Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Honor X8a
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Honor X8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 162.9 × 74.5 × 7.5 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and thicker, may feel bulkier in hand and pocket. X8a is thinner and lighter, more comfortable to hold for longer. |
| Weight | 227g | 179g | S21 Ultra is significantly heavier, may be less comfortable for extended use. X8a is much lighter and easier to handle. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in size; both offer large displays. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2388 | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper display; noticeable difference in clarity, especially with text and fine details. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 391 | S21 Ultra has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density, resulting in clearer visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra has superior contrast, deeper blacks and more vibrant colors; better for viewing content. X8a's display will have washed out blacks and less vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations; visible improvement during UI navigation and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much better in bright sunlight; X8a's display brightness is unknown, will likely struggle in direct light |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Helio G88 (12 nm) | S21 Ultra provides substantially better performance, smoother multitasking and a much better gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 253,700 | S21 Ultra is significantly faster in all tasks, suitable for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 Ultra offers far better graphics performance, suitable for demanding gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | S21 Ultra is likely to offer longer battery life, but real-world differences depend on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | S21 Ultra charges slightly faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Reverse/Wireless Charging | Non-removable | S21 Ultra provides more flexibility with charging (wireless and reverse charging available). |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 100MP | S21 Ultra has slightly higher main sensor resolution; marginal real-world impact for general photography. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | S21 Ultra has a slightly wider aperture, allowing more light and better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | Yes | No | S21 Ultra has better zoom capabilities and portrait mode with this lens |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 44MP | 16MP | S21 Ultra has much higher front camera resolution; better for detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | S21 Ultra has slightly wider aperture resulting in better low-light selfie quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | S21 Ultra has better zoom capabilities and portrait mode with this lens |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes | X8a has a wide angle lens for ultrawide shots |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | X8a has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | Yes | No | S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K | Up to 1080p | S21 Ultra can record significantly higher resolution video, suitable for professional videography. |
| DXOMark Camera Score | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has much better camera performance and image quality. Honor X8a does not have an official score. |
| Optical Zoom | Yes | No | S21 Ultra offers better zoom capabilities, capturing finer details at a distance. |
| OIS | Yes | No | S21 Ultra provides image stabilization for better low-light photos and less blurry videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | S21 Ultra was released with an older Android version but can be upgraded to a newer one; X8a is running a newer version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 Ultra offers faster Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | S21 Ultra has a newer version with better connection stability and range |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Basic GPS | S21 Ultra has dual-band GPS providing more accurate location information. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | S21 Ultra offers higher max storage option. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 6/8GB | S21 Ultra provides better multi-tasking performance, enabling more apps to run in background. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage; users are limited to the built-in storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | S21 Ultra offers an enhanced audio experience for music and video playback. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted | Honor X8a's side mounted fingerprint sensor may be more accessible to some users, faster and more reliable compared to the under display sensor on S21 Ultra. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra is significantly more resistant to scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Barometer | Gravity | S21 Ultra is more feature rich for gaming and AR apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness for sharper, smoother, and more vibrant visuals, especially in bright outdoor conditions.
- Much Stronger Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides substantially better performance for demanding apps and games.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, dedicated telephoto lenses, advanced video recording capabilities (including 8K), optical zoom, OIS, and superior DxOMark scores.
- More Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, more advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, better audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, more comprehensive sensor suite including barometer and gyroscope, and higher RAM.
- Better Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra excels in all areas for users who prioritize a high-end experience, including demanding gaming, photography, videography, and display quality. The performance difference is noticable, resulting in smoother, faster app loading and multitasking, better video quality and brighter more vibrant screen.
Honor X8a Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Wider Angle Lens: Has a wider angle lens for ultrawide shots.
- Macro Lens: Has a macro lens for taking close-up shots.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Potentially more convenient for some users, faster and more reliable.
- More Recent Android Version: Ships with a slightly newer version of Android out of the box, however the S21 Ultra can be upgraded to newer versions.
- Potentially More Affordable: Depending on market price, could be a budget-friendly alternative.
Practical Implications: The Honor X8a is a lighter, simpler device suitable for users who don't need top-tier performance or the most advanced features. It is more pocketable and is suited for basic daily use, casual photography and content consumption.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance: The S21 Ultra significantly outperforms the X8a, making it the better choice for demanding tasks and mobile gaming. The X8a may lag in heavy multitasking and demanding games.
- Display Quality: The S21 Ultra's AMOLED display is far superior to the Honor X8a's LCD in terms of color, contrast, brightness and refresh rate.
- Camera Capabilities: The S21 Ultra has a far more versatile and capable camera system, with better zoom, low-light performance, and video recording.
- Features: S21 Ultra offers significantly more features, including wireless charging and stereo speakers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who demand the best image and video quality, multiple camera options, advanced features, and zoom capabilities.
- Content Consumers: Individuals who appreciate high-quality, bright, vibrant displays for streaming videos and browsing.
- Professionals: Who need advanced features, better battery life and reliable performance
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth, high-frame rates.
- Shooting professional-grade videos with 8K recording.
- Capturing detailed photos using the advanced camera system.
- Power users running multiple apps smoothly.
Honor X8a Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: Those who use their phone primarily for basic communication, social media, and browsing.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a more affordable device and are willing to compromise on performance and high-end features.
- Users Who Prioritize Lightweight Design: People who need a comfortable and pocketable phone.
- Users who prioritize a fast fingerprint scanner: If the under display scanner is unappealing.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media.
- Casual photography and videography.
- Users who prioritize portability over performance.
- Budget shoppers who want a decent smartphone at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a high-performance phone for gaming, demanding apps, and heavy multitasking?
- Camera Priority: How important is advanced camera functionality, including zoom capabilities and video recording quality?
- Display Quality: Do you prioritize a vibrant, high-resolution, and bright display?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Conscious User: If you are on a budget and only need a phone for basic tasks, the Honor X8a is a more affordable option and offers a better value proposition.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera Enthusiast: If you need the best performance, a superior camera system and a high quality display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you value a lighter design but don't want to sacrifice on performance too much, you could consider looking at other options not included in this comparison.
- Scenario 4: Display is key: If a high quality screen with good outdoor visibility is important, then the S21 Ultra is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is older and likely more expensive, the improvements it provides over the Honor X8a in almost every area is worth the extra price. The S21 Ultra's significantly superior display, camera system, and performance make it the better choice for my needs. I need a device that can handle demanding tasks, produce high quality images and provide me with a good experience when consuming content and gaming. The vastly better display and significantly higher processing power will result in a better experience in almost every use case. The only area where the S21 Ultra is marginally worse than the X8a is in the design, where the X8a is significantly thinner and lighter.
