1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162.7 × 74.7 × 8.2 mm | S21 is more compact and easier to handle; G23 is larger and may be less comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 184.3g | S21 is lighter and more comfortable for extended use and portability. G23 is heavier, potentially feeling bulkier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | G23 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption, but S21 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21's display is significantly sharper with far more detail, ideal for text and high-resolution content. G23 has a lower pixel density, potentially looking less sharp. |
| PPI | 421 | 270 | S21's sharper display provides a noticeably better viewing experience. G23's display may appear pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21's AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast; more vibrant than the G23's LCD and more power efficient in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21’s 120Hz display offers slightly smoother animations and scrolling compared to G23’s 90Hz. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 has much better outdoor visibility with significantly higher brightness, whereas the G23's brightness is not specified and assumed to be lower. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | S21 is significantly faster, offering smoother multitasking and gaming experiences. G23 is slower and may struggle with demanding apps or games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 225,154 | S21 offers dramatically better overall performance (app loading, multitasking, gaming) and should feel snappier in day-to-day use. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 provides a much better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1.80µm, Sony IMX555) | 50MP (f/1.8, 0.64µm) | G23 offers higher resolution but S21's sensor size is larger, possibly better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP (f/2.0, 0.80µm, Samsung Bright S5KGW2) | None | S21 has a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom, while G23 relies on digital zoom. |
| Ultrawide + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1.40µm, Sony IMX563) | None | S21 provides more versatile ultrawide angle shots with larger sensor and pixel size, better for capturing landscapes. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1.22µm, Sony IMX374) | 16MP (f/2.5, 1.00µm) | G23 has higher resolution, S21 has a slightly wider aperture. S21’s larger pixel size on its sensor could result in better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP (f/2.2) | G23 offers a wide angle lens for more expansive landscape shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | G23 offers a macro lens for extreme close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 offers professional-grade video quality, with higher resolution and more slow-motion capabilities than the G23. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 111 | Not Tested | S21 has been thoroughly tested and scored by DxoMark, ensuring reliable camera performance, whereas the G23’s camera performance is unknown. |
| DxoMark Selfie Score | 132 | Not Tested | S21 has been thoroughly tested and scored by DxoMark, ensuring reliable camera performance, whereas the G23’s camera performance is unknown. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, Continuous autofocus | Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization | S21 offers a wider range of features, enhancing the quality and versatility of photos and videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | G23 has a larger battery capacity and may last longer on a single charge. Battery life depends on usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | G23 has slightly faster charging, resulting in quicker battery replenishment. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | S21 supports 15W wireless charging, adding convenience for users. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | None | S21 can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (no known max version) | G23 has a newer version of Android out of the box. S21 has 4 years of OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 has faster speeds, lower latency and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | G23 has a slightly newer version, though both offer similar functionality. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | Standard + SUPL | S21 has higher location accuracy through more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB / 256GB | 64GB / 128GB | S21 has an option for more storage, allowing users to store more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB / 8GB | Both offer 8GB variants, allowing users to multitask well. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both offer similar audio quality, but the S21 has added noise cancellation for voice calls, while the G23 has 2 mics. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G23 offers a more modern and convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has more advanced scratch and drop protection for the display. G23's screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 includes more sensors, ideal for more demanding use cases. Barometer for measuring air pressure and elevation. The compass is useful for navigation apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, higher brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate offer a much better visual experience.
- Faster Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide substantially better performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers optical zoom, OIS, 4K/8K video recording, and a more versatile camera setup (telephoto, ultrawide, and wide + macro lens), all features that the G23 doesn't have.
- Wireless Charging: Includes 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Better Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, more satellite systems for better GPS accuracy, and more Bluetooth features.
- Premium Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides significantly better screen protection and build quality.
- More Sensors: Includes Barometer, Compass, and Hall for greater versatility.
- Audio Quality: Has a noise cancelling microphone for clearer calls and recordings.
- Software Support: Guaranteed 4 years of software updates
- DXoMark Scores: Reliable camera performance is backed by thorough testing and scoring from DXoMark.
Motorola Moto G23 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may provide longer battery life.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 30W fast charging vs 25W.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13 out of the box.
- Wider Angle and Macro Lens: Offers a wider angle lens and a macro lens for taking a variety of shots.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more convenient placement than the S21's in-screen sensor.
- Lower Price: Likely to be more budget-friendly.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 sacrifices battery capacity and a newer OS for superior performance, display, camera, and build quality.
- The G23 provides longer battery and a more modern OS at the cost of significantly lower performance, screen quality and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a premium visual experience, smooth performance, and excellent camera quality. Gamers, content creators, and those who consume a lot of media will benefit significantly.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, video recording, photography, multitasking demanding apps, watching movies and streaming content. Outdoor usage in bright light.
- Price-to-Value: Despite being an older flagship, it offers a significantly better experience than the G23, especially when available at a reduced price, which provides a high-value proposition for those seeking high-end performance without paying current flagship prices.
Motorola Moto G23:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable device for everyday tasks with longer battery life. Users who do not prioritize high-end performance or camera capabilities.
- Use Cases: Basic web browsing, social media, casual gaming, and general use with longer battery life.
- Price-to-Value: It offers a more affordable option with a larger battery and a newer OS, representing good value for basic smartphone use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The G23 will likely be cheaper. The S21, when available at discounted prices, can offer a higher value.
- How important is display and performance? If you value visual fidelity, smooth performance, and more demanding tasks, the S21 is a clear choice. For basic usage, the G23 is acceptable.
- What are your camera needs? If you need versatile camera capabilities, the S21 is a better choice. For simple snapshots and videos, the G23 is sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance & Media Focused): If you want a high-end device for gaming, streaming, and photography, and you value screen quality and performance, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
- Scenario 2 (Budget & Battery Focused): If your primary concern is affordability and battery life, and you don’t need top-tier performance or a high-end camera, the Motorola Moto G23 is a good option.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want a good all-around phone with a good performance and camera, consider the Galaxy S21.
- Scenario 4 (Casual User): If your needs are basic, and you prioritize battery life and newer software, the Moto G23 is a good choice.
My Choice
Given the information provided, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While it is an older model, the performance and display quality differences are so significant that they outweigh the benefits of the G23. The drastically superior display, higher performance, and better camera system make the S21 a much more compelling device for my use case. I prioritize a smooth, responsive experience, especially when using demanding apps or gaming. The inclusion of features like wireless charging and a more robust build also align with my preferences. While the G23 has a newer OS and larger battery, the core experience offered by the S21 is simply on another level in terms of performance, display quality, and camera versatility.
