1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, making Pura 70 Ultra a bit more pocketable. Volume difference is negligible for daily use. |
| Weight | 227g | 226g | Virtually identical weight; neither will feel noticeably lighter or heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Same screen size; comparable viewing area for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1260x2844 | S21 Ultra provides a sharper image; Text and fine details will be more crisp. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 460 PPI | S21 Ultra's higher PPI provides a noticeably sharper display; better for viewing high-resolution content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks; minimal practical difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations; great for gaming and browsing. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 Ultra has significantly better visibility in direct sunlight; Easier to view the screen outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Pura 70 Ultra's chip performs better in benchmarks, potentially faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 869,707 | Pura 70 Ultra has a 16% higher score, offering a slightly faster overall experience; noticeable in intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Maleoon 910 | Different architectures; Pura 70 Ultra may offer better gaming performance, but real-world difference depends on optimization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5200 mAh | Pura 70 Ultra has slightly more capacity; expect marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 100W fast charging | Pura 70 Ultra charges much faster; ideal for users needing quick top-ups. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 80W | Pura 70 Ultra has significantly faster wireless charging, more convenient when using wireless charging pads. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 9W | 20W | Pura 70 Ultra can charge other devices more quickly, acting as a more effective power bank. |
| In-Box Charger | No | Yes | Pura 70 Ultra comes with a charger in the box, making it ready to use immediately. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution sensor, potentially capturing more detail, but final image quality depends on processing. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | Pura 70 Ultra's wider aperture captures more light, better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1" | Pura 70 Ultra has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance, better dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.60 µm | Pura 70 Ultra's larger pixels capture more light per pixel, improving low-light results. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for portrait shots and zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 13MP | S21 Ultra captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | S21 Ultra's slightly wider aperture might provide marginal better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 10.8MP | 50MP | Pura 70 Ultra offers significantly more zoom clarity. |
| Telephoto Lens Aperture | f/4.9 | f/2.1 | Pura 70 Ultra will perform much better in low-light at telephoto ranges. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 40MP | Pura 70 Ultra offers an ultra-wide option, allowing for a broader perspective. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated macro and wide angle sensor. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K | S21 Ultra offers higher video resolution capabilities; better for video content creators. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 115 | 163 | Pura 70 Ultra's overall camera score is significantly higher. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra is the only one tested for selfie quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | (Unknown) | S21 Ultra uses Android, providing a familiar ecosystem; Pura 70 Ultra's OS is unclear. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar performance; both offer fast and reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Similar connectivity options; Both phones support Bluetooth 5.2 for a fast connection. |
| GPS | Extensive Support | Extensive Support | Both have very precise location tracking capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both have the ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 512/1024 GB | Pura 70 Ultra offers larger storage options, better for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 16 GB | Both offer ample RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking, gaming, and other demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage; users must rely on internal storage and cloud services. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos | S21 Ultra provides higher quality audio due to the added Hi-Res support and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra uses the strongest glass available; offers a higher degree of scratch and drop protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive Set | Comprehensive Set | S21 Ultra has additional sensors that measure environmental conditions; Pura 70 Ultra includes gravity and RGB sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Display Resolution: Offers a sharper display with more detailed visuals (1440x3200 vs. 1260x2844).
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a dedicated telephoto lens for portraits and a macro lens, giving greater flexibility.
- More detailed Selfies: Captures significantly more detail in selfies due to the 44MP front camera.
- 8K Video Recording: Provides professional-grade video recording capabilities at 8K resolution for users who need it.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio quality for music lovers.
- More Detailed Security: Includes extra security options such as fingerprint and facial recognition technology.
- Gorilla Glass Victus: Provides superior screen protection against scratches and drops.
- Wider Support: The Galaxy S21 Ultra comes with full support for all Google Services.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Brighter Display: Offers much better outdoor visibility with 2500 nits of brightness vs 1500 nits.
- Higher Camera Performance: The main camera of the Pura 70 Ultra delivers better overall image quality, as indicated by its higher DxOMark score and larger sensor and pixel sizes.
- Faster Charging: Supports 100W fast charging and 80W wireless charging, significantly faster than the S21 Ultra.
- Larger Battery: Slightly higher battery capacity (5200mAh vs. 5000mAh).
- Larger Storage Options: Offers more internal storage space with options up to 1TB vs 512GB.
- Better Low-Light Performance: Larger sensor, larger pixels, and wider aperture on the main camera of Pura 70 Ultra translates into superior low-light performance.
- Stronger Telephoto Lens: Higher resolution and wider aperture for telephoto shots than the S21 Ultra.
- Ultra-Wide Lens: The inclusion of an ultra-wide lens on the Pura 70 provides a perspective the S21 Ultra lacks.
- Comes with an in-box charger The Pura 70 Ultra comes with a charger included so that it can be used immediately.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: The S21 Ultra has slower charging and lower low-light camera performance and lacks an ultra-wide lens.
- Pura 70 Ultra: The Pura 70 Ultra sacrifices video resolution, detail in selfie cameras and display clarity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Video Content Creators: Those who need high-resolution video capabilities, especially 8K recording.
- Users Who Need Versatile Camera System: Those who want different types of lens on their camera.
- Android Ecosystem Enthusiasts: Users who prefer Google Services.
- Users who want sharper images: Users who prefer sharper display for images and videos.
- Those who value screen protection: Users who are concerned about damaging their screen.
Use Cases:
- Shooting professional-quality videos and having multiple options available for different focal ranges.
- Capturing a wide range of photo perspectives with the additional macro lens and telephoto lens.
- Everyday tasks and media consumption where the sharper display is important.
- Working in situations where high resolution is important.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize top-notch image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
- Users Needing Fast Charging: Those who need to quickly top up their phone during the day.
- Users in Bright Environments: Users who need maximum screen visibility in sunlight.
- Users needing large storage: Those who need lots of storage on their phone for their media.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in low-light settings with a greater dynamic range.
- Quickly charging a phone during busy days or for users who always forget to charge their phone.
- Using the device outdoors in bright sunlight with clear visibility and capturing wide angle perspectives.
- Storing lots of high-res media and not having to worry about running out of space.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display sharpness and clarity? If display quality is of the utmost importance, then the S21 Ultra is the better option.
- How important is the camera and its capabilities? If video capabilities and having multiple lens types are important then the S21 Ultra is the better option; if general photo and low-light quality are more important then Pura 70 Ultra is better.
- How important is fast charging? If charging speed is important, then Pura 70 Ultra is the better option due to its 100W fast charging and 80W wireless charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Content Creation): If your primary use case is creating content, especially videos, and you prefer the Android OS, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Photography Enthusiast): If you are most interested in taking high quality photos, particularly in low-light environments, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Everyday User): If you need a phone for everyday use, value quick charging, and need excellent outdoor visibility, then the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is a better option.
My Choice
I would choose the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra.
Here's why: While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has its strengths, particularly in video recording and display sharpness, the practical benefits of the Pura 70 Ultra are more compelling for my typical use case. The significantly better camera performance in low light, coupled with the much faster charging and brighter display, would offer a better everyday experience. The Pura 70 Ultra's larger sensor, pixel sizes, and wider aperture on the main camera are hard to ignore, and would be noticeable during everyday use. While the S21 Ultra's higher resolution screen is a nice feature, the Pura 70 Ultra's 2500 nit display would be a major win when using the phone outside in the sun. I'm not a heavy video user, and I wouldn't use the telephoto lens very much, so I don't need all of the extra features of the S21 Ultra. The faster charging alone would be a huge selling point as well. I find that I often need to quickly top up my phone, which means I will be spending less time plugged into a wall and more time out and about.
