1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2021-09-30 | Huawei nova 9 is newer by about 8 months. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 160 × 73.7 × 7.8 mm | S21+ is slightly larger but both are similarly thin. Huawei is more pocketable and slightly easier to handle. |
| Weight | 200g | 175g | Huawei nova 9 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.57" | S21+ offers slightly more screen real estate for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have very sharp displays; differences are negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 392 PPI | Indistinguishable sharpness to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. No major difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. Huawei nova 9's brightness is not available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | S21+ has a more powerful chip for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 578,555 | S21+ is noticeably faster overall in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | S21+ has a more powerful GPU for graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4300mAh | S21+ likely offers longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Huawei nova 9 charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21+ offers more versatile charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens Res. | 12MP | 50MP | Huawei nova 9 captures more detailed images in good lighting. |
| Standard Lens Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | S21+ may perform slightly better in low light. |
| Standard Lens Sensor | 1/1.76" | 1/1.56" | Huawei nova 9 has a slightly larger sensor, capturing more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP | None | S21+ offers optical zoom and better portraits. |
| Selfie Lens Res. | 10MP | 32MP | Huawei nova 9 takes more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Lens Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Huawei nova 9 may perform slightly better in low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP | 8MP | S21+ has a dedicated wide angle lens. Huawei nova 9 has a wide angle lens but it is a dedicated camera and is not combined with macro lens. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | None | 2MP | Huawei nova 9 has a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | Huawei nova 9 can take close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 720p@960fps | S21+ can record much higher-resolution video with various features. |
| DxOMark | 111 | Not Available | S21+ camera is well-rated; Huawei's is untested. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode | CDAF | S21+ offers optical stabilization, zoom, more controls, and advanced low-light modes. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | S21+ uses Android. Huawei's OS is not specified. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest standard for fast wireless speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Huawei nova 9 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Comprehensive suite | Comprehensive suite | Both have good GPS accuracy for navigation. |
| SIM | Nano + Nano/eSIM | Micro + Nano | S21+ offers eSIM for flexibility and dual-SIM usage. Huawei Nova 9 offers Micro SIM for legacy users. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer ample storage for most users. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both have enough RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic features | S21+ offers better audio immersion, playback, and call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Yes | Yes | Basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ offers more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Gravity | S21+ has a more comprehensive sensor set. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Stronger Performance: Superior chipset and GPU for demanding apps and gaming.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens, OIS, RAW capture, and 8K video recording.
- Wireless Charging: Offers more convenient charging options.
- Advanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers.
- eSIM Support: Provides greater flexibility for network connectivity.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More Sensors: Additional environmental and geomagnetic sensors.
Practical Implications: The S21+ excels in performance-intensive tasks, outdoor usage, photography, and overall media consumption, and is more versatile.
Huawei nova 9 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry around.
- Faster Charging: Charges much more quickly.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures more detailed images with the 50MP sensor.
- Better Selfie Camera: Captures more detailed selfies with the 32MP sensor.
- Dedicated Macro Lens and Depth Sensor: Enables close-up shots and better portrait effects.
- Newer Bluetooth: The Bluetooth version is slightly newer.
Practical Implications: The Huawei nova 9 is more convenient for day-to-day handling, quick charging, and casual photography, especially selfies and close-up shots.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21+ 5G: Slightly heavier, slower charging, less detailed selfies.
- Huawei nova 9: Lower performance, less versatile camera without a dedicated telephoto lens, lack of wireless charging, unknown display protection, and may have software compatibility limitations.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal Users: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, media consumers, users who spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Use Cases: Playing demanding mobile games, editing photos and videos, watching HDR content, outdoor navigation, using wireless charging.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a premium experience with robust features.
Huawei nova 9:
- Ideal Users: Casual users, social media enthusiasts, users who prioritize a lightweight phone, those on a tighter budget.
- Use Cases: Everyday phone calls, social media browsing and sharing, casual photos, users who value fast charging and want good looking selfies.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for those who don't need high-end performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for gaming or demanding apps?
- How much do you value wireless charging and outdoor visibility?
- Are you looking for the best possible main camera system or more diverse camera options with more dedicated lenses?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Performance & Versatility: If you need a powerful phone with excellent screen visibility, wireless charging, and a versatile camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- For Casual Use and Quick Charging: If you prioritize a lightweight design, fast charging, and good selfies, the Huawei nova 9 is a more practical choice.
- For Outdoor Use: If you use your phone frequently in bright sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is preferable due to its much higher screen brightness.
My Choice and Reasoning
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
My rationale is based on a few key factors:
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including moderate gaming and app development, the superior processing power of the Exynos 2100 and Mali GPU is essential. This makes the device more future-proof and provides a more responsive user experience.
- Display: I highly value a bright, vibrant display, and the Samsung's 1300 nits are crucial for outdoor visibility. The slightly larger screen is also a plus for media consumption and general productivity.
- Camera System: While the Huawei has a higher-resolution primary sensor, the S21+ offers a more comprehensive setup, including the telephoto lens and OIS which I value for versatile shooting. Additionally, the 8k video capabilities and advanced features like RAW and Night Mode make it suitable for more creative photo and video projects.
- Versatility and Features: The combination of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and eSim capabilities make the S21+ a much more practical choice for my lifestyle.
- Audio: I appreciate the superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers, which would provide a more immersive audio experience.
While the Huawei Nova 9 is lighter, charges faster, and has a newer Bluetooth version, these advantages don't outweigh the S21+'s significant edge in performance, display, camera versatility, overall features, and better build quality. The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a more versatile and capable smartphone that better meets my overall needs despite its slightly heavier build and slower charging.
