Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Honor Magic V3
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor Magic V3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Foldable design offers larger screen real estate when unfolded, but can be bulkier when folded. S21 Ultra is a traditional slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 156.6 × 145.3 × 4.35 mm (unfolded) | S21 Ultra is taller and thicker, while Magic V3 is wider when unfolded, thinner, and more compact when folded. |
| Weight | 227g | 226g | Both phones have a similar weight and will feel similar in hand in that regard. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 7.92" | Magic V3 offers a significantly larger screen, more suitable for media consumption and multitasking. S21 Ultra offers a smaller more conventional display. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 2156x2344 | Magic V3 has a slightly higher resolution, leading to more detailed images. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 402 PPI | S21 Ultra's higher PPI will result in a sharper, more detailed picture compared to Magic V3. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | S21 Ultra's AMOLED panel offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colours. Magic V3's tech is not provided and this is a disadvantage. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 5000 nits | Magic V3 will be significantly more visible in direct sunlight due to its drastically higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in Magic V3 offers significantly superior performance, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 2,220,000 | Magic V3 has vastly superior performance, for gaming and other intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | Adreno 750 in the Magic V3 will offer superior graphics performance over the Mali-G78 in the S21 Ultra |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra captures more detail due to its higher megapixel count, in perfect lighting situations. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | Magic V3's wider aperture allows for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.55" | S21 Ultra's larger sensor captures more light and generally more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | S21 Ultra Has 2 telephoto lenses | Honor has a single telephoto lens | S21 Ultra offers more flexibility with two dedicated telephoto lenses, for zooming and portraits, whereas Magic V3 offers a single telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 20MP | S21 Ultra’s front camera will capture more detail, whereas Magic V3 has a lower resolution selfie camera. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 Ultra offers higher resolution recording. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 115 | 137 | Magic V3 has a higher overall camera score with better photo and video results. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5150mAh | Both offer similar battery life due to comparable capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Magic V3 charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | Magic V3 charges wirelessly significantly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Magic V3 comes with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Magic V3 has a newer and slightly faster Bluetooth version, with more advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | More comprehensive suite of systems | Magic V3 offers potentially greater location accuracy in varied environments, by supporting more systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | Magic V3 allows for an eSIM, while S21 Ultra does not. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 256/512/1024GB | Magic V3 offers higher storage options, while the S21 Ultra offers a smaller storage configuration as well. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 12GB/16GB | Both phones have similar RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | DTS/DTS X | Both offer great audio features, S21 with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res and Magic V3 with DTS and 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-Mounted | Magic V3's side-mounted sensor may be faster and easier to access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra's screen is likely more durable against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive, including Barometer | Comprehensive, including Gravity sensor | S21 Ultra has a Barometer, while Magic V3 has a gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for a crisper viewing experience.
- More Mature Software Ecosystem: Samsung's One UI offers more features than Honor's MagicOS.
- Versatile Camera System: Dual telephoto lenses and 8K recording provide added flexibility, but lower DxOMark score.
- Wider Wireless Charging Options Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging options are available on the S21 Ultra.
- Established Brand: More widely available in most places.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More mature software support The S21 Ultra benefits from longer software support, as it was launched in 2021.
Honor Magic V3 Advantages:
- Larger Foldable Display: Significantly larger screen for media and multitasking.
- Newer Chipset and Improved Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers superior speed and efficiency.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Much better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- Faster Charging: Both wired and wireless charging is significantly faster.
- Higher DxOMark Score: Superior camera quality overall.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 1TB of storage and is more future-proof.
- Newer Android Version Runs Android 14 out of the box.
- More Modern Design: Foldable technology and newer design language.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Older chipset, smaller screen, lower DxOMark score but has an established reputation and a more versatile camera setup with more mature software support, and more charging features.
- Magic V3: Foldable design with its own drawbacks (creases, etc.), unknown screen protection, more recent and perhaps untested hardware and software support in comparison to a phone that's been on the market for years.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prefer a traditional smartphone form factor, with a very good camera and well established and mature software and ecosystem.
- Users who want a versatile camera system with dual telephoto lenses and 8K recording capabilities.
- Users who prioritize a sharper screen over screen size.
- Users invested in the Samsung ecosystem.
- Users who value established brand recognition and reliability.
- Users looking for more charging features, and who don't necessarily need the fastest charging times.
Use Cases for S21 Ultra:
- Photography enthusiasts who enjoy capturing detail and have the flexibility of dual telephoto lenses.
- Users who need robust software features and an established ecosystem.
- Users who require a highly responsive and versatile phone and can do without the faster charging speeds of the Honor.
Honor Magic V3 Ideal User:
- Users who want the largest possible screen for media consumption, and multitasking.
- Users who prioritize performance and speed, including gamers and power users.
- Users who value battery life and fast charging.
- Users who need excellent outdoor visibility.
- Users who are willing to embrace foldable technology.
- Users who need the best camera results overall, even though the telephoto isn't as versatile as the S21 Ultra.
- Users who need the most internal storage possible for a smartphone.
Use Cases for Magic V3:
- Professionals who need a portable device for work, and need to multitask on a large screen.
- Gamers who want the best performance and responsiveness.
- Users who watch a lot of media.
- Travelers who need a bright display and fast charging capabilities.
- Users who want the best possible performance and most storage available on a smartphone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra will likely be available for a reduced price as an older flagship, making it a cost-effective choice for a user seeking an established phone with great features.
- The Magic V3 is expected to be a premium device, which is reflected in its price and top-end specifications, if a user can justify the cost, the value is very high.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prefer a standard smartphone or a foldable device? This is the most fundamental consideration.
- How important are display size and outdoor visibility? This will determine whether you prioritize screen size or sharpness and brightness.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or overall image quality? This will impact which camera system suits you best.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Camera Focused, Limited Budget): If camera versatility and a tighter budget are key concerns, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a strong contender as it's much cheaper than the Magic V3, with a still great camera and versatility, but not superior photo and video performance.
- Scenario 2 (Power User, Media Lover): If you need the largest screen, fastest performance, and best battery life and are willing to spend more, the Honor Magic V3 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Use, Value-Conscious): For those seeking a balanced performance and feature set while sticking to a more mature product, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G might be more appealing, as it will be significantly cheaper.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Honor Magic V3.
Here's why:
- Modern Technology: The Magic V3's newer chipset (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3), faster charging, higher DxOMark score and the 1 TB of storage all represent a significant leap in modern smartphone technology and are a very compelling package.
- Large Screen Experience: I prioritize a large display for media consumption and multitasking, and the foldable design makes this ideal. I also prioritize outdoor visibility.
- Performance: I value performance and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is significantly better for demanding tasks like gaming.
- Value for Money: I am willing to pay extra for the newest technology.
- Future Proofing: The larger storage options and more modern specs give the Magic V3 more longevity, since the S21 Ultra is already a 3-year-old phone.
- Design: I am keen to experience foldable phone technology and would prefer the newer design language of the Magic V3.
While the S21 Ultra is a great phone, its age, smaller screen, older chipset and lower overall camera score make it a much less compelling option in this comparison, given my priorities. If you are on a tight budget, then the S21 Ultra would be a reasonable pick, but the Magic V3 is superior in almost every aspect if you can justify the extra cost.
