1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | S21 5G is more compact and pocketable, while G24 is taller and wider. |
| Weight | 169g | 181g | S21 5G is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.56" | G24 offers a larger screen for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | S21 5G has a much sharper and clearer display for detailed content. |
| Pixel Density | 421 ppi | 269 ppi | S21 5G has significantly higher pixel density resulting in a sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better outdoor visibility with much higher brightness (1300 nits vs 500 nits). |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 500 nits | S21 5G has drastically better screen visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | S21 5G's chipset is significantly more powerful, providing better app performance and gaming capabilities. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 266,894 | S21 5G offers considerably faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming experiences. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 5G's GPU is much more powerful, enabling better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | G24 has higher megapixel count, but S21 5G's larger pixel size and better sensor result in improved low-light performance and image quality. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21 5G has optical zoom and improved portrait capabilities. |
| Ultra-Wide | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | S21 5G offers much better ultra-wide photos. G24's wide-angle camera is very low-resolution. |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | G24 offers basic macro capabilities, while S21 5G does not have a dedicated macro lens but has a very good ultra-wide lens that can act as macro. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | S21 5G captures higher resolution selfies with better image quality despite the narrower aperture. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 5G has significantly more advanced video recording capabilities, including higher resolutions and frame rates, with HDR and stabilization. |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 90 | Not Available | S21 5G demonstrates superior image quality according to DxoMark testing. |
| DxoMark (Selfie) | Main: 132, Photo: 125, Video: 145 | Not Available | S21 5G demonstrates superior selfie camera quality according to DxoMark testing. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization | S21 5G offers more advanced camera features like OIS and optical zoom leading to better quality images and videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | G24 has larger battery capacity, likely providing longer battery life, though optimized usage is necessary to achieve this. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | S21 5G charges faster than G24. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21 5G supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Version: 15 | Android 14 | G24 has a newer version of Android out of the box. S21 5G supports upgrades up to Android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | S21 5G supports the faster WiFi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Both support Bluetooth 5.0 LE, but S21 5G has more advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | S21 5G offers more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/8 GB | S21 5G comes with 8GB as standard, while the G24 is available with either 4 or 8 GB RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 5G offers a noise-canceling microphone for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | G24 offers a faster and more convenient side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G offers superior scratch and shatter resistance on the display. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 5G has an additional Barometer sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness offer a much better viewing experience.
- Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers much faster processing, better multitasking, and smoother gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher quality main camera, dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, and much better video recording capabilities, higher quality ultrawide, with OIS, make this a much better option for photography and videography.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Supports 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging, adding convenience.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection offers enhanced scratch and shatter resistance.
- More Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6 and more advanced Bluetooth codecs, providing faster wireless connections and better audio quality.
- Enhanced Audio Features: includes noise cancellation mic.
Motorola Moto G24 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, for users who prioritize battery life.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer Android version (Android 14) out of the box, although the S21 can be updated.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Arguably a more convenient and faster way to unlock the phone.
- Lower Price: Likely available at a lower price point, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: A dedicated macro lens may be useful for niche photography.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G24 compromises significantly on display quality, processing power, camera capabilities, and build quality for its lower price and larger battery.
- The S21 5G is a premium phone with high-end features, but it's an older phone, and likely more expensive than the G24.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize display quality: Those who watch a lot of videos, browse photos, or want an excellent visual experience.
- Mobile gamers: Users who play graphic-intensive games or require smooth performance.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality photos and videos, along with features like optical zoom and OIS.
- Power users: Individuals who need fast processing for multitasking and demanding apps.
- Those who want a compact phone: Users who prefer a smaller phone.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically demanding mobile games with smooth frame rates.
- Watching high-resolution videos or streaming movies.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Editing photos and videos on the go, using demanding apps.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously without lag or performance issues.
Motorola Moto G24 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who want a decent phone without spending too much.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need their phone to last all day.
- Users with basic smartphone needs: Users who primarily make calls, send texts, and browse social media.
- Users who prefer larger screens Those who watch a lot of videos or like to play games and prefer a larger display.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases:
- Daily web browsing, social media, and communication.
- Streaming music and podcasts.
- Basic photography in good lighting conditions.
- Making calls, sending texts, and using basic apps.
- Users who like the larger display.
- Users who like a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The G24 is more affordable, whereas the S21 5G may have a higher price.
- How important is display quality to you? If you value a high-resolution, vibrant display, the S21 5G is the better choice.
- How do you use your phone? If you are a mobile gamer or photographer, the S21 5G is a better option. If you prioritize basic tasks and battery life, the G24 might be sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Power User. You need top performance, a great display, and a fantastic camera for heavy use.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Its advanced features justify the extra cost.
- Scenario 2: The Budget User. You just need a phone for basic tasks and want long battery life without overspending.
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G24. It provides the necessary features at a lower price.
- Scenario 3: The Media Enthusiast. You enjoy watching videos and playing games and want a decent experience.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Although the G24 has a slightly larger display, the S21 5G's display has higher quality. The performance is also vastly superior on the S21 5G for a better gaming experience.
- Scenario 4: The Photography Enthusiast. You value high-quality photos and want to take the best photos that you can.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. The S21 5G offers a vastly superior camera system that is far better for this scenario.
What I would choose and why:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Motorola Moto G24 has the advantage of a larger battery and a lower price, the S21 5G offers a significantly better experience in several crucial areas. I prioritize a high-quality display, powerful performance, and a versatile camera system. The AMOLED screen with its higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and superior brightness, along with the significantly better processing power, would make my daily usage much more enjoyable. The camera system is also significantly better, which is important for my needs. Although the S21 5G is an older model, its top-end features at the time of release still outperform the G24.
