1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | S21 FE is more compact and easier to handle, G 5G is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 177g | S21 FE is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | G 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, S21 FE more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar sharpness, negligible difference. |
| PPI | 393 | 403 | Almost identical pixel density, both are sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S21 FE has superior contrast, black levels, and vibrant colors; better for multimedia consumption and outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21 FE offers a much smoother experience when scrolling, gaming and navigating the interface. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S21 FE is drastically better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. G 5G's display brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | S21 FE has a significantly faster processor, handling demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking much more effectively. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 923,836 | S21 FE offers superior performance for all intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 660 | S21 FE has a more powerful GPU, crucial for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | G 5G has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | S21 FE charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 4.5W, Non-removable | S21 FE offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, convenient for compatible accessories. No charger in box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.80µm, Sony IMX555 | S21 FE has larger pixels and a better sensor, potentially better low-light performance despite lower resolution. |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.00µm, Hynix HI-847 | S21 FE offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed-in photos, while G 5G lacks this feature. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm, Sony IMX616 | S21 FE has a higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | G 5G offers a dedicated ultra-wide lens for capturing wide shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | G 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, though of questionable quality. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm, Sony IMX258 | S21 FE includes a wide-angle lens that can also be used for macro shots |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (with EIS) | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps (with HDR, EIS) | S21 FE offers more versatile video options and a much higher slow-motion capability. |
| DxoMark | N/A | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | S21 FE has a tested camera, giving an indication of photo and video quality |
| Camera Features | Laser AF | Optical zoom, OIS | S21 FE offers optical zoom and image stabilization features for sharper images and videos. G 5G has laser AF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 16) | S21 FE has a newer OS with longer update support, offering latest features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | S21 FE supports newer WiFi standard for faster connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE with more features | G 5G has a slightly newer version, but S21 FE offers more audio features and support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21 FE supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | S21 FE offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | S21 FE offers more RAM, improving multitasking and overall system performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | S21 FE has better audio output quality due to stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Similar fingerprint sensor technology for basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 FE offers more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer, Fingerprint | S21 FE has additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may offer longer battery life, which is ideal for users who prioritize battery endurance.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens, although of questionable quality, for close-up photography.
- Ultra-wide Lens: Provides a dedicated ultra-wide camera for capturing more expansive scenes.
- Laser Autofocus: Includes a laser AF, which potentially could improve focus speed in certain scenarios.
- Lower Price Point: Likely available at a lower price point, making it more accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness offers a significantly better visual experience with vibrant colors, smooth animations, and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Much Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 provides far superior processing power and a more powerful GPU. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Enhanced Camera System: Offers better main sensor, telephoto lens for optical zoom, and better video recording with HDR and advanced slow-motion options. It also offers a higher quality selfie camera.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities, offering more convenient charging options.
- Better Audio: Comes with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support for better audio output quality.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer Android version and longer upgrade support for more features and security patches.
- Superior Build Quality Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection
- More sensors: Includes Barometer and additional sensors
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola sacrifices display quality, performance, camera quality, and additional features for a lower price and a slightly larger battery.
- The Samsung sacrifices battery capacity and includes no charging brick for a higher price, but has a more comprehensive feature set and superior performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a larger screen for basic usage such as browsing, social media, and casual media consumption. Users who like having a dedicated macro lens might prefer this one.
- Use Cases:
- Extended usage away from power sources.
- Users who prefer a bigger screen for media consumption.
- Users with basic needs, not needing high-end performance.
- Photography enthusiasts who value a dedicated wide angle and macro lens, but are not too critical of quality.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who want a premium experience with excellent display quality, great performance, enhanced camera capabilities and added wireless charging features. It also comes with a more complete sensor package.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming and resource-intensive applications.
- High-quality photography and video recording.
- Users who consume a lot of multimedia content and need a vibrant and smooth display.
- Users who value premium features like wireless charging and more storage space.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G 5G is likely better suited for users with a limited budget, that prioritize battery life over quality. The S21 FE 5G is the better choice for users who want quality, and are willing to pay a higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The Moto G 5G is the more affordable option, while the S21 FE 5G is pricier.
- How important are display quality and performance? If these are crucial, the S21 FE 5G is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize battery life over advanced features? If you need long battery life at a low price, the Moto G 5G may be a viable option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is tight and you prioritize battery life, the Moto G 5G may be a suitable choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Multimedia Lover: If you value a great display, high performance, and a superior camera, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Versatile User: If you want a good balance of features, and also care about having more advanced features like wireless charging, stereo speakers and a more complete sensor package then the S21 FE 5G is better suited.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Reasons:
- Superior Overall Experience: While the Moto G 5G has a larger battery, the S21 FE 5G offers a much more rounded experience. The significant improvements in display quality (AMOLED, 120Hz, 1300 nits brightness), performance (Snapdragon 888), and camera capabilities (optical zoom, HDR video, DxOMark Scores) far outweigh the Moto G 5G's advantages.
- Longer Software Support: The S21 FE 5G's newer OS and longer upgrade support ensure the phone will remain relevant and secure for a longer period.
- Enhanced Features: The added features like wireless charging, stereo speakers, a more complete sensor package, and better video capabilities make it a more versatile and enjoyable phone to use.
- Better Build Quality: The S21 FE's protection is a plus
While the price is higher, the overall user experience and feature set of the S21 FE 5G offer better value and satisfaction in the long term. The Motorola has some merits in its larger battery and slightly different camera setup, but in the grand scheme it cannot compete with the vastly superior performance and premium experience of the Samsung.
