1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | The S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, potentially making the Pura 70 Pro a bit more comfortable to hold, especially for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 220g | The Pura 70 Pro is marginally lighter, which could be noticeable during prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Both have the same display size, offering a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1260x2844 | The S21 Ultra's higher resolution translates to sharper text and images, making it better for detailed content and VR. |
| PPI | 515 | 460 | The S21 Ultra has a higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeably clearer, finer display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use top-tier OLED technology for vibrant colors and deep blacks. Differences are likely minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70 Pro's significantly higher brightness means better outdoor visibility, even in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | The Pura 70 Pro's newer chipset offers better performance despite the larger manufacturing process. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 869,707 | The Pura 70 Pro scores higher in benchmarks indicating better overall performance for demanding tasks and gaming |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Maleoon 910 | Different GPU configurations; performance specifics depend on application demands, though the Pura 70 Pro's GPU is expected to perform better overall. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP f/1.4, 1/1.3", 1.20µm | S21 Ultra has higher resolution but Pura 70 Pro has larger pixels and wider aperture potentially better low light and less noise performance. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 10.8MP f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto portrait camera, potentially with better subject isolation |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 13MP f/2.4 | S21 Ultra has higher selfie resolution, good for detail but Pura 70 pro has a better selfie sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | 48MP f/2.1 | Pura 70 Pro provides much higher resolution telephoto for better detail when zoomed in. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.5MP f/2.2 | Pura 70 Pro offers a dedicated wide-angle camera for landscape shots, while the S21 Ultra does not |
| Wide Angle+Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | S21 Ultra has an ultrawide/macro lens, for wide group shots and close ups. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Unknown | S21 Ultra has an 8K option. Both phones have video stabilization. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Main 115, Photo 121, Video 100 | Unknown | The S21 Ultra's mobile camera performance has been tested, while the Pura 70 Pro's is not available. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Main 135, Photo 133, Video 140 | Unknown | The S21 Ultra has been tested in the selfie camera field while the Pura 70 Pro's is not available. |
| Features | 8K, Quad camera, Laser AF | Triple camera, Dual Front Camera, Ultra stable video | S21 Ultra has more advanced AF options while Pura 70 Pro is optimized for video stability. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Both offer comparable battery life for all-day use. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 100W fast charging | Pura 70 Pro charges significantly faster than S21 Ultra. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse, No charger in-box | 80W Wireless, 20W Reverse | Pura 70 Pro has faster wireless and reverse wireless charging speeds. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: The sharper screen provides a better experience for reading text, viewing detailed images, and enjoying VR content.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes more dedicated sensors (Telephoto+Portrait and a Wide Angle+Macro) offering a variety of shooting options.
- Known DXOMark Scores: Provides a benchmark of camera performance, offering transparency for buyers.
- Hi-Res Audio and Noise Cancellation Mic: Enhanced audio quality for music and calls.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Brighter Display: Offers better visibility in direct sunlight, crucial for outdoor use.
- Faster Charging Speeds: 100W wired and 80W wireless charging make it significantly quicker to charge compared to the S21 Ultra.
- Higher Benchmarks: The Pura 70 Pro scores higher on AnTuTu benchmarks.
- Better Telephoto Lens: Offers better detail in zoomed-in shots with higher 48MP resolution.
- Dedicated Wide Angle Lens: Enables better group photos and landscape captures, something the S21 Ultra lacks.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Loses out on outdoor visibility and charging speed. Camera is less versatile.
- Pura 70 Pro: Trades screen resolution and DXOMARK scores for other advantages.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Content Consumers: Users who prioritize display sharpness for reading, video streaming, and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value the versatility of multiple dedicated camera lenses for varied shooting scenarios.
- Audio Purists: Those who want better audio fidelity for music and video, with better microphone capabilities.
- Users familiar with Android Ecosystem: Those who prefer a mature ecosystem and consistent app availability.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies.
- Editing photos and videos with precise control.
- Capturing a variety of shots using dedicated portrait and macro lenses.
Ideal User for Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phones in bright sunlight, needing excellent display visibility.
- Users on the Go: Those who need rapid charging to keep their phone powered up during busy days.
- Telephoto Shooters: Users who value a strong zoom lens and its ability to provide more detail.
- Social Media Content Creators: Users who frequently shoot and upload content, and will benefit from the fast charging and improved low-light performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing clear photos and videos in outdoor settings.
- Using the phone throughout a busy day with quick charging capabilities.
- Taking landscape and group shots using the wide-angle lens.
- Capturing distant subjects without losing significant detail.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is older and might be available at a lower price, which would increase value for budget-conscious buyers.
- The Huawei Pura 70 Pro offers newer technology and higher performance, justifying a premium price for those who need the additional features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Outdoor Visibility: How often do you use your phone in direct sunlight, and how important is screen visibility?
- Charging Needs: How critical is fast charging for your daily routine?
- Camera Preferences: Do you value a more versatile camera system with specialized lenses (S21 Ultra) or are you content with a capable standard lens and zoom (Pura 70 Pro)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Travel & Outdoor Use: The Huawei Pura 70 Pro is the better choice due to its significantly brighter screen and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: High-Resolution Media Consumption & Photo Versatility: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, with its sharper screen and more specialized lenses is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: General Use with Performance Needs: The Huawei Pura 70 Pro provides overall better performance, with faster charging while still having a great camera.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Huawei Pura 70 Pro.
Here's why:
- Outdoor Visibility: I frequently use my phone outdoors, and the higher brightness of the Pura 70 Pro is a significant advantage. This impacts my daily usage far more than a slightly higher screen resolution.
- Charging Speed: The 100W fast charging is a huge convenience. I value the ability to quickly top up my battery throughout the day.
- Camera Performance: While the S21 Ultra has a wider variety of lenses, the Pura 70 Pro's main camera has a larger aperture, meaning it has superior low light performance and the higher-resolution telephoto lens is a big plus for my style of photography.
- Performance: The newer chipset on the Pura 70 Pro also offers an edge, ensuring the device remains fast and responsive for years to come.
While I appreciate the S21 Ultra's higher screen resolution, that doesn't come into play as often as the advantages of the Pura 70 Pro which are visible every day. The S21 Ultra is still a great phone with a different set of strengths, but the Pura 70 Pro aligns better with my needs and preferences.
