1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Mate X3 offers a larger screen when unfolded, ideal for multitasking and media consumption, but is bulkier in its folded state. The S21 Ultra is a conventional slab design, easier to handle in one hand. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 156.9 × 141.5 × 5.3 mm (Unfolded) | The S21 Ultra is taller and thicker but narrower. The Mate X3, when unfolded, is significantly wider and thinner; however, the folded thickness is not stated. Consider the folded thickness for pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 227g | 239g | The S21 Ultra is slightly lighter (12g), which may make a noticeable difference in hand during prolonged use. The Mate X3 is heavier due to its foldable design. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 7.85" | The Mate X3 offers a significantly larger screen, which is beneficial for immersive media consumption, gaming, and multitasking, whereas the S21 Ultra is more compact for everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 2224 x 2496 | The Mate X3 has higher resolution, leading to more detailed images, although the difference may not be very obvious. |
| PPI | 515 | 426 | The S21 Ultra has higher pixel density, which provides a sharper and more detailed display. The difference is likely noticeable in text and fine detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unspecified | The S21 Ultra’s AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. The Mate X3's display type is unknown and may not offer the same level of visual fidelity. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations with a 120Hz refresh rate, leading to a responsive user interface. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The S21 Ultra's much higher brightness provides better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight, making it easier to read the screen. The Mate X3's brightness is not specified. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | The Mate X3's Snapdragon chipset is significantly more powerful, providing faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. The S21 Ultra's Exynos chipset is older and offers lower overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,238,400 | The Mate X3 scores much higher in benchmarks, indicating substantially better overall performance, including app loading times and overall system responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 GPU in the Mate X3 offers significantly better graphics performance compared to the Mali-G78, leading to a superior gaming experience and faster graphics processing. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.56" | The S21 Ultra has a higher resolution main sensor, potentially leading to more detailed photos. However, the Mate X3 has a larger pixel size, which helps in low light conditions. The S21 Ultra has a physically larger sensor, which may lead to better overall quality. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | None | The S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto and portrait lens, allowing for more versatile photography, including optical zoom and better portrait mode with background blur. The Mate X3 lacks this functionality. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 8MP f/2.4 | The S21 Ultra's selfie camera has significantly higher resolution and a wider aperture, capturing more detail and performing better in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP f/4.9, 1/2.65" | 16MP f/3.4, 1/3.09" | The Mate X3’s telephoto lens has slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture. The S21 Ultra has a physically larger sensor which has the potential for better quality. Both enable optical zoom functionality |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 12MP f/2.2 | Both phones have comparable wide-angle and macro cameras, suitable for capturing landscapes and close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The S21 Ultra supports up to 8K video recording, suitable for professional-grade video creation. Both offer image stabilization and slow-motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 115; Selfie: 135 | Not Available | The S21 Ultra has been tested by DXOMark for both Mobile and Selfie, while no score has been provided for the Mate X3 |
| Camera Features | Wide array of features including 8K Video, Quadruple camera, Manual focus, Laser AF, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Night Mode | Wide array of features including Ultra stable video, Main camera for Selfies | Both have a wide range of features, but the S21 Ultra offers more control and specialized modes like Laser AF, Phase Detection AF and Night Mode, while the Mate X3 includes specialized modes like Main Camera for Selfies. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | The S21 Ultra has a slightly larger battery, which may translate to marginally better battery life for some users, but the difference is not significant. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless Charging | The Mate X3 offers significantly faster wired charging speeds, resulting in much quicker charging times. It also offers faster wireless charging, which the S21 Ultra does not match. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W wireless charging, 9W reverse wireless charging | 50W wireless charging | The Mate X3 exclusively supports 50W Wireless Charging. The S21 Ultra has more comprehensive wireless and reverse charging capabilities, but at a slower rate. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to Android 15) | Unspecified | The S21 Ultra benefits from access to the full Android ecosystem and gets more software updates. The Mate X3 OS is not specified, and may lack access to Google's apps and services. |
| Connectivity | Comprehensive connectivity suite | Comprehensive connectivity suite | Both support similar WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS capabilities. The Mate X3 supports more satellite systems and features. |
| Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | The Mate X3 offers a 1TB option, providing more internal storage for users with a vast amount of data. Neither supports expandable storage. |
| RAM | 12 GB or 16 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | The S21 Ultra offers up to 16GB RAM, providing better support for multitasking. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation | Stereo Speakers | The S21 Ultra has better audio features. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The Mate X3 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while the S21 Ultra is basic. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 Ultra has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive sensor suite | Comprehensive sensor suite | Both have an extensive array of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for clearer text and detailed images.
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display provides richer blacks and higher contrast.
- Brighter Screen: Significantly brighter screen, enhancing visibility in direct sunlight.
- More Camera Features Offers 8K video recording, a Quad Camera setup, Phase detection auto focus and other features that are absent from the Mate X3.
- Full Android Ecosystem: Access to Google apps and services, broader app availability.
- Comprehensive Wireless Charging Features Supports fast wireless charging (15W) and reverse wireless charging.
- Known Brand: A well-established and trusted brand.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is excellent for users who prioritize a high-quality display, comprehensive features and seamless integration with the Android ecosystem. The brighter display and quality camera make it a very strong all rounder.
Huawei Mate X3 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Larger display when unfolded for enhanced multitasking, media viewing, and gaming.
- Significantly Higher Performance: More powerful chipset for faster processing and better overall performance.
- Significantly Faster Charging: Much faster 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, leading to quicker charging times.
- Larger Storage Option: Offers up to 1TB of internal storage for users with vast amounts of data.
- More Modern Design: Is a newer device offering an up-to-date design, technology and feature-set.
- Advanced Security Has an advanced side-mounted fingerprint reader
- More Satellite Systems Supports more satellite systems improving location accuracy
Practical Implications: The Mate X3 is ideal for users who want a larger, more versatile display for media consumption and multitasking, alongside very fast charging and a powerful performance. The foldable form factor is great for those who require a larger screen for productivity.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: The main trade-off is the older chipset and lower performance compared to the Mate X3 and a bulkier and less sophisticated design.
- Mate X3: The main trade-off is the significantly lower pixel density, lack of full Android access, lower brightness and lack of specific camera features available on the S21 Ultra. The Mate X3's lack of Google services may hinder functionality for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate a versatile camera with 8K video, manual controls, and optical zoom, combined with great image quality and features like night mode.
- Android Users: Users who require access to Google services and a large app ecosystem, without any compatibility issues.
- Display Quality Seekers: Users who value display quality in terms of sharpness, brightness and color vibrancy.
- Trusted Brand Seekers: Users who prioritize a well-established and trusted brand with comprehensive support.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional mobile photography and videography
- Daily tasks and web browsing
- Immersive media consumption and high-quality gaming.
Huawei Mate X3 Ideal Users:
- Productivity Focused Professionals: Users who want a large screen for enhanced multitasking, document viewing, and content creation.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who prioritize powerful performance and a large display for gaming.
- Fast Charging Enthusiasts: Users who value rapid charging and the convenience of fast wireless charging.
- Innovation Seekers: Users who prioritize the latest technologies and design.
- Power Users: Those who need substantial internal storage for extensive media libraries and apps.
Specific Use Cases:
- Multitasking on multiple apps simultaneously
- Immersive gaming with powerful performance.
- Viewing large amounts of documents and web pages on one screen.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is a large, foldable screen?
- If a larger, more versatile display is essential for productivity and immersive media, the Mate X3 is preferable, while S21 Ultra offers a traditional, more pocketable experience.
- Do you heavily rely on Google services and apps?
- If the full Google Play ecosystem is a must, the S21 Ultra is the only choice, as the Huawei phone lacks these features.
- Is performance or photography more of a priority?
- If top-tier performance and extremely fast charging are crucial, the Mate X3 is the best choice; if you need the best photography capabilities, the S21 Ultra is preferred.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Mobile Photography and Android Ecosystem
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The camera system, combined with access to Google services, offers a seamless experience for most users.
Scenario 2: Mobile Gaming and Multitasking
- Recommendation: Huawei Mate X3. The powerful processor and large display are superior for gamers and power users. The Mate X3 also provides much faster charging.
Scenario 3: Balanced User with a Focus on Display Quality and Brand
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The high-quality display and robust features, paired with Google services and a trusted brand, make it a balanced choice for the average user.
Scenario 4: Cutting Edge Technology and Large Display
- Recommendation: Huawei Mate X3. Its foldable form factor, enhanced performance and advanced features make it an ideal choice for users seeking the latest technology and design.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Huawei Mate X3. The primary reason is the foldable form factor and superior performance. I often find myself wanting a larger screen for tasks like reading documents, browsing websites, and watching videos. The Mate X3's large unfolded display offers a more engaging experience than the traditional screen on the S21 Ultra.
Additionally, the significantly faster charging is a big plus for me, as it reduces downtime and keeps the phone ready for use. Although the lack of Google apps is a drawback, it is a compromise I would be willing to make for the unique capabilities of the Mate X3. Although the S21 Ultra has a better camera system, the camera on the Mate X3 is still of high quality, and should serve well for everyday usage.
Ultimately, the Mate X3 is the more modern, innovative device and I would be excited to use it.
