1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | The Moto G 5G is noticeably larger and thicker, making the S21 5G more pocketable and comfortable to hold for most users. |
| Weight | 212g | 169g | The S21 5G is significantly lighter, which is beneficial for extended one-handed use and reduces fatigue. |
| Build | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 5G has superior scratch resistance, better long-term durability for the screen. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard form factor phones. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.2" | Moto G 5G has a larger display, better for media consumption, gaming and reading. S21 5G is more compact and easier to use with one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution resulting in similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 393 | 421 | S21 5G has slightly higher pixel density, resulting in marginally sharper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S21 5G offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21 5G provides significantly smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S21 5G offers much better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | S21 5G's chipset is much faster and more efficient for demanding tasks, gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 749,100 | S21 5G's benchmark score is significantly higher showing better overall performance and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G78 MP14 | S21 5G offers superior graphics performance for gaming and visually intensive apps. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 8GB | S21 5G has more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and less reloading of apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7, 0.8µm | 12MP f/1.8, 1.8µm | S21 5G's larger pixel size often results in better low-light performance and overall image quality, even with lower resolution. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | None | 64MP f/2.0, 0.8µm | S21 5G has a telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.2, 1.0µm | 10MP f/2.2, 1.22µm | S21 5G's larger pixel size means better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12MP f/2.2, 1.40µm | Both capture wide angle photos, but S21 5G may offer better low light and details due to larger pixel size |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G 5G offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | S21 5G offers significantly better video recording capabilities with higher resolutions and frame rates, including 8K and slow-motion. |
| Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS | S21 5G's optical image stabilization (OIS) provides superior stabilization for video and low-light photography compared to Moto G 5G's EIS. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | S21 5G’s scores demonstrate much higher photo and video performance, especially in selfie capabilities |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | Moto G 5G has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W | 25W | S21 5G offers slightly faster wired charging. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Wireless charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | S21 5G offers the flexibility of wireless and reverse wireless charging; both have non-removable batteries. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | S21 5G has a newer OS with more features, security updates and future upgrades. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | S21 5G supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Moto G 5G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version with more efficient data transfer. S21 5G supports more profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S21 5G has more satellite systems, providing better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both have dual SIM support, allowing use of two nano-SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | S21 5G offers higher storage options; neither supports expandable storage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No storage expansion option for both phones. |
| Audio | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | S21 5G offers superior audio quality with enhanced features for media and calls. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for media consumption and users who prefer a larger viewing area.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery potentially provides longer battery life between charges.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Allows for close-up photography, a feature missing on the S21.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: More efficient data transfer.
- Laser Autofocus: Offers faster and more precise autofocus compared to the standard PDAF on the S21, especially in low light.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: f/1.7 aperture, slightly better low light capture compared to f/1.8 on S21
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness offers a much better visual experience.
- Faster Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset is significantly more powerful for all tasks, including gaming.
- Better Camera System: Includes telephoto zoom lens, higher quality sensors, and OIS.
- Enhanced Video: Supports higher resolution video recording (up to 8K) with OIS and HDR.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless and reverse wireless charging options.
- Stereo Speakers & Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio quality.
- More RAM: 8GB of RAM for smoother multitasking
- More internal storage: Higher storage options (128GB or 256GB)
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G 5G's larger battery and screen come at the cost of a bulkier and heavier design.
- The S21 5G has a smaller battery, potentially requiring more frequent charging but with significantly better performance
- S21 5G does not have a dedicated macro lens, potentially a dealbreaker for close up photographers
- S21 5G does not come with charger in the box
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize battery life and a large screen for media consumption.
- Budget-conscious consumers looking for a 5G-enabled device.
- Users who occasionally need a macro lens for close up photos.
- Users who need a dual SIM phone.
Use Cases:
- Long commutes or travel where access to charging is limited.
- Watching videos, movies, or TV shows for extended periods.
- Casual gaming and web browsing.
- Macro photography.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who value performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Gamers and those who need a smooth and responsive experience.
- Users who prioritize portability and a premium design.
- Content creators and photography enthusiasts.
- Users looking for advanced features and future-proofing with the ability to update to Android 15.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and graphics-intensive applications.
- Photography and video recording in various lighting conditions.
- Viewing HDR content and high-quality media.
- Professional tasks that require fast processing and multitasking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Moto G 5G is typically more budget-friendly than the S21 5G.
- How important are display quality and performance? The S21 5G excels in both areas.
- What are your primary use cases? Choose based on your main activities (media, gaming, photography etc.).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user, primary focus is on media consumption and battery life: The Motorola Moto G 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 2: User focused on performance, photography, and a premium experience: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better option, but be aware of its battery size and cost.
- Scenario 3: User wants a large screen phone with a macro lens: The Motorola Moto G 5G is the only option.
- Scenario 4: User wants a better camera and high quality video capabilities: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better option with OIS, telephoto lens, and 8k recording capabilities.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Motorola Moto G 5G has a larger battery and screen, the overall user experience of the S21 5G is significantly superior for my needs. The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, significantly better performance, more versatile camera system with OIS and telephoto lens, and the addition of wireless charging makes it the better choice despite the smaller battery. I value smooth performance and high-quality photography above battery life and a larger display. The difference in performance is massive. The future-proofing with the ability to upgrade to Android 15 is also crucial. While the lack of expandable storage is a drawback, the internal storage should be sufficient with the 256 GB variant.
