Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162.8 × 73.8 × 9.2 mm | S21 5G is more compact and pocketable. Moto G Stylus 5G is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 202g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. Moto G Stylus 5G feels heavier. |
| Build | Glass front/back, aluminum frame | Unspecified | S21 5G has a more premium feel due to the glass and aluminum build. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | Moto G Stylus 5G has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. S21 5G is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness, resulting in similar detail in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 399 PPI | S21 5G offers slightly sharper image with higher pixel density but the difference is not major in real use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, plus better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a very smooth scrolling and animations experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright conditions due to its very high brightness. The Moto G Stylus 5G's brightness is not specified making its outdoor visibility questionable. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | S21 5G's chipset provides better performance for demanding tasks. Moto G Stylus 5G’s chipset offers good mid-range performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 565,000 | S21 5G delivers noticeably faster app loading, smoother UI experience, and better gaming performance due to its significantly higher score. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 710 | S21 5G's GPU will handle graphically intensive games and applications more smoothly, while the Moto G Stylus 5G is more suitable for average daily usage. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55", 1.0µm pixels | Moto G Stylus 5G captures more detailed images in good lighting due to higher resolution. S21 5G captures better quality pictures in low light due to larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm pixels | N/A | S21 5G offers optical zoom for superior zoomed shots and portrait mode. The Moto G Stylus 5G lacks a dedicated zoom lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm pixels | 16MP, f/2.5, unspecified sensor, unspecified pixel size | Moto G Stylus 5G has higher resolution for selfies. S21 5G’s wider aperture allows better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.2, unspecified sensor, 1.12µm pixels | S21 5G captures higher-resolution wide-angle photos. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | S21 5G captures higher quality videos with 8K resolution and more frame rate options, suitable for professional use. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 90) | Not tested | S21 5G provides better overall camera performance based on the DxOMark score. The Moto G Stylus 5G's camera quality has not been independently tested. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 132 (Photo: 125, Video: 145) | Not tested | S21 5G provides better overall selfie camera performance based on the DxOMark score. The Moto G Stylus 5G's selfie camera quality has not been independently tested. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G Stylus 5G has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. Actual endurance depends on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | S21 5G charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | No Wireless Charging, No Reverse Charging | S21 5G supports wireless charging for convenience and reverse wireless charging to power other devices. The Moto G Stylus 5G does not offer these features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display provides much better image quality, contrast, and outdoor visibility.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming and demanding tasks, as indicated by the AnTuTu score.
- Better Camera System: Offers a more versatile camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens, 8K video recording, and better low-light performance.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Premium Build: Boasts a more premium build with glass and aluminum construction, offering better feel and perceived quality.
- Better camera performance: Has better DxOmark scores for both main camera and selfie camera.
- More comprehensive sensor suite: Includes compass and barometer sensors for advanced features.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.6" display offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life, which is good for heavy users.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 13, offering the latest features and updates out of the box.
- Potentially Better Battery life: Larger capacity gives it the potential for longer usage.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Smaller display and battery, potentially shorter battery life, does not have latest operating system.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): Slower processor, inferior display, less versatile camera, and no wireless charging capabilities. The screen brightness is not specified, which may result in poor performance under sunlight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize display quality, performance, and camera capabilities, and appreciate premium build quality.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who need smooth gameplay and fast load times.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Users who frequently consume video content or need a high-quality screen.
- Users who want convenient wireless charging.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Ideal User: Users who want a larger display for media consumption, and need long-lasting battery life with newer software features.
- Use Cases:
- Users who consume a lot of video content and need a large screen.
- Users who need a long battery life for extended use.
- Users who want a recent version of Android OS out of the box.
- Users who use the Stylus pen.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Motorola offers a more budget-friendly option for the features it provides.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming/performance, photography, multimedia consumption, or battery life)
- How important is display quality to you? (Do you need vibrant colors and great outdoor visibility, or is a functional display enough?)
- How important is wireless charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
For Performance and Camera Users: If you want a powerful phone with a great camera, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. It offers superior performance and a versatile camera system.
For Long Battery and Multimedia Users: If you prioritize a large screen, long battery life, and want a recent version of Android at a more affordable price, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a better option.
Budget-Conscious Consumers: If cost is a major factor, the Motorola might be a better value since the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G could be more expensive.
My Choice and Explanation
Given the provided data, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) has some merits, such as its larger battery and screen, the overall experience offered by the S21 5G is significantly superior. Here's why:
Superior Display: The AMOLED display on the S21 5G is a critical factor for me. The combination of vibrant colors, true blacks, and excellent brightness is something I value highly, especially when consuming video or working outdoors.
Performance: The faster processor and higher benchmarks of the S21 5G guarantee smooth operation and a more fluid user experience. The performance difference is a significant win, particularly if I want to engage in gaming or other intensive applications.
Camera System: I value camera versatility, and the S21 5G's inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens and the higher-quality video recording make it the more appealing option for capturing content. The higher DxOmark scores also confirm the better quality camera.
Build and Additional Features: The premium build quality of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the inclusion of wireless charging provide a better overall experience that aligns with my preferences, making it worth the investment.
Although the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) has a larger battery, the performance trade-offs and inferior display of the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) make the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G the better pick for me. The superior camera and display are the crucial factors for my choice.
