Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Huawei P60 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 161 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less comfortable in hand for smaller hands or extended use. |
| Weight | 227g | 200g | P60 Pro is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged usage and portability. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, which might be preferred by users who consume a lot of media and play video games. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1220x2700 | S21 Ultra offers a much sharper image and finer details, enhancing the visual experience. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 444 | S21 Ultra provides a noticeably sharper display, important for reading small text and viewing detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction, contrast, and deep blacks. The difference is minimal and might not be visible to the average user. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. No difference in refresh rate performance. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility in direct sunlight. The P60 Pro's brightness is not specified and would be a significant disadvantage in bright conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | P60 Pro's Snapdragon chipset is more modern and generally provides better overall performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,228,811 | P60 Pro offers significantly faster performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 in the P60 Pro generally offers better graphics performance, leading to smoother gameplay and faster rendering. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4815 mAh | Both offer similar battery life, expect approximately a full day of moderate use with either phone. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 88W Fast Charging | P60 Pro charges significantly faster, allowing for quick top-ups and less time tethered to a charger. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, 9W Reverse Wireless Charging | 50W Wireless Charging, 7.5W Wireless Reverse Charging | P60 Pro has superior wireless charging capabilities, while the S21 Ultra has slightly faster reverse wireless charging. Both do not include a charger in-box. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 48MP, f/1.4, 1/1.4" | S21 Ultra offers higher resolution, but P60 Pro has a wider aperture, potentially performing better in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | 48MP, f/2.1 | P60 Pro has a higher resolution telephoto lens with a wider aperture, potentially offering better zoom quality. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 13MP, f/2.2 | Both have a wide-angle camera; however, the Huawei P60 Pro is not accompanied by a macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 31MP, f/2.4 | S21 Ultra offers higher resolution and a slightly wider aperture for selfies. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps | S21 Ultra can record 8K video and has advanced features while the P60 Pro has a good 4K performance. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 115 | 156 | P60 Pro has a significantly better camera performance, in overall, photo, and video. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra selfie camera is not comparable to the Huawei P60 Pro. |
| Features | 8K Video, Quadruple Camera | Noise Reduction, Triple Camera, Ultra Stable Video | P60 Pro has better software features to improve video, while S21 Ultra has more physical camera lenses. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for a more detailed viewing experience.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility with 1500 nits brightness.
- 8K Video Recording: The ability to record in 8K resolution for professional-level video content.
- More RAM Option: Up to 16GB of RAM for smoother multitasking and performance, especially for heavy users.
- Wider array of camera lenses: The S21 Ultra has a higher versatility with its camera set.
Huawei P60 Pro Advantages
- Superior Performance: Significantly higher benchmark scores for faster and smoother operations.
- Faster Charging: 88W fast charging for quick battery top-ups, which is beneficial for users on the go.
- Better Main Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark score, especially in photo and video.
- Advanced Telephoto Lens: Higher resolution and wider aperture for better zoom capabilities.
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for prolonged use and better portability.
- Advanced wireless charging: The P60 Pro has faster wireless charging speeds.
Trade-offs
- S21 Ultra: sacrifices some performance and charging speed for a superior display and versatile camera hardware.
- P60 Pro: sacrifices screen resolution for significantly better overall camera performance and faster charging capabilities. Lacks specified screen protection and a brightness rating.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who value a large, high-resolution display for watching videos and consuming content.
- Photography Hobbyists: Users who want the flexibility of different lenses and the capability to record high-resolution videos.
- Power Users: Users who often have multiple applications open simultaneously and want a large amount of RAM.
- Outdoor users: Users who need to use their phone in very bright conditions where the 1500 nits will make the screen more visible.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching high-resolution movies and shows on a very detailed display.
- Capturing photos and videos in a wide variety of scenarios.
- Using demanding applications and multitasking frequently.
- Using the phone in direct sunlight.
Ideal User: Huawei P60 Pro
- Photography Focused Users: Prioritizes high-quality camera performance, particularly in low light and when using the telephoto lens.
- Heavy Mobile Users: Needs fast charging to keep their device powered throughout the day, along with good performance.
- Users who value performance: The P60 Pro excels in its performance metrics, especially for gaming and productivity.
- Users who need a lighter device: The significantly reduced weight of the P60 Pro will be an important feature for users who want a device with better portability.
Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos frequently in different conditions.
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Using the phone extensively throughout the day and need the convenience of fast charging.
- Users who want a light, comfortable phone for long periods of use.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G may be more affordable due to its age, potentially making it a better option if budget is a significant concern.
- The Huawei P60 Pro, being newer, will generally be more expensive, but offers a more modern camera and faster performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a higher resolution and brighter display (S21 Ultra), or is performance and speed more critical (P60 Pro)?
- Camera Needs: Do you need a very versatile camera system and 8K video (S21 Ultra), or do you need top-tier low-light performance, telephoto lens, and overall better photo quality (P60 Pro)?
- Charging and Usage: Do you prioritize a larger, brighter screen and a greater amount of RAM (S21 Ultra), or is a lighter device with faster charging and better performance more important (P60 Pro)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Content Consumption: If you watch a lot of videos and prioritize display quality, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is better suited.
- Scenario 2: Professional Photography: If you need top-tier camera performance and don't need 8K videos, the Huawei P60 Pro is a better fit.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gaming: If gaming performance is a priority, the Huawei P60 Pro's chipset will offer better results.
- Scenario 4: Everyday Use: If you need a balanced phone, that is comfortable and quick, the Huawei P60 Pro is a better fit due to its faster charging, lighter weight, and more modern performance.
- Scenario 5: Outdoor Visibility: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is preferable due to its dramatically higher screen brightness.
Decision
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Huawei P60 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G boasts a superior display in terms of resolution and brightness, the Huawei P60 Pro's advantages in overall camera quality, significantly faster charging, and superior performance are more compelling to my usage needs.
The Huawei P60 Pro's camera excels in low-light conditions and zoom, making it a better tool for my photography needs. Furthermore, the considerably faster charging will be incredibly useful for my busy daily routine. Also, the benchmark scores and modern chipset indicate a more fluid and overall faster user experience, which will lead to greater daily satisfaction. While the display of the S21 Ultra is desirable, the P60 Pro’s other advantages outweigh that specific specification, especially considering that the screen resolution and brightness of the P60 Pro will still be adequate.
Finally, the slightly lighter and more comfortable design of the P60 Pro will make it easier to carry around and use for long periods.
