Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. These two phones offer very different experiences, and understanding their trade-offs is key to choosing the right one for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First, let's get into the nitty-gritty with a detailed specifications table:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | Moto G51 is larger and thicker, might be less comfortable in hand, S21 FE is slimmer and lighter for daily comfort. |
| Weight | 208g | 177g | S21 FE is lighter and more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.4" | Moto G51 offers a larger screen for media consumption; S21 FE is more compact and pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp images; slight difference not noticeable. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 387 | 403 | Both are sharp enough for detailed viewing; negligible difference for most users. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S21 FE's AMOLED display has deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; similar experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S21 FE has significantly better visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | S21 FE's chip is considerably more powerful, offering faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 923,836 | S21 FE provides significantly superior performance; better for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 660 | S21 FE offers better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Moto G51 has a slightly larger battery; potential for longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | S21 FE charges significantly faster; beneficial for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless 15W, reverse, No charger | S21 FE has advanced charging options, and lacks a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | S21 FE has a larger sensor and pixel size, which generally captures better low-light images. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | N/A | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.00µm | S21 FE provides an additional camera with optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.80µm | S21 FE takes higher resolution selfies with a smaller pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | N/A | Moto G51 includes a wide-angle camera for more expansive shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | N/A | Moto G51 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | S21 FE has a dedicated wide-angle/macro lens for more versatile photos. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 60fps, 240fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps | S21 FE provides higher-resolution video recording with HDR and EIS, offering superior quality. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes (EIS, OIS) | S21 FE offers smoother video recording thanks to video stabilization. |
| DxO Mark Mobile | N/A | 117, Photo: 119, Video: 107 | S21 FE has a DxOmark score which indicates a better camera than the G51. |
| DxO Mark Selfie | N/A | 127, Photo: 126, Video: 130 | S21 FE has a DxOmark score which indicates a better front camera than the G51. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW... | 4K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, RAW... | S21 FE offers a wider range of features like OIS and optical zoom, making it a more versatile tool. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 12 | Android 12, up to 16 | S21 FE has a newer OS out of the box and will likely receive longer software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | S21 FE supports a newer WiFi standard (6), offering potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Moto G51 has slightly newer Bluetooth. S21 FE has a wide range of Audio Profiles and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both have similar satellite coverage with slightly additional from the G51 with SUPL. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | S21 FE offers more storage options with a larger base config. |
| RAM | 4GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | S21 FE starts with 6GB, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Mics | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, stereo speakers | S21 FE has stereo speakers with noise cancelling, better audio overall. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Moto G51's fingerprint is side-mounted, likely faster to access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 FE offers superior screen protection with the latest Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S21 FE includes additional sensors useful for various scenarios. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G
Strengths:
- Large Display: Ideal for users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption.
- Battery Capacity: Larger battery could translate to longer usage between charges.
- Lower Price Point: Generally positioned as a more budget-friendly option.
- Included Wide Angle and Macro: Offers two lenses in addition to the standard, expanding the versatility.
Trade-offs:
- Performance: Uses a less powerful chipset that is more budget-oriented, not ideal for gaming.
- Display Quality: IPS LCD can't match the color vibrancy, contrast, and brightness of an AMOLED.
- Charging Speed: Slower charging speeds can be inconvenient.
- Camera Performance: The main camera has higher resolution, but less sophisticated image quality.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Strengths:
- Display Quality: Superior AMOLED display with better contrast, colors, and brightness.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers high performance for demanding apps and games.
- Camera Capabilities: Better camera system with OIS, optical zoom, and superior overall image and video quality.
- Charging: Faster wired charging and wireless charging capabilities.
- Build Quality: Better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus, higher build standards.
Trade-offs:
- Price: More expensive due to its higher-end features.
- Battery Capacity: Smaller battery capacity which could lead to less runtime.
- No Charger Included: Cost must be factored in as a charger is required to use this phone.
- No Headphone Jack This phone requires the use of Bluetooth headphones, or a dongle.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for a reliable 5G phone at an affordable price.
- Casual users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and media consumption.
- Users who want a large screen: People who like to watch videos and consume content frequently.
- Users that don't demand the best performance: A phone for light gaming, or general apps, but not the most performance intensive tasks.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Power users: People who demand high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality photos and video, with features such as zoom, OIS, and versatile lenses.
- Users who value display quality: Those who want the best viewing experience with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Users who value build quality and durability: A phone with a solid construction and screen protection.
- Users who value software updates: Samsung tends to provide longer support periods for their phones.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose, consider these questions:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., media consumption, gaming, photography, communication)
- What is your budget? Are you looking for the best value, or are you willing to pay a premium for top features?
- What do you value most? Is it the screen, performance, camera, or battery?
Scenario-based recommendations:
- If you prioritize battery life and a large screen: The Moto G51 5G is suitable as it focuses on these two points, without breaking the bank.
- If you prioritize display quality, performance, and camera features: The S21 FE 5G is the clear winner as it excels in these areas.
- If you are on a strict budget: The Moto G51 5G will be the best option as it is typically offered at a lower price, with a large screen and decent battery.
- If you are a demanding user: The S21 FE 5G will provide the best overall experience with its high performance chipset, great camera, and excellent display.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates quality in both build and performance, the S21 FE simply offers a more well-rounded and premium experience. While the Moto G51 has its merits in being affordable and having a large display, the S21 FE's superior display, faster performance, advanced camera features, faster charging, and build quality make it a better long-term investment.
The real-world benefits of the S21 FE, especially the brighter AMOLED display for outdoor visibility, the significant performance boost for smoother operation, and the much better camera quality for both photos and videos are difficult to ignore. While the larger battery of the G51 is tempting, the speed of charging and the additional features of the S21 FE make it an easier pick for me.
Ultimately, the S21 FE gives me the features and performance I value most, even if it means a slightly higher price point. It's a better fit for a demanding user who wants a premium smartphone experience.
