Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Honor Magic5 Lite
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor Magic5 Lite | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, may be less comfortable in hand. Magic5 Lite is slimmer, lighter, more pocket-friendly. |
| Weight | 227g | 175g | S21 Ultra is significantly heavier, may feel tiring to hold for long periods. Magic5 Lite is much lighter and easier to handle. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display with significantly more detail. Text and images will appear clearer and crisper. |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in sharper images and smoother text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, leading to a more responsive user interface. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has excellent visibility in direct sunlight. Magic5 Lite's brightness is unknown, it might be harder to see outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra has a significantly more powerful chipset, handling demanding tasks like gaming and video editing much faster. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 431,000 | S21 Ultra offers noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 Ultra's GPU is more powerful, leading to better graphics rendering in games and apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5100mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests similar all-day battery life with typical usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 40W | Magic5 Lite charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | Non-removable | S21 Ultra provides more charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.8 | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images with its higher resolution primary sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait shots, it is absent on Magic5 Lite |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | S21 Ultra captures more detailed and potentially better selfies, especially in low light conditions with its wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | N/A | S21 Ultra offers an additional telephoto lens not found on the Magic5 Lite |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.2 | Magic5 Lite has a dedicated wide angle lens. Absent on the S21 Ultra. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Magic5 Lite has a dedicated Macro lens not found on the S21 Ultra. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | N/A | S21 Ultra offers an additional ultrawide camera with macro capabilities, which the Magic5 Lite does not have. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra can record much higher resolution videos, better for videographers. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 115 | 74 | S21 Ultra performs significantly better in camera tests, taking better photos and videos, according to DxoMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 12 (up to 13) | S21 Ultra has a more recent Android version. S21 Ultra supports up to Android 15, while the Magic5 Lite is limited to Android 13 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) + MiMo | 802.11ac | S21 Ultra has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi, especially in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | S21 Ultra has a more modern Bluetooth version with more advanced features and better power efficiency. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Single-band GPS | S21 Ultra has more accurate location tracking, especially in dense urban areas. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | Up to 512GB | Up to 256GB | S21 Ultra can store significantly more files, apps, and media, especially the 512GB version. |
| RAM | Up to 16GB | Up to 8GB | S21 Ultra handles heavy multitasking more effectively and offers better performance in demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 2 Microphones | S21 Ultra provides an immersive audio experience with spatial audio and better audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both provide basic biometric security with fingerprint sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection against scratches and breakage |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Gravity | S21 Ultra includes additional sensors providing added functionality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density, combined with a significantly brighter screen, offer a superior viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly better performance in benchmarks, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a much more versatile camera system with higher resolution sensors, telephoto lenses, and 8K video recording capabilities, providing higher-quality photos and video content.
- Comprehensive Features: Including wireless charging, reverse charging, more advanced audio features like Dolby Atmos, and more accurate GPS.
- More RAM and Storage: The options for 12 or 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage offer more capacity for multitasking and file storage, especially the 512 GB variant.
- Better Build Quality: With Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
- More Android Updates: Supports up to Android 15
Honor Magic5 Lite Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More comfortable to hold and carry, and is more pocket-friendly.
- Faster Charging: 40W charging allows for quicker battery top-ups, potentially reducing downtime.
- Wide Angle and Macro Cameras: A dedicated wide angle and macro camera provide additional photographic options.
- Potentially Lower Price: As an older flagship, the S21 Ultra will likely be more expensive than the Magic5 Lite.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: The S21 Ultra is significantly heavier and bulkier, less comfortable for extended use and significantly more expensive.
- Magic5 Lite: The Magic5 Lite has considerably lower performance, a less versatile camera system, lacks features like wireless charging, and its screen brightness is unknown which may be an issue in sunlight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility, especially those interested in telephoto zoom and high-resolution video recording.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who want the best possible viewing experience for streaming, gaming, and creating content.
- Users who like a flagship device
- Users looking for more frequent software updates.
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: The powerful chipset and GPU ensure smooth performance in demanding games.
- Professional Photography and Videography: The versatile camera system and 8K video recording make it a good option for professional-grade mobile content creation.
- Work and Productivity: The large, high-resolution screen and ample RAM make multitasking more efficient.
Honor Magic5 Lite Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for social media, web browsing, and basic tasks.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Individuals who want a decent phone at a more affordable price point.
- Users who prefer a lightweight design
- Users looking for a decent all-round experience without requiring top specs.
Use Cases:
- Daily Communication: A good choice for calls, texts, and social media browsing.
- Media Consumption: Suitable for streaming videos and listening to music but not at the same high-resolution level as the S21 Ultra.
- Casual Photography: Takes decent photos in good lighting conditions, with a wide angle and macro lens for some added versatility.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? The S21 Ultra will likely be significantly more expensive.
- How important are camera quality and versatility to me? The S21 Ultra has a much more advanced and versatile camera system.
- What are my performance needs? The S21 Ultra is significantly more powerful, but the Magic5 Lite is adequate for basic tasks.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (High Performance & Best Camera): If you are a power user who demands high performance, excellent camera capabilities, and a premium experience, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Scenario 2 (Budget-Conscious & Light Use): If you are on a tighter budget and primarily use your phone for basic tasks and media consumption, the Honor Magic5 Lite is a more affordable option.
Scenario 3 (Prioritizing comfort and design): If you want a lighter, more comfortable phone with decent performance for day to day tasks, and are willing to compromise on camera and processing power, the Honor Magic5 Lite is a good option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Here’s why:
While the Honor Magic5 Lite offers a lighter design and faster charging, my personal needs and preferences lean towards the premium experience the S21 Ultra offers. I would appreciate the significantly higher quality display, superior performance, and the substantially more versatile and capable camera system, including the higher resolution video recording capabilities. I am also someone who needs a phone to last me for multiple years, and the additional Android updates support, additional RAM, and storage, on the S21 Ultra make it a more future-proof option. Furthermore, features like wireless charging, reverse charging, and a better build quality are additional benefits that outweigh the benefits of the Magic5 Lite.
