1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Huawei is slightly taller and thicker, impacting overall hand feel and pocketability |
| Weight | 200g | 220g | Samsung is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Minimal difference, negligible in daily use |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2844 | Huawei's higher resolution means sharper text and images |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 460 PPI | Huawei's higher pixel density results in a noticeably clearer and more detailed display |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast and vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2500 nits | Huawei's much brighter screen provides superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Huawei has a newer architecture, generally offering better day-to-day performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 869,707 | Huawei scores higher in benchmarks, suggesting slightly better overall speed and responsiveness |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Maleoon 910 | Different GPU setups, but Huawei’s is generally superior for graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Huawei's higher resolution captures more detail |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | Huawei’s wider aperture performs better in low light |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.3" | Huawei's larger sensor captures more light, improving low-light performance and image quality |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP | 48MP | Both have telephoto capability, but Huawei's is a dedicated lens. Samsung uses a "Telephoto + portrait" lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2 MP | 12.5MP | Both have wide angle camera, with similar resolution |
| Telephoto + Portrait Lens | 64MP | No Lens | Samsung has a telephoto camera focused on portraits |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 13MP | Huawei captures slightly more detailed selfies |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Samsung has slightly better low-light performance for selfies |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K | Samsung offers higher resolution video recording |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5050mAh | Huawei has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 100W wired, 80W wireless | Huawei charges significantly faster, reducing downtime |
| Wireless Reverse Charging | 4.5W | 20W | Huawei has significantly faster reverse wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | (missing in spec, likely HarmonyOS) | Samsung offers a familiar Android experience, while Huawei's software experience is less established |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 with MIMO | Both offer fast WiFi; Huawei’s has slightly better performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Huawei has a newer and faster Bluetooth standard |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, BeiDou, NavIC, Galileo | Huawei supports more satellite systems, offering more accurate positioning |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Samsung supports eSIM for more flexibility |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Huawei offers larger storage options |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Huawei has significantly more RAM, aiding in multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Samsung’s audio system offers Hi-Res audio and a noise cancelling microphone for better audio quality |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both offer basic fingerprint security |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung uses a more durable screen glass |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact design: Easier to handle and more comfortable for extended use.
- Established Software Experience: Runs Android with access to a wider range of apps and Google services.
- Hi-Res Audio and Noise cancellation microphone: Superior audio features
- eSIM Support: More flexible with carrier switching for travelers and users with multiple lines.
- 8K Video Recording: For professional quality video content creation and high resolution video recording.
- Screen protection: Offers a durable screen.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Sharper, brighter, and more vibrant display for media consumption and gaming.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging, drastically reducing downtime.
- Superior Camera: Larger sensors and wider apertures for better low-light photos and video.
- More RAM: Better for heavy multitasking and demanding games.
- More Storage Options: Greater capacity for storing photos, videos, and apps.
- Better Connectivity: newer Bluetooth and GPS for improved speed and more accurate location.
- Better benchmarks: Higher scores suggest better performance.
- Better reverse wireless charging: Charge other devices faster.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G sacrifices camera quality and screen brightness for lighter weight and access to Google services.
- The Huawei Pura 70 Pro is heavier, potentially less ergonomic, and lacks a guaranteed software experience with full Google services.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- General users: Looking for a reliable, well-rounded phone with a lightweight design and great screen.
- Users integrated into the Google Ecosystem: Those who heavily use Google services and require a fully featured Android experience.
- Video Content Creators: Those who require high-resolution recording, up to 8K.
- Users looking for a phone with high-quality audio.
Users who prioritize a durable screen.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use, including web browsing, social media, and communication.
- Light gaming and media consumption.
- Users who prefer a lighter device.
- Users who require video recording up to 8K.
Ideal User for Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Camera enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera quality and performance, especially in low light.
- Power users: Users who require maximum performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Users who value battery and charging speed: Those who need their phone to last all day and charge quickly.
- Users focused on the display quality and media consumption.
- Users who need more storage for photos and videos.
Users who need better navigation performance.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-intensity gaming and multitasking.
- Heavy media consumption.
- Travelers who require faster charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers good value, especially if found at a discounted price, providing access to the Android ecosystem with good performance.
- The Huawei Pura 70 Pro justifies its higher price with a superior display, camera, and performance capabilities, better suiting users who require top-tier features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is camera quality and low-light performance to you? If crucial, the Huawei Pura 70 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you prefer a lighter device and established ecosystem with Google services? The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G will better suit your needs.
- How important is fast charging and a longer battery life? The Huawei Pura 70 Pro offers significantly faster charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A casual user needing an everyday phone for browsing and communication. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is adequate, lighter, and has access to Google services
- Scenario 2: A photographer/videographer needing excellent low-light capabilities and fast charging. Recommendation: Huawei Pura 70 Pro has better camera specs and rapid charging.
- Scenario 3: A gamer/power user needing high performance, plenty of RAM, and storage. Recommendation: Huawei Pura 70 Pro offers superior performance and storage.
- Scenario 4: A user needing high quality audio with video recording. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has noise cancellation microphone and Hi-Res audio, as well as 8K video recording.
My Choice
I would choose the Huawei Pura 70 Pro.
Reasoning: While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a solid device, the Pura 70 Pro offers substantial upgrades in key areas that align with my preferences for performance and multimedia capabilities. The significantly superior display quality with higher resolution and brightness is very attractive, especially for outdoor use. Additionally, the camera system offers better performance in low light, with higher-resolution sensors, which is something I value in my photos. The faster charging speeds are also a huge benefit.
While the lack of official Google services is a compromise, I believe the advantages in display, camera, performance, battery, and charging speed outweigh this, and I am willing to adapt to the Harmony OS ecosystem. The difference in RAM also significantly helps with multitasking and overall fluidity.
