1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Huawei nova 12i, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 199g | Huawei nova 12i is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Minimal size difference; negligible in day to day usage. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2388 | S21 Ultra offers significantly sharper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 391 ppi | S21 Ultra's display will appear noticeably clearer and more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra boasts better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors and more power efficiency, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much more readable in bright sunlight. Huawei brightness data is unavailable making it impossible to rate. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset provides significantly better overall performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 289,000 | S21 Ultra excels in heavy gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21 Ultra is expected to handle graphics-intensive tasks with greater ease. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.67", 0.64µm | S21 Ultra has a larger sensor and wider aperture, allowing more light, for better low light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Not Available | S21 Ultra has more versatile zoom and portrait capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 Ultra takes much more detailed selfies; Huawei has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Not Available | S21 Ultra provides higher zoom capabilities. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei nova 12i offers better portrait modes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | Not Available | S21 Ultra has versatile photography options. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra records much higher resolution videos with better stabilisation. |
| DXOMARK | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra's camera performance is rated higher by DXOMARK. |
| Features | 8K, OIS, Laser AF, RAW | Dual Camera | S21 Ultra offers a broader range of photography features, including advanced options. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Wireless 15W, Reverse 9W | 40W Fast Charging | Huawei nova 12i charges faster. S21 Ultra has wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness leads to a vastly superior viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers dramatically better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- Versatile Camera System: Multiple cameras with advanced features, including 8K video, optical zoom, and higher quality photos in different conditions.
- Advanced Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Dolby Atmos, and higher quality audio.
- Better Connectivity: Supports faster Wi-Fi and a more advanced Bluetooth version.
Practical Implications for S21 Ultra 5G:
- Smoother day to day usage with fluid animations and an overall faster interface.
- Better for content consumption, gaming, content creation, and anyone who values display and performance.
- Capable of taking professional level photos and videos, with options for creative control.
Huawei nova 12i Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended periods and one-handed use.
- Faster Charging: 40W charging replenishes the battery faster.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint: Generally considered to be more reliable than in-screen.
- Lower price: Generally more affordable than the S21 Ultra 5G
Practical Implications for nova 12i:
- More practical for users who want a lightweight phone.
- Less time spent charging the device.
- A more reliable fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra 5G users pay a premium for its high-end features, potentially sacrificing budget-friendliness.
- Huawei nova 12i users trade off significant display quality, performance, and camera capabilities for a more affordable, lightweight device.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera with high-resolution images, video capabilities and professional features.
- Content Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
- Tech Savvy Users: Those who want the latest connectivity features.
Specific Use Cases for S21 Ultra 5G:
- Professional mobile photography and videography.
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Work requiring multitasking and high performance.
- Watching high-resolution content on the go.
Huawei nova 12i Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a capable phone at a lower price point.
- Everyday Users: People who need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calls, browsing, and social media.
- Light Users: Those who don't require high-end performance or advanced features.
- Users who prefer a lightweight phone.
Specific Use Cases for nova 12i:
- General day-to-day communication and social media use.
- Light web browsing and content consumption.
- Users who prefer a reliable phone that charges quickly.
- Long calls and daily tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra 5G is significantly more expensive, so the nova 12i may be more suitable if budget is a primary concern.
- How important is display quality and performance to you? The S21 Ultra 5G excels in both areas.
- What are your primary camera needs? The S21 Ultra 5G provides more flexibility and higher image quality than the nova 12i.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User: If you need the best performance and are willing to pay a premium, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 2: Budget Conscious User: If budget is a primary constraint and you need a phone for day to day tasks, choose the Huawei nova 12i.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If camera versatility and quality are paramount, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User: If you need a phone for basic tasks, choose the Huawei nova 12i, which offers great value for money.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is a significantly older device, the benefits of a superior display, better performance, and a much more capable camera system outweighs the benefits of the nova 12i.
The S21 Ultra 5G may be older, but the premium features are still relevant and superior to those found in the budget-friendly Huawei device. The significantly better display alone makes the S21 Ultra a far more enjoyable phone to use for a variety of purposes such as media consumption and content creation. While a budget is always an important factor, if it were within budget I would be willing to pay more for a vastly superior experience.
