Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | The Motorola is noticeably taller and thicker, which affects ergonomics and pocketability. The S21+ is slimmer and more pocket-friendly. |
| Weight | 212g | 200g | S21+ is slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both offer a large screen suitable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both displays are sharp enough for most users. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The S21+ has far superior display quality with deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The S21+ offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations, which is important for a more premium feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Unspecified) | 1300 nits | The S21+ has much better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight, as the Motorola's brightness specification is not available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G | Exynos 2100 (International) | The S21+ chipset is significantly more powerful, providing better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 749,100 | The S21+ has substantially higher benchmark scores, indicating superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G78 MP14 | The S21+ has a more powerful GPU, which offers better gaming performance and graphics processing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | The Motorola has a slightly larger battery which may lead to marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | The S21+ charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | 10W rapid charger in-box | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless charging, No charge in-box | The S21+ offers wireless charging, a more modern feature, while the Motorola includes a charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.8µm, Sony IMX555 | The S21+ has a lower resolution sensor but larger pixel sizes, often better for low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | None | 64MP, f/2.0, 0.8µm, Samsung S5KGW2 | The S21+ provides a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait photos, whereas the Motorola has none |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm, Sony IMX374 | Motorola has a higher resolution front camera, but the S21+ has larger pixels for better low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | Motorola offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for group shots and landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Motorola offers a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1.40µm, Sony IMX563 | The S21+ combines wide-angle and macro functionality into one versatile lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps w/ EIS, 1080p@60fps w/EIS | 8K@24fps w/ HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 4K@60fps w/ HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 1080p@240fps w/ HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 720p@960fps w/ HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | The S21+ provides significantly more versatile video capabilities including higher resolution, higher frame rate options, and advanced audio recording. |
| DxoMark | Not tested | Overall score: 111, Photo score: 118, Video score: 89 | The S21+ has a strong camera performance according to dxoMark scores. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (Upgradeable to 15) | The S21+ has a more recent OS, and is supported with newer Android upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The S21+ supports a newer WiFi standard offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Motorola has a newer bluetooth version, but S21 has more profiles supported. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S21+ supports a more comprehensive range of GPS systems improving location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | The S21+ offers more flexibility with dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | S21+ offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 8GB | S21+ offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | The S21+ has superior audio quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | in-screen fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The S21+ has much more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer | S21+ has additional sensor for enhanced functionality such as atmospheric pressure readings |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Slightly larger battery: The 5000 mAh battery might offer marginally longer battery life.
- Dedicated Macro and Wide-Angle Lens: Offers more flexibility for close-up and wide-angle photography, although the quality might be lower than on the S21+.
In-box charger: Includes a 10W rapid charger in the box, which is convenient for immediate use.
- Practical Implication: These advantages cater to users who prioritize battery longevity, specific camera features, and cost savings
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate provides much better visual experience with vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and smooth animations.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers much faster performance for demanding applications and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Offers a more versatile camera system, with telephoto lens, advanced video recording capabilities, and superior low-light performance with larger pixels.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging are significantly more convenient.
- More RAM: 8GB of RAM for better multitasking and smoother app performance
- Advanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for a better multimedia experience.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and more comprehensive GPS systems for faster and more accurate connectivity.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers more durable screen protection.
- Latest Android version: Ships with a more recent OS and is supported with future upgrades.
- Dual SIM and eSIM: Offers flexibility with Dual SIM functionality.
Barometer: Offers a Barometer for enhanced sensor functionality.
- Practical Implication: These advantages cater to users who prioritize premium features, performance, display quality, camera versatility, and a more modern user experience.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola One 5G Ace: Compromises on display quality, performance, camera versatility, and charging speed to achieve a lower price point.
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: May come with a higher price tag and no charger in the box. Has smaller battery compared to the Motorola.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious: Users looking for a 5G device at a more affordable price point.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and media consumption, and not resource-intensive tasks such as gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts (Specific Use): Users who want a separate wide angle and macro lenses for specific types of shots even if the overall camera performance might be lower.
Long Battery Life Priority: Those who need a phone to last throughout the day with average use.
- Specific Use Cases: Everyday browsing, social media, casual photography, and basic productivity tasks, extended battery use for trips or travel.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Multimedia Lovers: Those who appreciate a high-quality display for watching videos, playing games, and consuming media with better audio.
- Photography Enthusiasts (Overall Quality): Users who prioritize versatility, image quality, and video recording capabilities with a wider range of features.
- Modern Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest features, faster charging, wireless charging, and premium build quality.
Frequent Travelers: Users who may need dual SIM, enhanced GPS, and advanced video capture.
- Specific Use Cases: Mobile gaming, professional photography/videography, multimedia consumption, demanding productivity tasks, use in bright outdoor sunlight, travel, and business use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Motorola is a budget-friendly option, while the S21+ is significantly more expensive.
- What do you prioritize most in a phone? Display quality, performance, camera capabilities, or battery life?
- How do you typically use your phone? Are you a casual user or do you require demanding tasks for your device?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget: If you're on a strict budget but need a 5G phone with a decent camera and battery life, the Motorola One 5G Ace is a reasonable choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Display Focused: If you prioritize a smooth, vibrant display and top-tier performance for gaming and demanding tasks, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the superior option.
- Scenario 3: Photography & Videography Focused: If you need a versatile and high quality camera for photos and videos, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better option, with more features and better image quality.
- Scenario 4: Basic User: If your needs are only for everyday tasks and casual use, the Motorola One 5G Ace will be sufficient. However, the S21+ would offer a better experience overall.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Motorola One 5G Ace offers a more budget-friendly option, the S21+ provides a far superior user experience in several key areas that align with my priorities.
Here's why:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for daily usage. The vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations make everything from browsing to watching videos much more enjoyable. The much higher brightness level of the S21+ is very useful in outdoor situations.
- Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly better performance and would ensure that the phone remains smooth and responsive for years to come, even with demanding applications or games. This is important for longevity.
- Camera Versatility: While the Motorola has its perks, the S21+ offers a much more complete and superior overall camera experience, with dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, and much better video recording. This is important for capturing a variety of shots.
- Modern Features: The inclusion of wireless charging, faster wired charging, better connectivity, and modern security features make the S21+ a more compelling package.
- Software & Updates: The S21+ benefits from a newer OS and guarantees longer software support, which is important for continued compatibility and security.
- Build Quality: The more durable glass on the display is a practical benefit as well.
The S21+ offers a premium experience that justifies the higher price. While the Motorola is a great option at a lower price point, it simply cannot compete with the S21+ in the areas that I value most in a smartphone. In my view, the cost/value trade off is well worth the higher investment for the S21+.
