Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Motorola Edge 20 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | S21 is more compact and pocketable, Edge 20 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 190g | S21 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | Edge 20 Pro offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 385 PPI | S21 has slightly sharper text and images, but the difference is minimal in practice. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; S21's AMOLED is slightly brighter. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 20 Pro has slightly smoother scrolling and animations, but the difference may not be noticeable to everyone. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 has significantly better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. Motorola Edge 20 Pro's brightness is missing and thus can't be compared. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Edge 20 Pro benchmarks slightly higher, but both are capable of smooth everyday performance and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 813,800 | Edge 20 Pro may perform slightly better in very demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 650 | Both GPUs can handle most mobile games and graphic-intensive tasks smoothly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm | Edge 20 Pro captures more detail in good light, while S21's larger pixels may perform better in low light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | No dedicated telephoto, it has a telephoto lens | S21 offers dedicated zoom capabilities; Edge 20 Pro offers a telephoto lens. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 16MP, f/2.2 | Both offer similar quality for ultrawide shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.3, 0.7µm | Edge 20 Pro captures more detail in selfies, while S21 may perform better in low-light due to wider aperture. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with EIS | Both phones record very high-quality video. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 (S21 Only) | Not Available | S21 has better rated camera performance based on DXOMark results. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | Edge 20 Pro should provide longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Edge 20 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21 offers more versatile charging options. |
| Other | |||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Edge 20 Pro excels in multitasking and running demanding applications. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer identical storage options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21 has better audio output quality with immersive sound and clearer audio calls. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Edge 20 Pro has slightly more modern Bluetooth technology. |
| Software Updates | Up to Android 15 | No confirmed version | S21 has more software support from Samsung. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 has a slightly more scratch-resistant screen. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Standard | Side-mounted | Edge 20 Pro has a more modern and convenient fingerprint sensor location. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Brightness: The S21's 1300 nits brightness makes it much more usable outdoors in direct sunlight.
- Better Camera System: S21 has better rated camera performance based on DXOMark results as well as better low light performance in standard camera, and a dedicated telephoto camera.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Adds convenience for users with wireless charging accessories.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise-canceling mic offer a richer audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering better protection against scratches and damage.
- Better Software Support: Promised updates up to Android 15
Motorola Edge 20 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: Offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Provides slightly smoother animations and scrolling.
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Faster Charging: Charges slightly quicker than the S21.
- More RAM: Offers better multitasking capabilities and smoother app performance.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more convenient location for unlocking the phone.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21: Smaller display and battery, no expandable storage, less RAM.
- Edge 20 Pro: Lacks wireless charging, lower screen brightness, lacks advanced audio and video features, not clear on updates.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight will appreciate the high brightness display.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy high-quality audio and video experiences will find the Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers beneficial.
- Camera Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera system with great image quality and a telephoto zoom.
- Users Who Value Convenience: People who need wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and good audio quality.
- Users Who Value Software Support: Users who value longevity in their software updates will prefer the S21.
Motorola Edge 20 Pro Ideal Users:
- Gamers and Power Users: The extra RAM and higher refresh rate make it suitable for demanding games and heavy multitasking.
- Media Consumers: People who watch a lot of videos will enjoy the larger screen and higher refresh rate.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Users who need long battery life without frequent charging.
- Budget Conscious Users: If priced lower, it's an attractive option for those wanting a high-performance phone without the extra frills.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21: Taking photos and videos in different lighting, listening to music, outdoor navigation, and all-day usage.
- Edge 20 Pro: Mobile gaming, watching movies, handling lots of apps, and working on the go.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How often do you use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight? This highlights the importance of the S21's superior brightness.
- Do you prioritize longer battery life or wireless charging? The Edge 20 Pro offers longer battery life, while the S21 has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Do you use your phone for media consumption or gaming? This focuses on the display size, refresh rate, and RAM.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Frequent Outdoor Use): If you regularly use your phone outdoors, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice because of its significantly brighter screen.
- Scenario 2 (Long Battery Life Needed): If battery life is a priority, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro provides more battery capacity.
- Scenario 3 (Media and Games): If you primarily consume media and play demanding games, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro has the edge with its larger display, higher refresh rate, and additional RAM.
- Scenario 4 (Camera and Versatility): For users seeking better overall camera capabilities including low light, a dedicated zoom, and wireless charging convenience, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is preferred.
What I Would Choose
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Here's why:
- Superior Display Visibility: I often use my phone outdoors, so the much brighter display of the S21 is a significant advantage for me.
- Better Camera System: I value camera quality and would prefer the S21's more versatile and better rated camera system with its telephoto camera and better low-light performance.
- Wireless Charging: The convenience of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging is something I regularly use.
- Enhanced Audio: I listen to music and watch videos on my phone regularly, so the stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support would make for a better overall media experience.
- Software Updates: I prioritize software updates and long term support which the S21 seems to offer more of.
While the Motorola Edge 20 Pro has its strengths, especially in battery and RAM, the S21 better matches my specific needs and usage patterns, making it the more suitable choice for me. The significantly better display brightness and camera performance make the slightly smaller battery and slightly less RAM a worthwhile trade-off.
