1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-09-08 | Motorola is significantly newer, potentially with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.8 × 73.5 × 8.4 mm | Motorola is larger, may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 198.5g | Samsung is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.67" | Motorola provides more screen real estate for content consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same detail. |
| PPI | 421 | 395 | Samsung has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density, though the difference may be minor in real-world use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, the difference in the technology is mostly negligible. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola screen looks slightly smoother in animations and fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1250 nits | Samsung screen may be a bit more visible under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Motorola offers significantly faster processing, better for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,231,300 | Motorola performs much better in benchmarks. Expect faster app loading and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | Motorola's GPU is more powerful, leading to better gaming performance and graphics processing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4610mAh | Motorola offers longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 125W fast charging | Motorola charges much faster, convenient for users on the go. |
| Features | Wireless 15W, Reverse wireless 4.5W | Wireless 50W, Reverse wireless 10W | Motorola has faster wireless charging, and faster reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 200MP, f/1.95, 1/1.22" | Motorola captures much more detail with main sensor. Samsung has better low light due to larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom and portrait photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Motorola captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/1.6 | Motorola offers dedicated zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | Motorola has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | Samsung has a dedicated ultra-wide and macro camera. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both support high-resolution video, but Motorola records at a slightly higher framerate. |
| DXOMARK (Mobile) | 111 (overall) | Not Available | Samsung camera performance is rated by DXOMARK. |
| DXOMARK (Selfie) | 132 (overall) | Not Available | Samsung selfie camera performance is rated by DXOMARK. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 12 (up to 13) | Samsung might receive more updates, but Motorola offers a newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. Motorola includes Wi-Fi MiMO for potentially more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Motorola has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, SUPL, Galileo | Motorola offers more precise location data due to better GPS satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM setups. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | Motorola may perform better in heavy multitasking with the 12 GB model. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo sound and support Dolby Atmos, Samsung has a noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Samsung has a superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung has a barometer, giving it additional environmental sensing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry, especially for smaller hands.
- Slightly Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for clearer text and images, even though the difference is slight.
- More Mature Software Experience: Potentially more stable software and longer support life.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior scratch resistance.
- Telephoto Camera: Dedicated lens for better zoom capabilities and portrait photography.
- Wider Angle + Macro Lens: Offers both wide angle and macro features in a single lens.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Better audio quality for calls.
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset offers vastly better performance in demanding tasks.
- Larger Display: More immersive experience for media and games.
- Smoother Display: Higher refresh rate provides smoother motion during fast-paced gaming and scrolling.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger capacity allows for extended use before needing a recharge.
- Much Faster Charging: Rapid 125W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Main 200MP camera captures more detail, which can be helpful for editing and cropping.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Front-facing camera is more detailed for selfies.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Offers improved zoom capabilities.
- Dedicated Wide Angle Lens: Ability to take detailed wide-angle photos.
- Newer Bluetooth: Provides newer Bluetooth features and more stable connections.
- Better GPS Support: More accurate and reliable location tracking.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Samsung's Lighter Build vs. Motorola's Performance: Users need to choose between comfortable handling and power.
- Samsung's More Mature OS vs. Motorola's Newer OS: Users will need to decide between a more stable software experience with a bit older Android version, or a newer Android version that might be less mature.
- Samsung's Telephoto + Macro Lens vs Motorola's Telephoto and Wide Angle Lens: Both have a slightly different approach to their camera setups.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a comfortable, lightweight design and compact form factor.
- Individuals who prefer a more mature software experience with potentially longer software support.
- Those who appreciate a sharper screen with strong colors.
- Users who need a reliable all-around camera system including telephoto and macro features.
- Users who need noise cancellation microphones.
- Users that are comfortable with older but mature technology
Use Cases:
- Everyday use, browsing, social media, and moderate gaming.
- Users who need a reliable and well-rounded device for general tasks and media consumption.
- Users who use their camera frequently and like to zoom and take macro shots.
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra Ideal User:
- Gamers and power users who require top-tier performance.
- Users who prefer a larger display for immersive gaming and media consumption.
- Those who prioritize long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who want a capable camera system with a very high-resolution main camera and telephoto and wide-angle lenses
- Users who value the latest technology.
Use Cases:
- Demanding gaming and resource-intensive applications.
- Heavy multitasking and video editing.
- Users who frequently travel and need long battery life.
- Photography enthusiasts who desire high-resolution photos and versatile zoom capabilities.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra generally offers a better price-to-performance ratio for users who need the latest technology and best-in-class processing power, especially if bought on discount. The Samsung S21 5G still is a viable option and would be better if you can find it for a bargain, but as of now, it is not the best choice for value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance or a compact design? If performance is paramount, the Motorola is the clear winner. If a smaller device is preferred, the Samsung may be a better fit.
- How important is battery life and fast charging to you? The Motorola is a much stronger contender if you need a longer-lasting battery and very fast charging capabilities.
- How important is a good and mature software experience? Samsung might be a better contender if you prefer a more mature software experience, while the Motorola offers a newer OS, but might be less refined.
- How important are specific camera features? If a dedicated telephoto lens and a wide + macro lens is essential for you, the Samsung is a great choice. If you prefer high-resolution, dedicated wide-angle and telephoto lenses, then the Motorola is a good fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious User): If budget is your primary concern and you are ok with older technology, look for deals on the Samsung Galaxy S21. If they are priced close, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra might be a better fit due to its processing power.
- Scenario 2 (Gaming Enthusiast): The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is the clear choice due to its superior performance and higher refresh rate display.
- Scenario 3 (Everyday User): If battery life and speed are not a major concern, and a lighter, more compact device is important to you, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 is a great fit. If a good display, and better processing power is needed, then the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is a good choice.
- Scenario 4 (Photography Focus): If you need a dedicated telephoto and wide + macro lens, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 is a good fit. If you need very high-resolution capabilities, a dedicated wide angle and telephoto lens, then the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra might be a better fit.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra.
Here's why:
- Performance: As a power user, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is a game-changer for me. It offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks, multitasking, and modern gaming. The faster GPU and greater amount of RAM also play a role in the general experience.
- Battery Life and Charging: The larger battery and 125W charging is very compelling and would make my daily usage very convenient.
- Display: While the pixel density is slightly lower than on the Samsung, the larger display and 144Hz refresh rate provides a more enjoyable visual experience, especially for gaming and video consumption.
- Modern features: As a user that wants the latest features, the newer Bluetooth version, greater GPS support, and 200MP main camera are very attractive.
- Future-Proofing: While both devices do not have expandable storage, the Edge 30 Ultra has better specs to ensure usability for many more years.
While I value the more compact size and potentially better software from the Samsung, the performance gains and feature upgrades of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra are more important to me in a smartphone.
