1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | The S21 Ultra is larger and thicker, making it slightly less pocketable. The Honor 70 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 178g | The Honor 70 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less fatiguing. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | The S21 Ultra offers a marginally larger display, which might be preferred for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The S21 Ultra's higher resolution results in significantly sharper text and images. This is noticeable for reading and detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 395 | The S21 Ultra has a noticeably sharper screen with greater pixel density, enhancing clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks. The practical difference is minimal here. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The S21 Ultra boasts exceptional outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, while the Honor 70's brightness is unknown and likely significantly lower. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | The S21 Ultra's chipset generally provides slightly higher performance in demanding tasks. The Honor 70 chipset is efficient for everyday use and most games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 600,525 | The S21 Ultra demonstrates superior performance, translating to quicker app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | The S21 Ultra's GPU performs better in graphics-intensive tasks and gaming, while the Honor 70 is suitable for most casual gamers. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera Resolution | 108MP | 54MP | The S21 Ultra captures more detailed images with its higher-resolution sensor; ideal for cropping and large prints. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | The S21 Ultra has a slightly wider aperture, letting in a bit more light, which can be beneficial in low-light scenarios. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.49" | Larger sensor in the S21 Ultra helps gather more light and creates better overall quality in photos. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP (Dedicated lens) | Not available | S21 Ultra offers superior portrait capabilities with a dedicated lens. Honor 70 lacks a telephoto option and likely uses digital zoom for portraits. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 32MP | The S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies and better cropping capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | The S21 Ultra's selfie camera has a slightly wider aperture, beneficial in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not available | 50MP (Dedicated Lens) | Honor 70 has dedicated ultra-wide lens useful for landscape photography and group shots. S21 Ultra utilizes a wide angle lens combined with its macro lens |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP (Dedicated lens) | Honor 70 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. The S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle and macro lens |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The S21 Ultra supports 8K video for professional-level recording, while the Honor 70 is limited to 4K. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | The S21 Ultra has video stabilization; the Honor 70 does not |
| DXOMARK - Mobile | Main: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | Main: 115, Photo: 115, Video: 129 | S21 Ultra excels in photos, while Honor 70 shines in video. Both have the same overall score, but different strengths |
| DXOMARK - Selfie | Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | Not tested | S21 Ultra has good selfie performance |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | The S21 Ultra's slightly larger battery may offer a bit more screen-on time, but it's a marginal difference. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | The Honor 70 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | Reverse Charging | The S21 Ultra offers the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging. The Honor 70 only includes wired reverse charging functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and much higher brightness offer a significantly sharper and more visible display, particularly outdoors.
- Stronger Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide better performance in demanding tasks and gaming.
- More Advanced Camera System: Offers greater versatility with its higher-resolution main sensor, telephoto lenses, wider aperture on most sensors, and 8K video recording capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Adds convenience with support for both wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- More Satellite Systems for GPS: Better and more reliable location accuracy
Honor 70 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Camera: Adds versatility for different shooting scenarios.
- Better Video Score: Superior Video Score in DxOMark compared to the S21 Ultra
- Newer Phone: The Honor 70 is newer by over 1 year and 4 months
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra's larger size and weight may not appeal to everyone, also it has slower charging compared to the Honor 70.
- The Honor 70 lags behind the S21 Ultra in performance and display quality, also it lacks wireless charging capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, heavy multitasking, and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with high-resolution capabilities and various shooting modes.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight, benefiting from the display’s high brightness.
- Users who want Wireless Charging: Wireless charging is beneficial for individuals wanting quick and easy charging experiences
Honor 70 Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable phone for daily tasks.
- Fast Charging Enthusiasts: Those who want to quickly charge their phone and get on with their day.
- Casual Photographers: Individuals who want a decent camera setup for social media and everyday photos.
- Users who need better video: Individuals who prioritize video over photo quality.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21 Ultra: Mobile gaming, professional photography, outdoor content creation, extended media consumption, advanced multitasking.
- Honor 70: Casual social media use, daily commute, quick photo taking, on-the-go video recording, general productivity tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize display quality and outdoor visibility, or a lightweight design and fast charging?
- Do you need the best possible camera for photography and 8K video, or are you content with a good everyday shooter?
- Do you engage in resource-intensive activities and gaming, or is the Honor 70's performance sufficient for your needs?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance and Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Its superior display, performance, and camera system are ideal for intensive use cases.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User on a Budget: Choose the Honor 70 for its lightweight design, fast charging, and adequate performance for everyday use.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Performance and Video: You might still lean towards the Honor 70. While the S21 Ultra offers greater capabilities in photos, the Honor 70 shines in its video capabilities and offers a more balanced daily usage experience.
- Scenario 4: Prioritizing a better screen and outdoor visibility: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G should be chosen for those who prioritize a great display that can be used outdoors in the sunlight
My Choice
If I were to choose between the two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the Honor 70 is a newer, more compact device with fast charging, the S21 Ultra's superior display, performance, and more versatile camera system are more compelling for my use cases. I often need a reliable camera that performs well in various conditions and the S21 Ultra would meet those needs. Additionally, its brighter screen is beneficial since I use my phone outdoors often. Although its size is slightly larger, its benefits justify the trade off.
