1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163 × 76 × 7 mm | The Motorola Edge 20 is taller and wider, but slightly thinner. The S21 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 163g | The Motorola Edge 20 is slightly lighter. This could make it a bit more comfortable for extended single-handed use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | The Edge 20 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. The S21 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution means similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 421 | 385 | The S21 has a slightly sharper display, though the difference may not be very noticeable to most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use vibrant display technology with deep blacks and high contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | The Edge 20's 144Hz refresh rate offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 has significantly higher brightness, making it much more visible in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | The Exynos 2100 is more powerful for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 589,200 | The S21 demonstrates better overall performance based on AnTuTu scores, meaning smoother overall experience for resource-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | The S21’s GPU is generally more capable for graphically intense tasks like high-end gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 108MP | The Edge 20's higher resolution sensor allows for more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.52" | The Edge 20 has a larger sensor, which generally allows for more light capture and better low-light performance, although it is not the main factor for image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | The S21's wider aperture (f/1.8) allows more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP (dedicated) | None | The S21 offers a dedicated telephoto camera for better zoom quality and portrait shots. |
| Telephoto lens | None | 8MP | The Edge 20 has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, offering more flexibility when taking photos from a distance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 32MP | The Edge 20 takes more detailed selfies due to its higher resolution sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.3 | The S21’s wider aperture should perform marginally better in low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle/Macro Camera Resolution | 12.2MP | 16MP | The Edge 20 features a slightly higher resolution sensor in its wide-angle/macro setup. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The S21 supports higher resolution video capture, offering better image detail for video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | S21 offers Electronic Image Stabilization which results in smoother videos. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 111 | N/A | The S21 has a tested and confirmed quality in comparison. |
| DxOMark Score (Selfie) | 132 | N/A | The S21 has a tested and confirmed quality in comparison. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode, etc. | Optical Zoom | The S21 offers a wider range of photography features, including optical image stabilization and advanced modes. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4020mAh | Very similar capacity suggesting similar battery life, however, real-world usage varies. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Edge 20 charges slightly faster. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No In-Box Charger | None | The S21 has wireless charging capabilities and reverse wireless charging for other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | Android 11, upgradeable to 12 | The S21 is expected to receive more major OS updates. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The Edge 20 supports the latest Bluetooth standard, which might offer faster data transmission and better energy efficiency |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | The Edge 20 supports Wi-Fi MIMO, potentially offering improved signal strength. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The S21 supports more satellite systems, which can lead to slightly better location accuracy. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | The S21 has 8GB of RAM while the Edge 20 offers 6GB or 8GB variants which will have slightly better multitasking performance and app loading if paired with the 8GB version. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones have identical storage options. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | The S21 has enhanced audio capabilities for better sound quality. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The Edge 20's fingerprint sensor is arguably more convenient and possibly faster. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The S21 offers much better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Gravity, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The S21 includes additional environmental sensors, potentially useful for specific applications or health tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers faster performance in benchmarks, making it better for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Brighter Display: The much brighter display significantly improves outdoor visibility and usability in sunlight.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers 8K video, optical image stabilization (OIS), and additional camera features such as RAW and Night Mode, providing more versatility and control for photography enthusiasts.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, offering convenience for cable-free charging.
- Better OS Updates: Samsung has a better track record for updating devices up to 4 years from release.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation, and stereo speakers, providing an improved audio experience for media consumption.
- Superior Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus which provides significantly better protection against drops and scratches.
- More Sensors: includes additional environmental sensors, potentially useful for specific applications or health tracking.
Motorola Edge 20 Advantages
- Larger Display: The larger 6.7" display is better for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 144Hz refresh rate results in slightly smoother animations and scrolling.
- Higher Resolution Main and Selfie Camera: The main camera's 108MP sensor and 32MP front camera allow for more detailed photos in good lighting.
- Slightly Faster Charging: Offers 30W fast charging.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities.
- Newer Bluetooth Standard: Includes Bluetooth 5.2 for better energy efficiency.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be more convenient and faster for unlocking the device.
Trade-offs
- S21: Lower camera resolution, smaller display, and no charger included in the box.
- Edge 20: Inferior chipset performance, significantly lower brightness, no wireless charging, and fewer camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want advanced camera features, OIS, RAW shooting, and higher video recording quality.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need good display visibility.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who appreciate higher quality audio and want advanced spatial sound and noise cancellation.
- Users needing longer software support: Benefit from the additional 2 OS upgrades offered.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography or videography in various conditions.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games smoothly.
- Watching videos or media in bright sunlight.
- Using advanced audio features for music or calls.
Motorola Edge 20 Ideal Users
- Media Consumption: Users who primarily watch videos, browse social media, or read on their phone.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want high-resolution photos in good lighting conditions and appreciate optical zoom capabilities.
- Budget-Conscious: Users who want a phone with a large display and decent performance at a potentially lower price.
- Users who want a lighter phone: benefit from the Edge 20's lower weight.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and shows on the large display.
- Taking photos on family trips, vacations, and other outdoor social scenarios.
- Simple tasks and web browsing.
- Using the phone primarily for everyday communication.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Performance Needs: How important is it to have the fastest performance for gaming or heavy multitasking?
- Display Priorities: How important is outdoor visibility in bright sunlight? Is screen size or refresh rate more crucial?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need advanced features like OIS, RAW, or 8K video, or are higher resolution photos in good lighting more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Performance & Camera Focused: If you need the best performance for demanding tasks and want a more advanced camera with features like OIS, 8K video, and better low light performance, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Budget: If you prioritize a larger display, and high-resolution photos in good lighting, the Motorola Edge 20 could be a more suitable option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you need a combination of good performance, decent camera capabilities, and want wireless charging, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G would be the better choice.
My Choice
Based on a comprehensive analysis, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Motorola Edge 20 offers a larger display and higher resolution camera, the S21's superior performance, much brighter display, better software support, wireless charging, more advanced camera features (including OIS and 8K video), and enhanced audio capabilities make it a more well-rounded and compelling option, particularly for a user who engages in a variety of use cases. The brighter display alone is a substantial advantage, while the added power, software updates and better camera features make it more versatile. It is also more durable due to the screen protection.
