1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 158.5 × 72 × 7.5 mm | Motorola is taller by 6.8mm, Samsung is thicker by 0.4mm; Minimal difference in pocketability; Motorola might be slightly less comfortable in one hand due to height |
| Weight | 169g | 168g | Negligible difference; Both are lightweight and comfortable for extended use |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown screen protection | Samsung offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.55" | Motorola offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; Text and images appear equally crisp on both |
| PPI | 421 | 402 | Negligible difference; Both offer a sharp and detailed display |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar display quality; vibrant colors and deep blacks; AMOLED may have slightly better color accuracy and deeper blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola's slightly higher refresh rate provides marginally smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | Samsung offers better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) | Motorola’s Snapdragon generally offers a performance advantage in gaming and heavy tasks, however, both phones will perform well in day-to-day use. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 904,900 | Motorola performs better in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading and smoother operation |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Motorola’s Adreno GPU is typically more optimized for gaming, especially with demanding titles |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | Motorola has higher resolution and a larger sensor for better detail and low-light performance |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | Not Available | Samsung allows for better zoomed shots and portrait photos |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | Motorola captures higher detail selfies but Samsung offers slightly bigger pixels |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Both phones have a similar wide angle, with the Samsung also including macro capabilities |
| Depth Sensor | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Motorola can produce bokeh effect photos with better depth perception. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both record high-quality videos, offering similar options but Motorola has slightly better frame rate |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 (Overall) | Not Available | Samsung's camera quality has been tested and certified by dxoMark for quality, though it is only a 111 |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 (Overall) | Not Available | Samsung's selfie camera quality has been tested and certified by dxoMark for quality, though it is a lower score on their mobile camera test |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Continuous/Manual Focus, RAW | OIS, LAF, RAW | Samsung offers optical zoom for better lossless detail at a distance; Motorola offers Laser Autofocus |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4400mAh | Motorola should offer slightly longer battery life; Enough to last a full day for most users |
| Charging | 25W fast | 68W fast | Motorola charges significantly faster, reducing downtime; Samsung has wireless charging capabilities though. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No In-Box Charger | None | Samsung has Wireless charging capabilities though the Motorola charger is superior |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 200 nits brighter, making it better for outdoor use.
- More Camera Features: Offers optical zoom, continuous autofocus, and manual focus, and has a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Wireless Charging The Samsung device has support for wireless charging, which isn't present on the Motorola phone.
- Better Audio Features The Samsung offers a noise cancellation microphone, which isn't present on the Motorola phone.
- Better Screen Protection Samsung utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which is a superior protection technology, while the Motorola's is unknown.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite Samsung offers a barometer sensor, Hall Sensor, and Geomagnetic sensor.
- Tested DxOMark Scores The Samsung has been tested and has ratings from DxOMark which can be useful to some
Practical Implications: The S21 5G is better for users who frequently use their phone outdoors, need high-quality zoom shots, and desire flexible focusing controls. The extra sensors also cater to specific needs like navigation and environmental data.
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive experience for media and gaming.
- Faster Refresh Rate: Results in smoother scrolling and animation.
- Better Performance: Superior Antutu score with the Snapdragon 888+ chip for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Larger Battery: Offers slightly better battery life.
- Faster Charging: Recharges the phone much faster with 68W charging.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures more detail in photos.
- Laser Autofocus: Enables faster focusing, especially in low-light situations.
- Newer OS and Bluetooth Version: Comes with Android 12 and Bluetooth 5.2
Practical Implications: The Edge 30 Fusion is better for users who prioritize a smooth, responsive experience, heavy multitasking, gaming and quick charging times. The improved camera sensor also translates to better photo quality.
Trade-offs
- Samsung S21 5G: While it has a brighter screen and more camera features, it compromises slightly on raw performance, battery life, and charging speed compared to the Motorola.
- Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: Lacks telephoto lens and optical zoom, has a less bright display, and lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Bright display excels under direct sunlight.
- Photography Lovers: Optical zoom and detailed camera features are a key benefit.
- Feature Rich User: The extra sensor and added features that it comes with, will suit someone who wants all those features.
- Wireless Charging Lover: The wireless charging capabilities mean it can sit on charge while not being used.
- Brand Loyalist: Users who are loyal to the Samsung brand and its ecosystem.
Use Cases:
- Taking outdoor photos/videos
- Detailed zoom photography
- Navigating outdoors with the barometer sensor
- Wireless charging
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion Ideal User:
- Power Users: Demanding gamers and multitaskers will benefit from the Snapdragon chipset and larger RAM option.
- Media Consumers: Larger display and faster refresh rate enhance video watching and browsing.
- Frequent Chargers: Faster charging means less downtime.
- Value Seekers: Offers high performance at a competitive price point.
- General User: Someone who wants a great all round phone, with a solid build and good features
Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive games
- Watching movies and videos on the go
- Heavy app multitasking
- Quickly charging the phone between tasks
- Everyday tasks like messaging
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion typically offers a slightly better price-to-performance ratio, especially considering its newer chipset and faster charging.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G justifies its price with a superior display, better camera features, and established brand value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is outdoor visibility and zoom capabilities in a camera?
- How much do you value raw performance and charging speed versus a full feature-set?
- What specific features are most important to you (e.g. wireless charging, screen protection, and sensors)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Outdoor Photography and Navigation.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. The superior display brightness, optical zoom, and extra sensors make it a better choice.
Scenario 2: Heavy Gaming and Media Consumption.
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. The faster processor, higher refresh rate, larger screen, and faster charging make it the better choice.
Scenario 3: Everyday User Seeking Value and All Round Performance.
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. The slightly better chipset, faster charging and large screen at a competitive price point is a better choice for this user.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would opt for the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a brighter display and better zoom capabilities in the camera, the Motorola's faster processor, quicker charging, and larger screen better suit my general needs. I prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience and prefer quick top-ups over wireless charging. The better performance is valuable for my daily usage.
