1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | Moto G Power is slightly thicker, but both have similar height and width. S21 Ultra is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 227g | Moto G Power is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended holding. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger display, offering more screen real estate for content. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3200 | S21 Ultra has much sharper images and text, superior for viewing detailed content. |
| PPI | 266 | 515 | S21 Ultra display is noticeably clearer and crisper, reduces pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S21 Ultra offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21 Ultra provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations, enhanced user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | S21 Ultra is much better for use in bright sunlight, much better outdoor visibility. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 Ultra has significantly better screen scratch and shatter resistance. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | S21 Ultra's chipset is much more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 178,220 | 749,000 | S21 Ultra offers vastly superior performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | S21 Ultra's GPU delivers far better graphics processing for games and graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP, f/1.7 | 108MP, f/1.8 | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images, offers more flexibility for cropping, and performs better in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | Not present | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities and enhanced portrait mode. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP, f/2.0 | 44MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra takes much sharper, more detailed selfies with better dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not present | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for enhanced zoom capabilities. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not present | Moto G Power provides depth data for bokeh in portrait shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not present | Moto G Power allows close-up macro shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not present | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide-angle lens that also supports macro, for more flexibility in capturing different shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, EIS, HDR, Stereo Sound | S21 Ultra can record much higher quality video (8k and higher frame rates), offers more flexibility, and better image stabilization. |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 60fps | Yes, 960fps | S21 Ultra offers significantly better slow-motion video recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Not tested | Main: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | S21 Ultra's camera performance is significantly better based on DxOMark's testing. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Not tested | Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | S21 Ultra's selfie camera is significantly better based on DxOMark's testing. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity and should have similar battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 15W | 25W | S21 Ultra charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | 10W charger in-box, non-removable | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 9W, No charger in-box | S21 Ultra offers more convenient charging options, but you may have to buy a charger. |
Other
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | S21 Ultra has a newer OS version, will receive more updates and offers more features. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | S21 Ultra offers faster WiFi speeds with WiFi 6, better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | S21 Ultra has a newer version of Bluetooth, better audio features and lower power consumption. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S21 Ultra supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | S21 Ultra can use two SIM cards simultaneously for better convenience if needed. |
| Internal Storage | 32GB or 64GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | S21 Ultra has much larger storage options for storing more media, apps, and data. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 12GB or 16GB | S21 Ultra's RAM ensures smoother multitasking and handles more demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra offers significantly enhanced audio experience. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Moto G Power has a more practical side-mounted sensor, while S21 Ultra's sensor is basic. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer | S21 Ultra has a wider array of sensors, adding an barometer, among others. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Potentially more convenient for some users.
- Included Charger: Includes a 10W charger out-of-the-box.
- Lower Price: Significantly more budget-friendly
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much sharper, more vibrant, and brighter screen with a higher refresh rate.
- Much More Powerful Performance: Significantly faster processor and more RAM for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile camera setup with higher resolution, better low light performance, optical zoom, and better video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging: Recharges more quickly.
- More Charging Options: Includes wireless and reverse charging capabilities.
- Dual SIM Support: Can use two SIM cards at once.
- Enhanced Audio: Better audio quality, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation.
- More Storage Options: Comes with much more storage space
- Better Build Quality: Higher quality materials, including superior screen protection.
- More Sensors: Adds barometer and other environmental sensors.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 11 which is upgradable to Android 15, offering more features and longer support.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G Power sacrifices nearly all aspects of performance, display quality and camera capabilities for a lower price point.
- The S21 Ultra costs considerably more but provides a premium experience across the board.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for an affordable smartphone for basic tasks and media consumption.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texting, browsing, social media, and light media.
- Users Who Value Battery Life Above All Else: Those who prioritize having a long-lasting battery.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily web browsing and social media.
- Light gaming (less graphic-intensive games).
- Basic photography and video.
- Reliable device for basic communication.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who want top-tier performance for multitasking, demanding apps, and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos and versatile camera capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Those who enjoy high-resolution videos, games, and content on a premium display.
- Professionals: Those who need reliable performance, advanced camera features and enhanced audio capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with high frame rates.
- Professional photography and video recording.
- Demanding multitasking.
- High-quality video streaming.
- Use in bright conditions thanks to the high brightness display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: What is your maximum budget for a smartphone?
- Usage: How will you primarily use your smartphone (basic tasks, gaming, photography)?
- Priorities: What is most important to you: performance, camera quality, display, battery life, or cost?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Limited Budget: If the budget is the primary concern, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the practical choice, offering a basic smartphone experience for a very low cost.
- Scenario 2: Performance Matters: If performance, display, and camera are vital, and the budget allows, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the superior option.
- Scenario 3: Balance of Features and Price: Neither device offers a strong balance of price and features, so you would need to decide between the lower priced but feature-limited Motorola G Power or the higher priced but feature rich Samsung S21 Ultra 5G.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the price difference is significant, the vastly superior performance, display, and camera capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for a more enjoyable and capable smartphone experience. I would also prefer the more versatile camera system, faster charging and wireless charging options. The Moto G Power, while a budget-friendly option, would not meet my typical performance and multimedia needs, and it sacrifices too much in areas that are important to me.
