1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 164.3 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger and thicker, may feel more substantial but less pocketable; Nova 11 Pro is thinner and lighter, easier to handle and carry. |
| Weight | 227g | 188g | Nova 11 Pro is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in size; both provide a large viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1200x2652 | S21 Ultra has a sharper display, resulting in finer details and clearer text. Ideal for users who prioritize high-resolution content viewing. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 429 | S21 Ultra's display is noticeably crisper, reducing pixelation and providing a more premium viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both displays offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The difference between OLED and AMOLED is negligible for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, suitable for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 950 nits | S21 Ultra is much brighter and easier to see in direct sunlight; Nova 11 Pro can struggle in very bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset generally offers higher performance for demanding tasks and gaming. The Snapdragon 778G is still capable, but doesn't quite match the flagship performance of the Exynos 2100. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 592,297 | S21 Ultra is faster in benchmarks and will likely perform better in demanding tasks such as video editing or playing graphically intense games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Adreno 642L | S21 Ultra's GPU delivers higher graphics performance; crucial for gamers and those who use graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | S21 Ultra provides longer battery life; more time between charges. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 100W fast charging | Nova 11 Pro charges significantly faster; convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery during the day. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, No charger in-box | Reverse charging, Non-removable | S21 Ultra has more charging options; wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices. Nova 11 Pro lacks wireless charging features. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9 | S21 Ultra captures more detailed photos with a higher resolution sensor; it also performs better in low light due to wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | Not present | S21 Ultra offers telephoto capabilities, enabling better zoom shots and enhanced portraits with depth. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 60MP, f/2.4 | Nova 11 Pro has slightly higher resolution, however, the S21 Ultra has the slightly wider aperture and larger sensor for better light capture. |
| Telephoto lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | Not present | S21 Ultra provides additional optical zoom capabilities, further enhancing versatility. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra provides a higher resolution wide-angle with macro capabilities |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 720p@960fps | S21 Ultra has superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution and frame rates, better for professional use. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a higher camera score according to DXOMark, however this is an older score. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, Laser AF | Dual front camera, Dual camera | S21 Ultra excels in versatility with optical zoom, OIS, and Laser Autofocus. Nova 11 Pro features dual cameras but is missing Optical zoom and OIS. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Unknown | S21 Ultra offers a newer OS; the Huawei OS is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards for fast and stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, many profiles | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, LDAC, AAC | Both have Bluetooth 5.2, but S21 Ultra has more audio profiles available for a wider range of devices. Nova 11 Pro supports LDAC, and AAC for high-res audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Nova 11 Pro supports more satellite systems, potentially offering more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM support, allowing two numbers on the same device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Both offer the same storage configurations; choose based on your storage needs. |
| RAM | 12GB or 16GB | 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB | S21 Ultra offers more RAM in some configurations, resulting in smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion, so choosing the right storage option during purchase is essential. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic | Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra has better audio features, including Dolby Atmos and a noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have basic fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | S21 Ultra is equipped with additional environmental sensors; beneficial for fitness and professional use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness for a sharper, more vibrant viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Higher Performance: More powerful chipset, GPU, and higher RAM options resulting in smoother app performance and better gaming.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a broader range of camera features with optical zoom, Laser AF, OIS, and higher video recording quality (8K).
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Noise Cancellation Microphone provide a higher fidelity and better call quality.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities for convenience.
- Stronger Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
Huawei nova 11 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 100W charging for quick top-ups.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable and pocketable due to its lighter and thinner design.
- Potentially Better GPS: More Satellite positioning systems supported.
- Potentially better Selfie camera: Higher resolution front facing camera.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Heavier, thicker, and charges slower.
- Nova 11 Pro: Lower display resolution and brightness, lacks the advanced camera features and wireless charging, and its chipset is less powerful.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with high zoom capabilities and high-quality image and video.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch a lot of high-resolution content, valuing the sharper display and higher brightness.
Users who value build quality and durability: The superior screen protection adds an element of longevity.
Specific Use Cases: Professional photography, video editing on the go, playing graphic-intensive games, and outdoor use in direct sunlight.
Huawei nova 11 Pro is Ideal For:
- Daily Users: Individuals who prioritize a lightweight and easy-to-handle smartphone for everyday use.
- Users who need Fast Charging: Ideal for people who are often on-the-go and need to charge quickly.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who want high-resolution front-facing camera.
Users who need better GPS: More accurate location tracking thanks to support for multiple satellite systems.
Specific Use Cases: Everyday use, Social media, content consumption, and users who need to quickly charge their phone during the day.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
*The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is expected to be more expensive due to its premium features and specifications. The Huawei Nova 11 Pro may offer a more budget-friendly option, but it comes with compromises on key features like performance and display quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance and a versatile camera system? If yes, the S21 Ultra is a better choice. If not, the Nova 11 Pro should suffice.
- Is fast charging and comfort more crucial than display quality and camera flexibility? If yes, then the Nova 11 Pro may be more suitable.
- Do you need features like wireless charging, higher brightness and superior build quality? If yes, the S21 Ultra would be the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a gamer, content creator, or a photographer, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice due to superior performance, camera capabilities, and display quality.
- Scenario 2: If you're a casual user who values a lightweight phone, the Huawei nova 11 Pro is a better fit.
- Scenario 3: If you need a phone for all-day use, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers more battery life however, if you value fast charging, the Huawei nova 11 Pro is a better fit.
- Scenario 4: If budget is a major concern, the Huawei nova 11 Pro may be a more economical option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While I appreciate the lighter design and faster charging of the Huawei nova 11 Pro, the S21 Ultra's significantly better display, superior performance, more versatile camera system (with features like telephoto lenses and 8K video), and additional features like wireless charging are more important for my personal needs. I also value the better build quality and protection offered by the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen. Despite being an older device, the benefits the S21 Ultra provides make it the better choice for me, even with the trade-off of slower charging. The ability to take high-quality photos, enjoy a superior screen experience, and handle demanding tasks effectively outweighs the benefits of the Nova 11 Pro.
I also acknowledge that the Huawei nova 11 Pro is a newer device, and could be preferred for someone who does not need a professional quality camera and values faster charging and a thinner and lighter device.
