1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | Moto G 5G is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 212g | 200g | S21+ 5G is lighter, likely more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness for both. |
| PPI | 393 | 394 | Virtually identical pixel density, equally sharp displays. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S21+ 5G has superior contrast, deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21+ 5G offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S21+ 5G offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. (Note: 0 nits is likely an error; actual brightness of Motorola is unknown). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | S21+ 5G has a more powerful and efficient processor, resulting in faster performance. |
| Antutu Score | 390,000 | 749,100 | S21+ 5G is considerably faster in benchmarks, resulting in snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G78 MP14 | S21+ 5G has a more capable GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | Moto G 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life, though real world performance varies. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | S21+ 5G offers slightly faster charging times. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, Non-removable, No charger in-box | S21+ 5G offers more versatile charging options including wireless and reverse wireless charging. Note: S21+ does not come with in box charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | S21+ 5G has a lower resolution but larger pixel size, which usually translates to better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto | None | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | S21+ 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities, missing on Moto G 5G. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | Both have wide angle lenses but the implementation is different, Moto G 5G has separate wide angle and macro lens while the S21+ 5G combines wide angle and macro lens. The S21+ has a higher resolution wide angle and also larger pixels |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | Moto G 5G has higher resolution selfie, but S21+ 5G has a larger pixel size, which may result in better low light. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None (Included in wide angle) | Moto G 5G has a dedicated macro lens, while the S21+ 5G uses the wide-angle lens for macro photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | S21+ 5G offers superior video recording with higher resolution, advanced stabilization and slow motion. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Tested | 111 Overall, 118 Photo, 89 Video | S21+ 5G has a reputable camera performance confirmed by DxOMark. Moto G 5G has no DXO mark score available. |
| Camera Features | LAF | OIS, Optical Zoom, 8K Video | S21+ 5G has more advanced features such as OIS, optical zoom, and higher video resolution |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | S21+ 5G has a newer OS and guaranteed updates to android 15, likely with better features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | S21+ 5G supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Moto G 5G has a slightly newer version, but the S21+ has more supported protocols |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S21+ 5G offers more comprehensive satellite support for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | S21+ 5G provides the option of using eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | S21+ 5G offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB | S21+ 5G has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones support storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S21+ 5G has better audio quality features with stereo speakers and noise cancellation microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21+ 5G has significantly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S21+ 5G has additional sensors, particularly a barometer, adding more functionality and sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Potentially Longer Battery Life: Slightly larger battery might offer marginally better battery performance, though real-world use varies.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro lens for close up photography, missing on the S21+ 5G.
- Lower Price: Typically available at a significantly lower price point, making it more accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate offers better colors, contrast, and smoother animations.
- Significantly Better Performance: Faster processor and more RAM, resulting in snappier performance and better gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: More versatile camera setup with a dedicated telephoto lens, better low-light capabilities, OIS, and 8K video recording.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging offer more convenience.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support and noise cancellation microphone, offer better listening experience.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better screen protection.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic sensors provide additional functionality for apps and gaming.
- eSIM Support: Ability to use an eSIM for easier carrier switching.
- Software Updates: Guaranteed updates to Android 15, providing access to newer features and security patches.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G 5G trades performance and features for affordability. Its camera system is less versatile, and its display is not as visually appealing.
- The S21+ 5G is more expensive, and it doesn't come with a charger in the box. While its battery is smaller, the efficiency of its chipset may compensate.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users looking for a 5G phone with a large battery and decent performance for everyday tasks. It is good for less demanding users that may prefer a large display.
- Use Cases: Basic browsing, social media, media consumption, long battery life, casual gaming.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Excellent for users prioritizing price, but be prepared to make some compromises on performance, display, and camera capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who want a premium smartphone experience with a top-tier display, fast performance, advanced camera, and high-end features. Good for advanced users that want high performance for gaming and photography.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, professional photography/videography, media creation, heavy multitasking, high quality media consumption, and users that appreciate latest software updates.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Offers a lot of features and advanced capabilities, and is suitable for users looking to invest in a high end premium phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Moto G 5G is significantly more affordable.
- How important are display quality and performance? The S21+ 5G offers a superior display and faster overall performance.
- How much do I care about camera capabilities? S21+ 5G's camera is more versatile with better low light, telephoto, and video capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your main priority is a 5G phone with a large battery and you're on a tight budget, the Motorola Moto G 5G is a good option.
- Performance-Oriented User: If you value top-tier performance, a premium display, advanced camera capabilities, and the latest software updates, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice.
- Multimedia User: If you prioritize a great display, sound, and want to take good photos and videos, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G will be much more satisfying.
- Basic User: If you use your phone for browsing, social media, and basic tasks, the Motorola Moto G 5G will do just fine but you will likely be more satisfied with the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Motorola Moto G 5G offers great value for its price, the S21+ 5G's advantages in display quality, performance, camera versatility, and overall user experience are significant. The 120Hz AMOLED screen alone is a game-changer for me, and I value the additional benefits of a superior camera and the software update support. While the cost is higher, the improvements in key areas make the S21+ a more enjoyable and future-proof option for my usage patterns.
