1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Huawei nova Y70 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 168.3 × 77.7 × 9 mm | The Huawei is noticeably larger and slightly thicker, which may impact pocketability and one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 199g | Both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.75" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | The Samsung's display is much sharper; text and images appear clearer. The Huawei's screen will look less crisp. |
| PPI | 394 | 260 | Samsung's screen has a significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better contrast. The Huawei's IPS LCD will have less contrast and may look washed out in comparison |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Samsung's screen is much smoother with animations appearing more fluid, while Huawei's is less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Huawei brightness is unknown, it will likely struggle in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Samsung's chipset is significantly more powerful for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking, while Huawei's chipset is less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 103,500 | Samsung will feel much faster in day-to-day usage, apps will load faster and multitasking will be smoother. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G51 MP4 | Samsung offers superior graphics performance, crucial for gaming and GPU-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 6000mAh | Huawei's larger battery suggests potentially longer battery life. Actual endurance will vary based on usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | Samsung charges slightly faster. |
| Charging Features | Wireless, Reverse, No In-box Charger | Non-removable | Samsung has more charging options and features. Huawei lacks wireless charging. It is unknown if charger comes included in the box |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.8 | Huawei has higher resolution. Samsung's has sensor size, pixel size and sensor model included for better analysis. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0 | Not Available | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Samsung's selfie camera is slightly higher resolution. Huawei has wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 5MP, f/2.2 | Huawei has a dedicated wide-angle lens for ultra wide photos. |
| Portrait Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei has a dedicated depth lens for bokeh photos. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | Samsung has a dedicated wide-angle macro lens for ultra wide and macro photos. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Samsung can record much higher quality videos, useful for content creators and professionals. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 | Not Available | Samsung scores significantly better on DxOMark and better photo and video scores |
| Camera Features | More Advanced | Basic | Samsung has more advanced features such as OIS, manual focus and RAW capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Unknown | Samsung offers more up-to-date and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11n | Samsung supports faster and more efficient WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Huawei has a slightly newer version, but Samsung has more supported profiles. |
| GPS | GPS L1+L5 | GPS, QZSS | Samsung supports dual-band GPS (L1+L5), offering more accurate location services. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM/eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Samsung supports eSIM, offering more flexibility in carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | Samsung offers more storage capacity at the highest tier of storage and comes with minimum 128 GB. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB | Samsung has more RAM, which allows for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone support expandable storage, and one must choose between the storage variations at the time of purchase |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Advanced | Basic | Samsung offers enhanced spatial audio, high quality playback, clearer calls and better audio separation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Sensor | Huawei has a more convenient side mounted fingerprint sensor, Samsung's fingerprint sensor is not as convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung's screen is protected by more robust glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More sensors | Basic sensors | Samsung has a more comprehensive set of sensors which enable more functionality and gaming features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness offer a significantly better viewing experience.
- Much Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and higher RAM provide a much faster and smoother user experience for all tasks, including gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers better photo quality, 8K video recording, a dedicated telephoto lens, and advanced features like OIS and RAW capture.
- More Advanced Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and eSIM support.
- Better Software Support: Upgradable to Android 15 compared to unknown Android version.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone and Stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience.
- Superior Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
Practical Implications for Samsung: Ideal for users who want the best possible visual experience, fast performance, high-quality photos and videos, and cutting-edge features.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers potentially longer battery life, important for users who prioritize endurance.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient placement for unlocking the phone.
- Lower cost: This is usually a more budget-friendly option.
Practical Implications for Huawei: Suitable for users who prioritize battery life and budget, and do not have high demands for performance or display quality.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Higher price, potentially lower battery life compared to the Huawei.
- Huawei: Significantly lower performance, lower quality display, and a less capable camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for:
- Power users and gamers: The powerful chipset and high refresh rate screen provide a smooth and responsive experience.
- Photography enthusiasts: The advanced camera system allows for high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Media consumers: The high-quality AMOLED display with vivid colours and HDR makes it suitable for watching movies and browsing social media.
- Users needing advanced features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, eSIM support, and high-end connectivity options.
- Professionals and Content Creators: The ability to record 8K videos is crucial for content creation.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung:
- Playing graphically demanding games.
- Editing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Enjoying multimedia content with HDR support.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously without lag.
- Capturing professional-grade photos and videos.
Huawei nova Y70 Plus is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Offers basic smartphone functionality at a lower price point.
- Users prioritizing battery life: The larger battery is suitable for users who need their phone to last a long time.
- Users with basic needs: Suitable for calls, texting, social media, and web browsing, though with a less crisp and vibrant screen.
- Users who find side-mounted fingerprint sensors more convenient
Specific Use Cases for Huawei:
- Basic daily tasks like calls and messaging.
- Long periods of web browsing or social media without charging.
- Casual photography in well-lit conditions.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a high price for cutting-edge technology and a premium user experience, making it a better value for those who need such features.
- The Huawei nova Y70 Plus offers good value for a budget-friendly option, but with significant compromises in performance and display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary concern, the Huawei is the more affordable option.
- How important is performance and display quality? If performance and display quality are critical, the Samsung is far superior.
- How much do you value battery life versus other features? The Huawei has much better battery life at the cost of other premium features and performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The power user: If you are a power user who wants to play games and create content on their phone, then the Samsung is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 2: The casual user: If you are a casual user looking for basic functionality and long battery life, then the Huawei is the better option.
- Scenario 3: The budget-conscious user: If you are on a tight budget, then the Huawei is the more affordable option but with noticeable compromises.
- Scenario 4: The user that values better quality screen: If you want a high-quality viewing experience, then the Samsung is the better option.
Personal Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Huawei nova Y70 Plus offers a larger battery, the overall experience of the Samsung is superior due to its significantly better display, vastly superior performance, more advanced camera system, superior audio, and more premium features. The Samsung is better for multitasking, gaming, media consumption, and photography. The long-term performance and usability of the Samsung make it a better overall investment. Although it may come with a higher upfront cost, the advanced features, smoother experience and futureproofing make it the better choice for me.
