1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Honor Magic V2, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor Magic V2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Honor Magic V2 offers a larger screen that folds into a smaller, more pocketable form. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a traditional, single-screen device. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 156.7 x 145.4 x 4.7 mm (Unfolded) | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is taller and thicker, while the Honor Magic V2 is much wider when unfolded, significantly affecting pocketability and handling. Folded dimensions of Honor Magic V2 are not provided. |
| Weight | 227g | 231g | Both phones are similarly weighted, making them heavy and potentially tiring for single-handed use for extended periods. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor Magic V2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 7.92" | Honor Magic V2 offers a much larger screen, significantly improving media consumption, multitasking, and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 2156 x 2344 | The Honor Magic V2 has a slightly higher resolution, but due to its larger size the pixel density is lower compared to Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. |
| PPI | 515 | 402 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G boasts a sharper, more detailed display due to its higher pixel density, making text and images appear crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | - | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's AMOLED screen provides deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. Display tech of Honor Magic V2 is unknown. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth visual experience, with fluid animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | Honor Magic V2 offers far superior outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight, while both phones offer excellent indoor visibility. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor Magic V2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | Honor Magic V2's chipset offers significantly better performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities, while also being more power-efficient due to the smaller manufacturing process. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,361,789 | The Honor Magic V2 scores substantially higher in benchmarks, indicating a significant performance advantage for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | Honor Magic V2's Adreno 740 generally provides better gaming performance and graphics rendering capabilities than the Mali-G78 MP14. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor Magic V2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a higher megapixel count, but resolution isn't the sole factor determining image quality. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has wider aperture (f/1.8 vs f/1.9). |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP | N/A | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers an additional telephoto lens for portraits, which the Honor Magic V2 lacks. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 16MP | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a higher resolution front-facing camera for detailed selfies and video calls. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 10.8MP | 20MP | Honor Magic V2 has a higher resolution telephoto camera, and wider aperture (f/2.4 vs f/4.9) offering better zoom quality and performance in low light conditions. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Resolution | 12.2MP | 50MP | Honor Magic V2 features a higher resolution wide angle camera, and wider aperture (f/2 vs f/2.2) potentially capturing more details. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers 8K video recording for professional-grade footage, while both offer 4K recording, stabilization, and slow-motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) Score | Main: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | Main: 117, Photo: 109, Video: 120 | The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is better for taking photos, but the Honor Magic V2 has better video recording capabilities, as per the DXOMark scores. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) Score | Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | N/A | The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a very strong front facing camera as per the DXOMark scores. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Laser AF | Triple camera, Laser autofocus (LAF) | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G provides additional camera features with a quad-camera setup, while the Honor Magic V2 focuses on a streamlined triple-camera system with enhanced stabilization and autofocus. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor Magic V2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life, although real-world usage may vary based on software and usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | The Honor Magic V2 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and getting you back to using your device much more quickly. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | - | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers additional wireless charging capabilities, providing more convenience. |
Other Features
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor Magic V2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | The Honor Magic V2 ships with a newer version of Android, but will receive less future software updates compared to the Samsung S21 Ultra 5G. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Honor Magic V2 supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering potentially faster speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | The Honor Magic V2 has the most recent Bluetooth version, offering a more stable connection and better power efficiency. |
| Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | The Honor Magic V2 offers a higher maximum storage capacity, providing more space for media and applications. Neither offer expandable storage. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 16 GB | Both phones are very good for multitasking, but only the Honor Magic V2 offers 16GB across the whole range of phones. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | DTS/DTS X | Both phones provide high-quality sound, but with different technologies that cater to specific preferences. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Honor Magic V2 has a more advanced and easily accessible fingerprint scanner compared to the Samsung S21 Ultra 5G, improving the daily usage and unlock experience. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Samsung S21 Ultra 5G has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Geomagnetic | Gravity | The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a broader range of environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density results in a crisper and more detailed viewing experience.
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display provides excellent contrast, vibrant colors, and power efficiency for dark themes.
- Better Photo Performance (per DXOMark): Excels in photo quality, and particularly selfie performance as per DXOMark scores.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher video resolution for professional-grade video content creation.
- Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: Provides additional convenience for charging accessories and other devices.
- Broader sensor set: Provides a more comprehensive set of sensors including a barometer.
- Software Updates: Guaranteed more software updates due to Android 15 compatibility.
- Established ecosystem: Can work seamlessly with other Samsung devices.
Practical Implications:
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a top-tier flagship with a focus on display quality, a more comprehensive camera setup, additional features such as wireless charging and more software updates, along with a more established ecosystem.
Honor Magic V2 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a larger, tablet-like display that folds into a smaller, more portable form factor.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides superior processing power for demanding tasks.
- Brighter Display: Offers vastly superior outdoor visibility with much higher peak brightness.
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker battery replenishment time.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Standards: Supports the latest connectivity standards for faster data transfer and more reliable connections.
- Larger Storage Option: Offers a 1TB internal storage option.
- Better Video performance (per DXOMark): Excels in video quality as per DXOMark score.
- More up to date OS: Ships with Android 13, although will receive less software updates.
- Side mounted fingerprint sensor: For a more accessible and modern security implementation.
Practical Implications:
The Honor Magic V2 excels in providing a unique foldable experience, superior performance, faster charging, and advanced connectivity, at the cost of a less sharp display and a less feature rich camera.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21 Ultra 5G: sacrifices raw performance, fast charging and a foldable display for a sharper display, more robust camera setup, wireless charging and more software updates.
- Honor Magic V2: sacrifices some display sharpness, some camera features and long term software updates for a foldable display, superior performance and much faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Professional Photographers: Those who need a reliable camera for high-quality photos and videos, alongside professional 8K video capabilities.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a crisp, vibrant display for watching high-resolution content.
- Samsung Ecosystem Users: Individuals already invested in the Samsung ecosystem who benefit from seamless device integration.
- Users Seeking Reliability: Those who want a dependable flagship device with the promise of longevity and more software updates.
Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed photographs and 8K video in various lighting conditions.
- Watching high-quality videos and movies on a crisp and vibrant AMOLED screen.
- Utilizing wireless charging convenience and the extended connectivity features.
Honor Magic V2 Ideal User:
- Multitaskers: Power users who need a fast and responsive device for running multiple applications and handling demanding tasks.
- Gamers: Individuals who require top-tier performance and the latest technology for high-end mobile games.
- Users Seeking Unique Form Factors: Those intrigued by foldable technology and appreciate the flexibility of a larger, tablet-like display.
- Mobile Professionals: Users who require a portable device with a large display for productivity and media consumption on the go.
- On-the-Go Users: Those who value the convenience of quick charging for uninterrupted usage.
Specific Use Cases:
- Engaging in intensive gaming sessions with high frame rates and smooth gameplay.
- Using the large foldable screen for enhanced productivity, reading, and media viewing.
- Utilizing the high refresh rate display for an improved web browsing and media consumption.
- Relying on quick charging for long days of usage.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The pricing for these two phones will vary heavily based on where and when you buy them. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, due to being an older model, will likely be more affordable, but you will have to weigh that against the advanced features offered by the Honor Magic V2.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider before deciding:
- Form Factor Preference: Do you prioritize the unique experience of a foldable device with a larger display, or are you content with a traditional smartphone design?
- Performance vs. Display Quality: Do you need the superior performance and quick charging of the Honor Magic V2, or do you prefer the sharper display and feature-rich camera setup of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G?
- Ecosystem & Software Support: Are you heavily invested in the Samsung ecosystem, or do you value the more modern, but less future proof software implementation of the Honor Magic V2?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography Focus): If the user prioritizes a versatile camera and professional grade video, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Productivity): If the user requires maximum performance for gaming and multitasking, the Honor Magic V2 is the clear winner, particularly given its faster charging and much brighter screen.
- Scenario 3 (Unique Design & Media Consumption): If the user wants a large, foldable display for media consumption, and values the unique form factor, the Honor Magic V2 stands out.
- Scenario 4 (Value Focused): If the user prioritizes a more budget friendly, but feature rich device, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the more attractive choice.
My Choice
Based on the data provided, I would personally choose the Honor Magic V2.
Why?
- Foldable Design: The larger screen when unfolded, and compact size when folded provides the best of both worlds for mobile and tablet usage.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, combined with the 16 GB of RAM, ensures smooth, responsive performance in all tasks.
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging dramatically reduces downtime.
- Brighter Display: The much higher screen brightness means better visibility outdoors, allowing me to use my phone comfortably in any conditions.
- Latest Tech: I prefer to have access to newer wifi and bluetooth standards.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a crisper display and a more robust camera setup, the unique advantages of the foldable design, along with the significantly enhanced performance, faster charging, and better outdoor screen visibility of the Honor Magic V2 outweigh those benefits for my usage patterns. The compromise in camera quality is not a deciding factor for me, as the Magic V2 still boasts good camera scores, and I value the versatility of the form factor much more.
