1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | S21 is significantly smaller and thinner, easier to handle and pocket. G30 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 169g | 200g | S21 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long-term use. G30 will feel heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | G30 offers a slightly larger viewing area. S21 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21 has a much sharper display, text and images will appear crisper. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 269 PPI | S21 displays finer details with higher pixel density. G30 will have a less detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 has better color accuracy, contrast, and deeper blacks, resulting in a more vibrant picture. G30's colors are less vibrant and blacks will appear greyish. S21 AMOLED is better for outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 has smoother scrolling and animations. G30 has a decent refresh rate, but it's not as smooth as S21. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is much brighter, easily viewable in direct sunlight. G30's brightness spec is missing, may be hard to use under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | S21's chipset is significantly more powerful, handles demanding tasks like gaming and video editing with ease. G30 is slower, will struggle with intense apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 170,968 | S21 offers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better overall experience. G30 is considerably slower for every task. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21's GPU offers superior graphics performance, better gaming experience. G30 will offer lower graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | G30 has a larger battery that will likely last longer on a single charge, but the overall battery experience depends on other factors as well. S21 may need charging sooner, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 15W fast charging | S21 charges faster than G30. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | None | S21 offers more charging flexibility with wireless and reverse charging capabilities. G30 has no such feature. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 64.4MP, f/1.7 | G30 has a higher megapixel count, but megapixel isn't everything, S21 will offer significantly better photo quality due to higher image processing power. G30's images might be okay in good lighting. |
| Telephoto | Yes (64MP) | No | S21 offers better zoom capabilities and depth effects. G30 has no telephoto camera. |
| Wide Angle | Yes (12.2 MP) | Yes (8MP) | S21 offers a wide angle camera for capturing more in a scene. G30 also has wide angle, but it's less impressive. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | G30 has a slightly higher megapixel count. S21 is expected to have better image processing that will likely result in better selfies. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (2MP) | G30 has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots, not available on S21. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | No | Yes (2MP) | G30 has a dedicated depth sensor. S21 does not, however it achieves similar effect with telephoto. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 is capable of recording professional quality video with higher resolution, HDR, and stabilization. G30's video capabilities are limited to HD resolution and lack some features. |
| Slow-Motion | Up to 960fps | Up to 60fps | S21 captures much more impressive slow-motion video. G30's slow-mo feature is very basic. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | S21 has more advanced features like 8K video, optical zoom, and OIS. G30 has Laser autofocus (LAF). |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not Available | S21 performs exceptionally well in camera tests. G30 score isn't available. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Ver 15 | Android 11, Max Ver 12 | S21 receives 2 more Android version upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 has faster and more stable Wi-Fi. G30 has a good Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, advanced codecs | 5.0 LE, basic | S21 has broader Bluetooth audio codec support. G30 has fewer supported features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, Galileo | S21 has higher precision and more robust GPS capabilities, especially in urban or challenging environments. G30's GPS is reliable. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64GB or 128 GB | S21 offers more storage capacity at 256GB. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4GB or 6 GB | S21 has more RAM, allowing smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has storage expansion via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancelling Mic | Basic audio | S21 offers immersive, high-quality audio. G30 audio features are basic. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Rear-Mounted | Both phones offer similar fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 offers superior protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 includes extra environmental sensors and compass for better accuracy. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness provides a much more enjoyable viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset delivers much faster performance for all tasks including gaming, multitasking, and app loading.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21's camera system excels in both photo and video quality, offering 8K video, telephoto zoom, and OIS.
- Better Connectivity: The Wi-Fi 6 support and advanced Bluetooth features, plus more robust GPS provide faster, more reliable connectivity and location accuracy.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, and superior build quality with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus all contribute to a more premium feel and functionality.
- More Software Updates: Samsung S21 will get Android updates for longer than Motorola G30
Practical Implications: The S21 is designed for users who want a high-end experience with the best performance, camera capabilities, and display quality. It's well-suited for heavy users, photographers, and gamers.
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro lens for taking close-up photos, a feature the S21 lacks.
- Lower Price Point: The G30 is generally more budget-friendly than the S21.
Practical Implications: The Moto G30 is geared towards users who want reliable performance, longer battery life, and a more affordable option. It's ideal for basic everyday use, without the need for a high-end performance and camera quality.
Trade-offs:
- S21: Smaller battery and higher price.
- G30: Lower performance, lower quality display, weaker camera performance and lacks premium features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal Users:
- Tech enthusiasts who demand the best performance and features.
- Mobile photographers and videographers.
- Gamers looking for a smooth and responsive experience.
- Users who value a premium display and build quality.
- Use Cases:
- High-end gaming and demanding app usage.
- Professional quality photo and video capture.
- Viewing content in bright sunlight.
- Power users who rely on fast multitasking.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: While the S21 may have a high initial price, the value for performance, camera, and overall experience is very high.
Motorola Moto G30:
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable smartphone.
- Users who prioritize battery life.
- Users who need a secondary phone with a basic set of features.
- Use Cases:
- Basic everyday use (calls, messages, browsing).
- Casual photography.
- Long battery usage for travel or long workdays.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: The G30 offers good value for its low price, providing basic functionality, decent camera for casual use, and long battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a high-performance phone for gaming and demanding apps, or is basic performance sufficient?
- Camera Requirements: Are you looking for a professional-grade camera, or is a basic camera good enough?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance and Photography are Paramount: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. It offers a superior camera, a far better display, and faster performance overall. It will provide the best possible experience for demanding users.
- Scenario 2: Budget is the Main Concern: Choose the Motorola Moto G30. While it lacks the premium features of the S21, it provides solid battery life and acceptable performance for everyday tasks at a much lower cost.
- Scenario 3: Casual Use and Long Battery Life are Key: The Motorola Moto G30 is likely the better choice here, assuming that the missing display brightness specification isn't a deal breaker, as the longer battery life will help you to get through the day.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While it is more expensive, the improvements in display quality, processing power, camera performance, and overall user experience are significant and would make the daily use of the phone a much more enjoyable experience. The superior screen visibility in sunlight, premium feel, and more versatile camera features justify the higher cost. Also the S21 will get 2 more Android updates than the Moto G30, making it a more future proof phone. While the battery is smaller, I am okay charging my phone a bit more often.
