1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-06-07 | Honor 90 is a much newer device with potentially newer software features and longer support. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 161.9 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, the Honor 90 is more compact and may be more comfortable to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 183g | Honor 90 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible size difference; both provide an immersive viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1200x2664 | S21 Ultra offers a noticeably sharper display with more detail, especially for text and fine graphics. |
| PPI | 515 | 435 | S21 Ultra has a much higher pixel density, resulting in a crisper, clearer image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant and high contrast displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90 has slightly higher peak brightness, making it a little more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset scores higher on benchmarks, but the 4nm chip on the Honor 90 is more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 701,227 | S21 Ultra shows better performance based on benchmark scores, though both offer good day-to-day performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 644 | Different GPUs; S21 Ultra's GPU is slightly more powerful based on the Antutu scores. The practical difference may be minor for most users. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 108MP | 200MP | Honor 90 has a higher resolution sensor which can be beneficial for detail capture. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | S21 Ultra has a slightly wider aperture, potentially leading to better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.4" | S21 Ultra has a larger sensor which is generally better for light gathering resulting in better low-light images |
| Telephoto + Portrait | Yes | No | S21 Ultra offers an additional camera for zoomed photos and portrait shots. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | S21 Ultra offers dedicated optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 44MP | 50MP | Honor 90 has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | S21 Ultra has a wider aperture selfie camera which is better for low-light. |
| Portrait Mode Depth Camera | No | Yes | Honor 90 has a dedicated depth camera that might enhance portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP | 12MP | Both offer similar wide angle and macro photo capabilities |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K/24fps | Up to 4K/30fps | S21 Ultra allows for higher resolution video recording, suitable for professional-grade footage, but both are good for standard video needs |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 115 | 122 | Honor 90 scored higher overall in mobile camera tests, suggesting a better overall camera performance. |
| DXOMark Photo Score | 121 | 128 | Honor 90 performed better in photo tests. |
| DXOMark Video Score | 100 | 126 | Honor 90 showed superior video performance. |
| Camera Features | Extensive, incl. OIS, Laser AF | Good, incl. Front Flash | S21 Ultra has more advanced camera features, such as Optical Image Stabilization and Laser Autofocus. Honor 90 has a front flash for selfies in dark environments. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life expected. |
| Charging | 25W | 66W | Honor 90 charges much faster, reducing downtime for charging. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | None | S21 Ultra has more versatile charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 13 | Honor 90 has a more recent version of Android out of the box. S21 Ultra will likely be updated to 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the same standard, providing similar Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with many features | 5.2 with standard features | Both have Bluetooth 5.2, S21 Ultra has more profiles but not LDAC or AAC, while Honor 90 supports those. |
| GPS | More comprehensive satellite support | Standard satellite support | The S21 Ultra has enhanced GPS for more accurate location services, particularly useful for navigation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both offer generous storage; the S21 Ultra offers an entry model with less storage. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12/16 GB | Both are available with ample RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | None | S21 Ultra offers a better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer similar biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | More comprehensive suite | Standard Sensor Suite | Samsung has a more comprehensive sensor suite, while Honor 90 has some additional sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Sharpness: Higher resolution and pixel density for a crisper, more detailed viewing experience.
- More Powerful Performance: Slightly higher benchmark scores for overall performance, more powerful GPU.
- More Camera Features: Includes Telephoto lenses with Optical Zoom and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for more flexible and stable photography.
- Advanced Charging Capabilities: Supports Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging, in addition to standard fast charging.
- Better Audio Experience: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers.
- Enhanced GPS: More satellite support for accurate GPS location.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Enhanced for gaming and advanced functionality.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection
Practical Implications for S21 Ultra 5G:
- Better for users who need the sharpest display for detailed tasks.
- More suited to users who take a lot of photos and want the flexibility of optical zoom and OIS.
- Better experience for content creators who need higher video recording resolution.
- More versatile charging options and features.
Honor 90 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched much later, with potentially more modern features and software updates.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold for extended periods and easier to carry.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging allows for significantly quicker battery top-ups.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed self portraits.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: 200MP main camera for more detailed photographs.
- Better DXOMark Scores: Superior mobile and video camera scores, suggesting an overall better camera performance.
- More Efficient Chipset: A 4nm chip that might be more energy efficient.
Practical Implications for Honor 90:
- Ideal for users who want a lightweight and easily portable device.
- More suitable for users who need to quickly charge their phones on the go.
- A better experience for users who prioritize selfie quality or overall camera performance, based on DXOMark scores.
- The 4nm chipset will be more power efficient.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- S21 Ultra: Older device (2021), heavier and bulkier, slower charging, lower DXOMark camera scores.
- Honor 90: Lacks telephoto lenses for optical zoom, fewer audio features, lacks wireless charging, weaker screen protection, less advanced GPS, fewer sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, photography enthusiasts, professional content creators, users who value premium features, those who need enhanced GPS capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- High-resolution video recording for professional projects.
- Extensive photography needs, including zoom capabilities and low-light conditions.
- Immersive multimedia consumption with high-quality display and audio.
- Demanding gaming and multitasking, leveraging the more powerful processor and extra features.
- Reliable navigation and location-based services due to better GPS support.
- Users who need better screen protection and a larger sensor for the main camera.
Honor 90:
- Ideal User: Everyday users, social media enthusiasts, users who prioritize portability and fast charging, users who prioritize overall mobile camera performance.
- Use Cases:
- Daily social media use and selfie capture.
- Frequent on-the-go usage, benefiting from fast charging and lightweight design.
- General photography, benefitting from the more detailed main camera and good overall mobile camera performance.
- Users who want a more recent device with potentially better software.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung S21 Ultra was a premium device and its price is likely to be lower now given its age, offering excellent value if looking for high-end features.
- The Honor 90 was a more mid-range device, offering good value for a more recent release.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display sharpness and image quality? (S21 Ultra wins in display sharpness)
- What is more critical for you, camera versatility or general camera performance? (S21 Ultra offers optical zoom and more features; Honor 90 has higher overall camera performance according to DxOMark)
- How important are portability and charging speed? (Honor 90 excels in these areas).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Photography Power User: If photography is a primary need, and you want optical zoom, better low-light sensor, and versatility, the S21 Ultra is preferable.
- Scenario 2: The Everyday User: If you value a lighter device with fast charging and a good selfie camera, and prioritize a newer device and camera performance in general, the Honor 90 is a better choice.
- Scenario 3: The Budget-Conscious User: Considering both are not recent models, the best choice depends on the specific need. The Samsung may provide more value if found at a good price.
- Scenario 4: The Multimedia User: If higher audio quality is important, go for the S21 Ultra as the Honor 90 has limited audio features.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given my needs and preferences, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Here's why:
- Display Quality: I prioritize a sharp, high-resolution display for reading, content consumption, and detailed work. The S21 Ultra's display is significantly superior in this regard.
- Camera Versatility: As someone who enjoys taking photographs, the inclusion of telephoto lenses with optical zoom is essential for me. This offers greater flexibility for various shots.
- Premium Features: The inclusion of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better audio capabilities, enhanced GPS, and a broader sensor suite are features I find valuable.
- Overall Performance: Although the Honor 90 has a more efficient chipset, the S21 Ultra's higher benchmark score suggests better performance in demanding tasks which I would like to have.
While the Honor 90 is a more recent and lighter device with faster charging, my priorities lie in display quality, camera versatility, and a comprehensive suite of features. The trade-offs are worth it for my specific use case, despite the phone being older and slightly bulkier. Also, the fact that the S21 Ultra has superior screen protection would make me choose it over the Honor 90.
