1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164.3 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | Huawei is slightly taller, S21+ slightly wider; similar thickness, subtle in-hand feel difference. |
| Weight | 200g | 188g | Huawei is lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in size, very similar screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1200 x 2652 | Huawei display will appear slightly sharper, better for detailed images/text. |
| PPI | 394 | 429 | Huawei has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both are excellent, vibrant display technologies with deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 950 nits | Samsung's display is significantly brighter, better for outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung has superior scratch and drop resistance for the screen. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | Samsung's chipset offers higher performance, especially in demanding tasks, the Huawei version does not support 5G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 592,297 | Samsung will have faster app loading and smoother performance, especially in gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | Samsung has a more powerful GPU, better for graphically intensive apps and games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.9 | Huawei captures more detailed photos with the higher resolution, Samsung has slightly better low light performance due to wider aperture and larger sensor size. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities and portrait photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 60MP, f/2.4, 1/2.8" | Huawei's selfie camera is much higher resolution, likely capturing more detail; Samsung has wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle/Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2 | Samsung has slightly higher resolution for wide shots, both share the same aperture for similar low-light performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 720p@960fps | Samsung has much higher video recording capabilities, offers 8K recording for those who need it, Huawei offers high slow-motion. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | N/A | Samsung’s camera is tested and scores are available for comparison, indicating very good performance overall. |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Triple Camera, Night Mode, 8K Video | Dual Camera, Dual Front Camera | Samsung has more advanced optical features, Huawei’s feature set is not as advanced. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung offers slightly longer battery life in terms of capacity. |
| Charging | 25W | 100W | Huawei charges significantly faster. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No Charger in Box | Reverse Charging | Samsung provides more wireless options, but Huawei has much faster wired charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility, crucial for sunny conditions.
- More Powerful Performance: Faster processor and graphics, better for gaming and intensive tasks.
- Superior Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lens, more versatile video recording capabilities (8K), and optical image stabilization.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless: Convenient charging options for users with compatible devices.
- Better Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation, for enhanced audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better durability and scratch resistance.
- Additional Environmental Sensors: Provides more data from the environment with a Barometer.
Practical Implications: The S21+ excels in outdoor use, photography, gaming, and multimedia consumption. It offers a more comprehensive feature set for power users.
Huawei nova 11 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker charging, convenient for users needing a rapid power-up.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Captures more detailed selfies.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Provides better connection and range for users with newer Bluetooth accessories.
- More RAM Available: Provides more options when selecting the correct device configuration.
- More Storage Capacity: Offers more storage options, catering to a wider user base.
- More GPS Satellite Systems: Potentially higher location accuracy and faster lock-on.
Practical Implications: The Nova 11 Pro is better for users who prioritize fast charging and high-resolution selfies. It may also be a good choice for users that require more RAM or internal storage and those who travel.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Lower charging speed, heavier, older phone.
- Huawei: Weaker performance, camera is not as good, display isn't as bright, no wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Photographers/Videographers: Users who prioritize camera quality, zoom capabilities, and video recording features (especially 8K).
- Gamers/Power Users: Users who need the extra processing power and GPU performance for demanding games and applications.
- Outdoor Users: Users who often use their phones in bright sunlight, valuing a bright display.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who value quality audio.
Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos of travel and events.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games smoothly.
- Working outdoors or on the go.
- Listening to music with quality audio.
Huawei nova 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who place high value on the quality of their front-facing camera.
- Users on the Go: Users needing super-fast charging to quickly top off the battery, those who travel would benefit from more GPS systems.
- Multitaskers: Users who need more RAM for seamless multitasking.
- Storage-Heavy Users: Users who require large storage for their media and apps.
- Price Conscious Users: Users who may want the latest technology without paying a premium price.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking detailed selfies and group photos.
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Storing large media libraries.
- Using more accurate GPS while travelling.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- What is my primary use case for the phone (camera, gaming, outdoor use, etc.)?
- How important is battery life vs. charging speed to me?
- What is my budget and am I willing to accept trade-offs to meet that budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (High-End Camera & Performance): If you want the best camera, processing power, and display for outdoor use, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2 (Fast Charging & Selfies): If fast charging, high resolution selfies and updated Bluetooth are more important, choose the Huawei nova 11 Pro.
- Scenario 3 (Budget Conscious): If you want a newer phone with a more balanced approach to the features, and you are willing to accept some trade offs, choose the Huawei nova 11 Pro.
My Choice
Given my priorities, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Reasoning:
I value camera quality and performance for capturing detailed photos and videos. The S21+’s 8K video capabilities, OIS, dedicated telephoto lens, brighter display and overall camera quality are a very important factor when selecting a device for me. The faster processor and the more comprehensive feature set also make it ideal for more demanding use cases. I also use my phone outdoors often, so having a brighter display is crucial for visibility. While I appreciate the Huawei's faster charging, it does not outweigh the more substantial advantages of the Samsung in my specific use case. Although the S21+ is an older device, it still performs extremely well compared to newer models in the mid range category.
The trade off in terms of charging speed is an acceptable compromise in exchange for the superior features of the Samsung. Although the S21+ doesn’t have the latest software version, it does support up to Android 15, which means it is up to date with most currently available devices. I also do not take a large number of selfies, so the higher resolution front facing camera is not an important factor for me when selecting a phone.
