Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Huawei nova 9 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly thicker but both have similar height and width. S21 Ultra has a larger overall volume, while the nova 9 SE is more sleek. |
| Weight | 227g | 191g | Huawei nova 9 SE is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.78" | Virtually identical display sizes; negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2388 | S21 Ultra has much sharper text, images, and videos. Noticeably higher detail for media consumption and gaming. |
| PPI | 515 | 387 | S21 Ultra offers a significantly crisper and sharper image; less pixelation visible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and superior power efficiency when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations, offering a more fluid user experience, especially in gaming and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits (Not specified) | S21 Ultra has vastly superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Huawei's brightness is unknown and could be a significant drawback outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 248,000 | S21 Ultra is drastically faster, better for intensive tasks, and more future-proof. Huawei is adequate for basic use. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 610 (Adreno 610) | S21 Ultra's GPU delivers superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm | S21 Ultra has a larger sensor, wider aperture and bigger pixels, which results in superior low light performance and overall better image quality. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos with good detail, the Huawei has no such lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 16MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra provides higher resolution selfies with greater detail and clarity. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos with good detail, the Huawei has no such lens. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei has a dedicated depth sensor that assists in portrait photos, The S21 Ultra relies on its other sensors for this. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei has a macro lens for closeup shots, The S21 Ultra relies on its wide angle lens for macro shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra takes wider angle and macro images with much more detail. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo | 1080p@30fps with EIS | S21 Ultra provides much higher quality video recording suitable for professional use. It is also superior at video stabilization and sound recording |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Tested | S21 Ultra achieves very high camera scores, while the Huawei is not tested, making it hard to accurately rate. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | S21 Ultra likely has a longer battery life, suitable for all-day use with moderate to heavy usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 66W | Huawei nova 9 SE charges much faster, potentially convenient for users who prioritize quick top-ups. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless | Reverse Charging | S21 Ultra offers more flexible charging options (wireless and reverse wireless), the Huawei only has basic reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 11 | S21 Ultra will receive much longer software support, while the Huawei's update future is unclear. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both offer similar WiFi connectivity, including the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 | S21 Ultra has a more modern Bluetooth with additional features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | BeiDou (B1) | S21 Ultra has a more comprehensive GPS system, potentially providing better location accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support two SIM cards and can be used simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | S21 Ultra offers more storage, 512 GB. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 6GB/8GB | S21 Ultra has much more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and running resource-intensive apps without slowdowns. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting the space available to the users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 Ultra has superior audio quality with advanced features for immersive and high-fidelity audio playback, while Huawei has basic audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Huawei has a convenient side-mounted sensor, while the S21 Ultra has a basic one. The placement could be preferred based on user habits and convenience. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has superior protection for the display from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | S21 Ultra has additional environmental sensors (barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic), which can be important in some advanced use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, and AMOLED technology result in a sharper, more vibrant, and energy-efficient display.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers vastly superior processing power for all tasks.
- Advanced Camera System: Features multiple telephoto lenses, a larger main sensor, and high-resolution selfie camera resulting in significantly better image quality, zooming capabilities and low light performance
- Premium Audio: Offers Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers for superior sound quality.
- Better Battery & Charging: Larger battery capacity coupled with wireless and reverse wireless charging makes it more convenient for the user.
- Future-Proof Software: Upgradable to Android 15 for longer software support.
- Robust Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus screen provides top-notch drop and scratch protection
Huawei nova 9 SE Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for prolonged handling due to its lower weight.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging allows for significantly quicker battery top-ups.
- Dedicated Depth & Macro lens: The nova 9 SE has dedicated sensors for close-up shots and improved portrait mode.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Easier to use for some users.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Bulkier and heavier, slower charging speed, more expensive.
- Nova 9 SE: Significantly lower display quality, weaker performance, limited camera capabilities, shorter software support, basic audio features, unknown screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize image quality, zoom capabilities, and video recording quality.
- Media Consumers: Those who value a high-quality display for watching movies, browsing, and gaming.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest tech and the highest level of performance.
- Business Professionals: Professionals who need a reliable, high-performing device with excellent camera and software support.
Use Cases:
- High-fidelity mobile gaming.
- Professional quality video recording.
- Editing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Using resource-intensive apps without lag.
- All-day use without worrying about battery life.
Huawei nova 9 SE is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a decent smartphone experience at a lower price point.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic tasks.
- Users Prioritizing Light Weight: Users who prioritize comfort over performance.
- Users Prioritizing Fast Charging: Those who need their phone to charge very quickly.
Use Cases:
- Social media browsing.
- Web browsing and email.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- Quick daily tasks.
- Long commutes or travel where quick charging is useful.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra offers better price-to-value for users who need top-of-the-line performance and features.
- The nova 9 SE offers decent value for users seeking basic functionalities at a lower cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What are my primary use cases? (Gaming, photography, basic use?)
- How important are display quality and performance to me? (Are sharper images, smoother animations, and high performance critical?)
- What is my budget? (Is there a significant price difference, and does the cost align with my needs?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance & Camera Focused: If you need the best performance, display, and camera experience, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget & Practicality Focused: If you need a budget-friendly phone that covers the basics with fast charging and light weight, the Huawei nova 9 SE will suffice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User with Moderate Use: If you're looking for a balanced experience, assess your individual needs and see where your priority lies. If performance and display matter more than price, go for the S21 Ultra. If price is the deciding factor and your usage is basic, consider the nova 9 SE.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Despite its higher price, the S21 Ultra offers a far superior experience in almost every aspect that I prioritize. The incredibly high resolution AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate is essential for my media consumption and gaming, providing a truly immersive experience. The camera system, with its multiple telephoto lenses and large sensors, is also a critical factor for me, allowing for great photography and video. The enhanced performance of the Exynos chipset and abundance of RAM ensure that I will be able to use resource intensive applications smoothly and without slowdowns. Moreover, the superior build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus and future-proof software gives it an edge in durability and longevity. Although the Huawei nova 9 SE is lighter and has faster charging, these advantages don't outweigh the benefits of the S21 Ultra's features. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a more complete and premium experience, aligning with my needs and priorities.
