Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Motorola Edge 40 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.2 × 74 × 8.6 mm | Edge 40 Pro is larger and slightly bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 199g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more portable and comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.67" | Edge 40 Pro has a larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution, both offer sharp images. |
| PPI | 421 | 394 | S21 5G has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks; negligible real-world difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | Edge 40 Pro provides smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | S21 5G is brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Edge 40 Pro has a much faster and more efficient chipset, resulting in quicker app loading and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,532,500 | Edge 40 Pro provides significantly better performance, handling demanding tasks with greater ease. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | Edge 40 Pro's GPU is more powerful, leading to better graphics performance in games and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4600mAh | Edge 40 Pro has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 125W fast charging | Edge 40 Pro offers significantly faster charging, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | 15W wireless, 5W reverse wired | S21 5G offers reverse wireless charging while the Edge 40 Pro supports faster wired reverse charging. Both offer similar wireless charging speeds. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | Edge 40 Pro's higher resolution captures more detail, and larger sensor size may improve low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | N/A | S21 5G provides telephoto zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.61µm | Edge 40 Pro's selfie camera has much higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | Edge 40 Pro offers dedicated telephoto zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Edge 40 Pro provides a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | N/A | S21 5G provides a wide-angle camera with macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer high-quality video recording. Edge 40 Pro supports a higher frame rate at 8K. |
| DxOMark Mobile | Main: 111 Photo: 118 Video: 90 | Main: 130 Photo: 133 Video: 135 | Edge 40 Pro achieves higher overall camera score (19 points), better photo performance (15 points) and much better video (45 points). |
| DxOMark Selfie | Main: 132 Photo: 125 Video: 145 | N/A | S21 5G's selfie camera has been tested, indicating good performance, however, Edge 40 Pro has higher resolution camera. |
| Features | OIS, Digital zoom, Optical zoom | OIS, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Time-Lapse, Dual Capture | Edge 40 Pro offers additional creative modes like Time-Lapse and Dual Capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 16) | Edge 40 Pro comes with a newer version of Android and is likely to receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Edge 40 Pro offers newer Wi-Fi standards for faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Edge 40 Pro supports a newer Bluetooth standard, potentially providing improved performance and efficiency |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), Beidou | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), SUPL | S21 5G supports more satellite systems potentially providing better location accuracy; the difference is likely minor for most users. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Edge 40 Pro offers eSIM support for added flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Edge 40 Pro offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | Edge 40 Pro's larger RAM allows for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 4 microphones | Edge 40 Pro has more microphones which is useful for better sound quality when recording video or voice notes, and potentially enhanced spatial audio, while S21 5G offers noise cancellation on the mic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both have basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 5G has additional environmental sensors such as a Barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and higher RAM deliver superior performance in all areas, including app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Smoother Display: The 165Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother visual experience for scrolling, animations, and games.
- Better Camera Performance: The Edge 40 Pro has a much higher DxOMark score across all aspects, indicating better photo and video quality. Additional telephoto and wide angle lenses allow for more creative options and flexibility.
- Faster Charging: 125W charging significantly reduces charging time, a major convenience.
- Larger Battery: The 4600mAh battery provides better battery life.
- eSIM Support: Provides additional flexibility for mobile plans.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android and is likely to get more OS upgrades.
- More Storage: Comes with more storage and options.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more pocketable due to its smaller size and lower weight.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits brightness improves visibility in direct sunlight.
- Telephoto/Portrait camera: Dedicated telephoto zoom for better close-ups and portraits
- Wide Angle + Macro: Dedicated Wide Angle with Macro for versatile shooting.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- More GPS: It supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Superior voice capture in noisy conditions.
- Barometer: Measures altitude.
Trade-offs:
- The Edge 40 Pro is larger and heavier, which may not be ideal for users who prefer a more compact device.
- The S21 5G is older, has lower performance, and less storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Motorola Edge 40 Pro:
- Power Users: People who need maximum performance for demanding tasks, including gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who want a large, smooth display for watching videos and playing games.
- Photography Lovers: Those who want to capture high-quality photos and videos with versatile lenses.
- Users Wanting the Latest Technology: Desire the newest software and connectivity standards.
Use Cases for Motorola Edge 40 Pro:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Editing 4K/8K videos on the go.
- Running demanding productivity apps.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in various conditions.
- Using the device as a primary hub for media consumption.
- Users who often travel internationally and want to utilize eSIM.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Users Prioritizing Portability and Ergonomics: Those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone that is comfortable to hold.
- Users Spending A Lot of Time Outdoors: People who need a bright display that's easily visible in sunlight.
- General Users: Those who don't require top-tier performance but value a good all-around smartphone with a reliable camera system and good features.
- Users who need Macro: Those who need a wide angle camera with macro.
- Users who need Reverse Wireless Charging: Those who often need to charge other devices on the go
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Everyday communication and social media use.
- Capturing photos and videos for personal memories.
- Using the phone while commuting or traveling, or in sunlight conditions.
- Basic mobile gaming and streaming.
- Users who need reverse wireless charging for their earbuds and accessories.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Edge 40 Pro, while likely more expensive, offers a significantly better performance and camera which, in terms of price-to-value, is good for those who need the performance.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers value for users on a budget who don't need the highest end performance, and may be found at a lower price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance (gaming, demanding apps) to you? If you prioritize top-tier performance, the Edge 40 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you prefer a more compact, portable phone, or a larger screen for media consumption? If portability is crucial, the S21 5G is better; otherwise, the Edge 40 Pro offers a larger screen.
- How much does camera quality matter to you? If photography is a priority, the Edge 40 Pro offers a significantly better overall experience and is more versatile.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Motorola Edge 40 Pro for its superior chipset, GPU, and refresh rate.
- Frequent Traveler: The Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers eSIM and newer WiFi 7 for better connections.
- Outdoor Photographer: The Motorola Edge 40 Pro is the better choice for its quality and versatility.
- Budget-Conscious Buyer: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a good choice if high performance isn't a must and you are looking for a good phone at a lower price.
- User Preferring Portability: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the best option due to its compact design.
- User needing Reverse Wireless Charging: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
My Choice:
Based on my analysis, I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has some strengths in portability and a brighter display, the Edge 40 Pro's significant advantages in performance, camera quality, display smoothness, charging speed, and battery life make it the superior device for my needs. As a user who values performance for demanding tasks, high quality cameras, and new features, the additional bulk and size of the Edge 40 Pro are an acceptable trade-off for me. The Edge 40 Pro also offers a more future proof and consistent experience due to its hardware and newer software.
