slight difference in grip. |
| Weight | 200g | 183g | Honor 90 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less fatiguing. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size; Immersive experience remains similar. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1200x2664 | Honor 90 provides sharper images and text with a higher pixel count, noticeable when viewing detailed content or small text. |
| PPI | 394 | 435 | Honor 90 offers slightly sharper details and finer visuals, contributing to a slightly better viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast; Similar visual experience in terms of color and contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing user interface fluidity. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90 is much easier to view in direct sunlight or bright environments, significantly improving outdoor visibility. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition (4 nm) | Different chipset architectures; Exynos 2100 offers strong performance and power efficiency; Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 AE offers good performance for mid-range tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 701,227 | S21+ has a slightly better benchmark score; indicates S21+ has slightly better overall performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 644 (Adreno 644) | Different GPU configurations; Affects gaming and graphics rendering; S21+ has marginally better GPU performance based on benchmark scores. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Honor 90 has a slightly larger capacity; May lead to slightly longer battery life with similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 66W fast charging | Honor 90 charges significantly faster, reducing time spent tethered to a power outlet. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W | Non-removable | S21+ offers more versatile charging options, including the convenience of wireless and reverse charging. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Rear) | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm pixels | 200MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4", 0.56µm pixels | Honor 90 captures much more detail due to significantly higher resolution. Samsung has a slight edge in low light due to larger pixels. |
| Telephoto (Rear) | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm pixels | None | S21+ offers optical zoom capabilities; Honor 90 relies on digital zoom only |
| Selfie (Front) | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm pixels | 50MP, f/2.4 | Honor 90 captures much higher resolution selfies, leading to more detailed and shareable images |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 2.24µm pixels | Honor 90 has dedicated depth sensor, may slightly improve the bokeh effect compared to relying solely on software for depth mapping. |
| Wide Angle (Rear) | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm pixels | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | Comparable wide-angle performance; S21+ slightly better low-light performance due to larger pixel size. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21+ captures higher resolution videos which would benefit professional video content creation |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Main: 122, Photo: 128, Video: 126 | Honor 90 performs significantly better in overall camera performance, especially in video recording. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Better Performance: Edge in overall performance as shown in benchmark scores.
- Versatile Charging: Offers 15W Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging and regular charging.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom allows closer shots without losing detail.
- Advanced Video Recording: Capable of recording videos up to 8K@24fps.
- Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers: Better audio quality for music and video playback.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM for easier carrier switching.
- Better Satellite Systems Support: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Superior Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better durability.
Honor 90 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Comfortable: Weighs 17 grams less, enhancing portability.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper screen with a higher pixel count.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging considerably reduces charging time.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: 200MP main camera captures significantly more detail.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Captures much more detailed selfies.
- Better Overall Camera Performance As suggested by the DxOMark scores.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 offers enhanced features.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ provides a telephoto lens and better audio capabilities but falls behind in display brightness, charging speed, camera resolution, and portability when compared to the Honor 90.
- Honor 90 prioritizes camera quality, display brightness and charging speed and portability but lacks the advanced charging features and telephoto lens found in the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who value a premium and versatile smartphone experience with a focus on camera versatility, advanced audio and charging features. It's great for those who need optical zoom, excellent sound quality, and want a flagship-level experience at a potentially lower cost than newer phones.
- Use Cases:
- Users who frequently use their phone for photography and require optical zoom.
- Those who value great audio output for music and video consumption.
- Users who use wireless charging or reverse wireless charging frequently.
- Value: Good value if found at a significant discount due to its age; its features still hold up well for many use cases.
Honor 90:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a smooth, portable, and visually impressive smartphone experience with a focus on camera quality and battery performance. Ideal for heavy social media users, mobile photographers, and anyone who wants a light, high-performance phone with a high-quality display.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile photographers who prioritize high-resolution images and selfies.
- Users who often use their phones outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Gamers or multitaskers who need smooth performance and fast charging.
- Value: Strong value for those looking for a modern smartphone with a great camera and bright display without breaking the bank.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What are your camera priorities? (Do you need optical zoom, or is higher resolution more important?)
- Do you frequently use your phone outdoors? (Does a brighter display matter to you?)
- How much do you prioritize charging speed and wireless charging? (Is speed crucial, or do you need more versatile charging options?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: If you need optical zoom and versatile camera features, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a better choice. However, if high resolution photos, detailed selfies, and better overall camera performance are critical, then the Honor 90 is superior.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Use & Portability: If you often use your phone in bright sunlight or prefer a lighter phone, the Honor 90 is the better choice due to its brighter display and lighter weight.
- Scenario 3: Power User: If you are a power user and need wireless charging, reverse charging, and don't mind the slightly heavier build, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is still great. If faster charging and higher overall performance are key, then the Honor 90 excels here.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Honor 90. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has some advantages, the Honor 90's brighter and higher resolution display, its significantly faster charging, lighter design, and superior camera performance make it a better overall package for my typical usage. The higher resolution selfies are a bonus and the lighter design makes it more comfortable to hold for long periods. The S21+ offers valuable features like the telephoto lens and wireless charging, but the everyday improvements of the Honor 90 make it my preference.
