1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-05-12 | The Edge 30 is a newer device, potentially with more recent software and features. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 159.4 × 74.2 × 6.8 mm | S21 is more compact, Edge 30 is taller & thinner; S21 is slightly thicker but has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 169g | 155g | Edge 30 is lighter, which may feel more comfortable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | Edge 30 offers a slightly larger screen, potentially more immersive for media. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp images, no difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 421 | 405 | Both have very similar pixel density, virtually no visible difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colours and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 has a slightly smoother feel for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 excels in outdoor visibility, Edge 30 lacks this specification. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | S21's chip is older, but benchmarks higher; Edge 30's chipset is newer with good mid-range performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 609,900 | S21 offers noticeably faster overall performance, though Edge 30's is no slouch. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | S21's GPU is better for graphically intense tasks; While both offer smooth graphics, S21 will handle high-end gaming better. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", Omnivision OV50A | Edge 30 has a higher resolution sensor and larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance and more detail. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung S5KGW2 | None | S21 has a dedicated zoom lens, offering greater zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374 | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1 | Edge 30 captures more detailed selfies with higher resolution, while S21 has a wider aperture that may offer slightly better low-light performance; Edge 30 has a larger sensor. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Edge 30 has a dedicated depth sensor, which can help with better portrait mode images and more accurate background blur. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Edge 30 has a higher-resolution sensor, while S21 has a larger sensor for better low-light performance in wide shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 allows for higher resolution video, beneficial for professional or very high detail recording. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 90) | Not tested | S21 has been rigorously tested and scored well, indicating good overall camera performance; Edge 30 lacks DxOMark scores. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 (Photo: 125, Video: 145) | Not tested | S21 Selfie scores very high on DxOMark |
| Features | 8K Video, Optical Zoom, Continuous Autofocus | None | S21 offers additional features for advanced users. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4020mAh | Both have comparable battery capacity; practically similar battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 33W Fast | Edge 30 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No charger in-box | None | S21 offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, missing with the Edge 30. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Edge 30 starts with a newer version of Android, although it has a shorter support period. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both have similar RAM options, depending on the variant. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both have similar WiFi standards; Edge 30 offers MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.2, LE, LDAC, AAC | Edge 30 has a newer version for slightly better connectivity and additional audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, L1+L5, E1+E5a | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21 offers more accurate location tracking. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | S21 offers noise cancellation mic, Edge 30 has 2 microphones; both have Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have standard biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 has a barometer, potentially useful for altitude-related activities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Stronger Performance: The Exynos 2100 offers superior processing power and graphics, as indicated by the higher benchmark score. This results in smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Better Display Brightness: With 1300 nits peak brightness, the S21 is significantly more viewable in direct sunlight.
- Superior Camera Features: Offers 8K video recording, optical zoom, and a more comprehensive suite of advanced camera features. The selfie camera also has a higher DxOMark score.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Adds convenience for users with wireless charging pads and the ability to charge other devices.
- Better GPS: Includes more accurate GPS for navigation using multiple bands
- Better Build Quality: The use of Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection enhances durability.
- More sensors: Includes a barometer for environmental measurements.
- Better Software Support: More major Android OS updates.
Motorola Edge 30 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched over a year after the S21, potentially offering more recent software features and optimizations.
- Slightly Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate offers a slightly more fluid visual experience compared to the S21's 120Hz.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: The Edge 30 is more comfortable in-hand and easier to carry for some.
- Faster Charging: Offers 33W fast charging compared to S21's 25W, reducing downtime.
- Higher Resolution Main and Selfie Cameras: The 50MP main and 32MP selfie cameras capture more detail.
- More recent Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.2 offers slightly better connectivity and audio codec support compared to Bluetooth 5.0.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Edge 30 Includes a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects.
Trade-offs:
- The S21's older chipset provides better performance but at the expense of efficiency and potentially a shorter software support lifecycle.
- The Edge 30's superior camera resolution is balanced by a smaller sensor size.
- The S21’s brightness is offset by the fact the phone is older.
- The Edge 30 has a slightly larger display but not as bright.
- The Edge 30 lacks wireless charging features found on the S21.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users who need strong performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, frequent photographers, videographers and those in bright outdoor conditions.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, professional photo and video capture, users requiring long-term software support, those who need a device with wireless charging capabilities, bright outdoor use.
- Price-to-Value: The S21 is a good option if you need performance and features and can find it at a discounted rate.
Motorola Edge 30:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a smooth display experience, appreciate detailed photos and videos, a sleek design and a device with faster charging and a more recent Android OS.
- Use Cases: Casual gaming, social media consumption, photography in moderate lighting conditions, users who prefer fast charging and a lightweight device.
- Price-to-Value: The Edge 30 offers a good balance of features for its price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize peak performance and display brightness, or do you value a newer OS and better charging speeds?
- Do you need advanced camera features like optical zoom and 8K video, or are detailed photos and faster charging more important?
- Is wireless charging and reverse wireless charging essential for your use case, or do you prefer a more recent version of Android with a lighter design?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and outdoor visibility are key: If you frequently use your phone for high-end gaming or often use it in bright sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 2: A newer OS with smooth display and fast charging: If you prioritize a sleek design and a more recent OS with a very smooth display and faster charging, the Motorola Edge 30 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: A good camera with versatility and advanced features: If you need a versatile camera with advanced features such as 8K video and optical zoom, go for the S21, if you value the highest resolution for photos and prefer the newest OS, go for the Motorola.
Final Recommendation
My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
While both are capable phones, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G better suits my needs and priorities. Here's why:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 provides significantly higher benchmark scores and better overall performance for demanding apps and games.
- Excellent Camera Features: I value the added versatility of 8K video, optical zoom, and overall quality of the camera system. The DxOMark scores indicate that the camera is top-tier.
- Wireless Charging: Having wireless and reverse wireless charging are very convenient features that I use daily.
- Display Brightness: The 1300 nits of brightness is essential for outdoor visibility, which I find crucial for my use case.
- Build Quality: The Gorilla Glass Victus screen is important for durability and long-term use.
- More GPS Bands: The S21’s multi-band GPS system offers more accurate tracking for my frequent navigation needs.
- More Software Updates: Having more software support will make the device a better long term option.
While the Motorola Edge 30 is newer with its sleek design, faster charging, and higher-resolution cameras, the S21’s raw performance, overall camera capabilities, wireless charging, and brighter display provide a more compelling package for me. The fact it also has a superior build quality and more GPS bands makes it my choice.
The Motorola Edge 30 is a great phone, but based on my needs and its superior performance, camera versatility and features, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
