1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and Huawei P60 Pro, highlighting their practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 161 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | S21+ is slightly wider, P60 Pro is slightly thicker. Minimal real-world difference in handling. |
| Weight | 200g | 200g | Both feel the same weight in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2700 | P60 Pro has a noticeably sharper display with higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 394 | 444 | P60 Pro displays sharper text and images, leading to a more refined visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is significantly better in bright sunlight. Note: Brightness spec for P60 Pro is missing/incorrect. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | P60 Pro's chipset is more powerful, leading to faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,228,811 | P60 Pro exhibits a considerable performance lead, which translates to better performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | P60 Pro's GPU is generally more powerful for graphics-intensive tasks, like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 48MP, f/1.4, 1/1.4" | P60 Pro captures more detail and performs better in low light with a larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" (Telephoto + portrait) | 48MP, f/2.1 (Telephoto) | P60 Pro's dedicated telephoto lens likely offers better zoom capabilities, although S21+ has a Telephoto + portrait camera |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" (Wide Angle + Macro) | 13MP, f/2.2 | P60 Pro includes a wide angle lens as a separate camera while S21+ has a Wide Angle + Macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 31MP, f/2.4 | P60 Pro captures higher-resolution selfies. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ offers higher resolution video recording, while both have stabilization and slow motion modes. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile) | 156 (Mobile) | P60 Pro's camera is significantly superior in overall image and video quality |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4815mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, indicating similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 88W Fast | P60 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W, 4.5W Reverse | 50W, 7.5W Reverse | P60 Pro charges wirelessly significantly faster with faster reverse wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Unknown | S21+ has a clear path to newer Android versions; P60 Pro OS information is incomplete. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, MIMO | Both have latest wifi standards, P60 Pro additionally has MIMO for improved performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | P60 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS, NavIC, QZSS | P60 Pro supports additional navigation systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ offers an eSIM for added flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | P60 Pro has higher storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | P60 Pro has a 12 GB option that supports heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Cancellation Mic | Stereo Speakers | S21+ has more advanced audio features, including immersive audio and clearer call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both have standard biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has a more durable screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite including Barometer, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Geomagnetic | Comprehensive suite including Barometer, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Gravity | P60 Pro includes a gravity sensor while S21+ includes geomagnetic sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits for better outdoor visibility. This is essential for users in very sunny environments.
- 8K Video Recording: Capability to record higher resolution video for professional usage.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility when switching between carriers.
- Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and noise-canceling mic for superior audio experience.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better durability against scratches and drops.
- Software Support: Guaranteed updates to Android 15.
Huawei P60 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 provides a smoother experience, especially for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, along with a better DxOMark score, indicate better image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 88W wired and 50W wireless charging minimizes charging time.
- More Storage Options: Comes with 256GB or 512GB storage options, double the maximum storage of the S21+.
- Additional Camera Lenses: A dedicated telephoto and wide angle lens, providing more versatility.
- Enhanced GPS: Supports more satellite systems, improving location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Less powerful performance and slower charging are traded for a brighter screen, better audio, and a more robust screen protection.
- P60 Pro: While it has superior specs, the absence of specific screen protection data and incomplete software information might be a concern for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a very bright display for outdoor use.
- Users who value good audio quality.
- Users who plan to utilize the higher resolution video recording options.
- Users who are comfortable with slightly lower performance for general usage.
- Users who want robust screen protection and the flexibility of an eSIM.
Use Cases:
- Frequent outdoor usage in bright sunlight
- Video recording for hobbies/professionals
- Audiophiles who want enhanced audio quality
Huawei P60 Pro Ideal User:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance, especially for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts who want the best possible image and video quality.
- Users who appreciate the convenience of very fast charging.
- Users who require ample storage space for large media files.
- Users who need accurate location services.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and other performance-heavy tasks
- Professional photography or video recording.
- Travelers needing accurate navigation and long battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, general usage)
- How important is screen brightness for your usage environment? (Lots of time outdoors or not?)
- How important is charging speed? (Do you need very fast wired and wireless charging?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its brighter display and enhanced screen protection.
- Scenario 2: Performance Seeker: Choose the Huawei P60 Pro for its significantly better performance, superior camera, and much faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Consumer: Choose the Huawei P60 Pro for its superior camera and ample storage for photos and videos, along with its higher resolution display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Huawei P60 Pro.
While the Samsung S21+ has its merits, particularly the brighter screen and robust screen protection, the Huawei P60 Pro offers a more compelling overall package in my use case. The significantly higher performance, superior camera system, and much faster charging are features that align better with my needs as someone who values performance and high-quality photography. The additional storage options and enhanced GPS are also compelling benefits.
Though the S21+ excels in audio and screen brightness, the performance difference between the two, as reflected by AnTuTu scores, is considerable enough that I'd take the slight trade-off of a potentially lower brightness for the P60 Pro. In my daily use, I value speed and a high quality camera experience over these other things.
