1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 40 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 158.4 x 72 x 7.6 mm | Edge 40 is taller, S21 5G is slightly thicker. Edge 40 might feel slightly larger in hand. |
| Weight | 169g | 167g | Negligible difference in weight, both feel light |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.55" | Edge 40 offers a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals. |
| PPI | 421 | 402 | S21 5G has a slightly sharper display, though the difference is barely noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar high-quality display technologies, expect vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 40 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 5G has better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm) | Both offer good performance for daily tasks. Slight advantage for S21 5G due to 5nm chip manufacturing process. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 762,526 | Both deliver comparable performance, excellent for everyday use and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Slight difference in GPU architecture, both handle demanding games well but S21 may have the upper hand. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 50MP f/1.4, 1/1.55" sensor | Edge 40 has higher resolution and better low light performance (wider aperture and larger sensor) |
| Rear (Telephoto) | 64MP f/2.0 | N/A | S21 5G has a telephoto lens for better zoom, Edge 40 is missing. |
| Rear (Wide) | 12MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.2 | Similar wide angle performance. |
| Selfie | 10MP f/2.2 | 32MP f/2.4 | Edge 40 offers higher resolution selfies. S21 5G has a wider aperture, better low light selfies. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | S21 5G offers higher resolution video recording. Both phones can take smooth and stable videos. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | N/A | S21 5G camera performance is rated by Dxomark, Edge 40 is not, making direct comparison difficult. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4400mAh | Edge 40 may offer slightly better battery life |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Edge 40 charges significantly faster |
| Features | Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W | Wireless Charging 15W | S21 5G offers reverse wireless charging. Edge 40 lacks reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 13, upgradable to 15 | Edge 40 comes with a newer version of android out of the box, both phones get the same software updates. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB | Edge 40 only comes in 256GB version. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both offer plenty of RAM for most use cases |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports MicroSD cards |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar WiFi features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Edge 40 has a newer Bluetooth version, better for audio quality. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Edge 40 supports eSIM and a physical nano-SIM. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | S21 5G offers noise cancelling microphone. Edge 40 has 3 microphones for better voice recording |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G screen is more resistant to scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 5G has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior scratch and shatter resistance.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers dedicated zoom capability, useful for photography enthusiasts.
- Higher Video Recording Resolution: Capable of recording 8K video, advantageous for high-quality video needs.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Ability to wirelessly charge other devices, offering more versatility.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Has a barometer useful for fitness tracking or other environmental sensing applications.
- DXOMark Scores: Camera quality has been benchmarked, providing an estimate of performance.
Motorola Edge 40 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience for content consumption and gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz offers smoother scrolling and animation, enhancing user interface experience.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging allows for faster replenishment of the battery.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Superior low-light performance and higher resolution from main camera sensor.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 for better audio experience and connectivity.
- Newer Android Version: Android 13 out of the box.
- eSIM Support: Offers the flexibility of digital carrier switching.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Lacks faster charging. Older Bluetooth and Android.
- Edge 40: Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens and reverse wireless charging. Also, it lacks specific screen protection information and a barometer sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize zoom capability and versatility with camera modes, as well as high-quality video recording.
- Users Needing Durable Build: Those seeking better screen protection for peace of mind from accidental drops.
- Users with Smart Accessories: Those who value reverse wireless charging to charge their accessories.
- Users who appreciate detailed sensor data: Those seeking a barometer for accurate altitude readings.
Use Cases:
- High-resolution video recording for content creation.
- Zooming in on distant objects without loss of quality.
- Everyday use where the phone needs to be robust.
- Using the phone for advanced fitness tracking.
Ideal Users for Motorola Edge 40:
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who value a larger display for watching videos and playing games.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who want a smooth visual experience with a higher refresh rate.
- Users Needing Fast Charging: People who prioritize quickly topping up their phone battery.
- Frequent Travelers: Users who can benefit from eSIM capabilities.
- Casual Photographers: Users who are looking for good low light performance from the main camera.
Use Cases:
- Enjoying streaming services with a large display and smooth refresh rate.
- Quickly charging before going out, useful for busy days.
- Traveling with the option to easily change carriers via eSIM.
- Taking social media pictures in low light.
Price-to-Value:
- The S21 5G has better screen protection, telephoto lens, video recording, reverse charging and sensor capabilities.
- The Edge 40 has a larger screen, refresh rate, better main camera and fast charging.
- The ideal value will depend on the user preference of these key points.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Camera Priorities: Do you prioritize zoom capabilities (S21 5G) or low-light performance (Edge 40)? Do you need 8K video?
- Display Preference: Do you prefer a slightly sharper display (S21 5G) or a larger display with a higher refresh rate (Edge 40)?
- Battery Needs: Do you need wireless reverse charging and a slightly longer battery life (S21 5G) or is fast charging and a larger battery more important (Edge 40)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Travel and Photography: If you take lots of photos and videos and need a telephoto lens and 8K video, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is better suited.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gaming and Content Consumption: If you play a lot of games or watch movies on your phone and want faster charging, the Motorola Edge 40 would be the better option.
- Scenario 3: Durability & All-Around use: If you’re looking for an all-rounder with great screen protection and sensor suite, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the way to go.
- Scenario 4: Latest Android OS and Audio: If you prefer the latest version of Android, and a better audio experience, the Motorola Edge 40 would be a more suitable option.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 40. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a better camera and more versatile charging, I prioritize the larger display, higher refresh rate for a better gaming experience, and the significantly faster charging. The newer Bluetooth and Android versions are also attractive. Though the S21 5G has a better build quality and telephoto lens, the Edge 40’s low light camera performance, larger display, faster charging speed, and higher refresh rate align more with my everyday needs and habits.
