Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Motorola Moto G34
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and Motorola Moto G34, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162.7 × 74.6 × 8 mm | S21 5G is more compact and easier to handle one-handed, G34 is larger, might be less pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 179g | S21 5G is slightly lighter, more comfortable during long use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G's screen is more scratch/shatter resistant. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | G34 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21 5G has a much sharper and clearer display, better for text and detailed images. |
| PPI | 421 | 270 | S21 5G's higher pixel density results in finer details and sharper image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G offers superior color, deeper blacks and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G screen is much more visible in bright sunlight (Motorola's brightness info is missing). |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21 5G has a much more powerful chipset, leading to snappier performance. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 424,100 | S21 5G will handle demanding tasks like gaming and video editing much better. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 5G’s GPU is superior for graphically intensive applications. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB or 8GB | Both can have 8GB of RAM, better multitasking on the 8GB versions. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm | G34 has higher resolution, but S21 5G has larger sensor and pixels, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21 5G has dedicated zoom capabilities, better for distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | S21 5G has a wide-angle lens, useful for capturing landscapes and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | G34 has a dedicated macro camera for detailed close up shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP | G34 has a higher resolution front camera. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 5G supports much higher video recording resolutions, professional video capture capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 111 | N/A | S21 5G has a tested and higher-rated camera system. |
| DxOMark Score (Selfie) | 132 | N/A | S21 5G has a tested and higher-rated selfie camera system. |
| Features | OIS, 4k, 8k video, Optical Zoom | LAF | S21 5G has OIS and Optical Zoom, and overall better capabilities |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | G34 has a significantly larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | S21 5G charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | S21 5G provides additional charging flexibility. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | G34 has a newer OS, but S21 has more updates |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | G34 has slightly newer Bluetooth for better connectivity |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128/256GB | Both have same max storage option |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | S21 5G has better audio features and clearer calls. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Moto G34 has a more practical fingerprint placement. |
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer | S21 5G has more sensors for advanced features, like VR, and better fitness tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution AMOLED screen with much better brightness and color accuracy, significantly enhancing visual experience.
- Performance: More powerful processor and GPU leading to much better performance in gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- Camera System: More versatile camera setup with a telephoto lens, wider angle lens, 8k video, better low-light performance, and OIS.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection, enhancing durability.
- Battery Features: Faster charging, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging.
- Software Support: Upgradeable to Android 15, guaranteeing more software updates.
- Audio: Noise Cancellation microphone
Motorola Moto G34 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 1000mAh larger battery provides potentially significantly longer battery life.
- Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens.
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer Android version out of the box.
- Bluetooth Version: Slightly newer Bluetooth version.
- Price: Expected to be significantly cheaper
Trade-offs:
- The S21 5G offers a superior overall experience in terms of display, performance, and camera but may have a shorter battery life than the G34.
- The G34 prioritizes battery life and budget with a larger battery and lower price, but compromises in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities.
- The Motorola G34 doesn't have a brightness specification, and this makes it very difficult to determine if the display is usable in the sunlight, where the Galaxy S21 has a very high brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch videos, browse images, and enjoy visually rich content.
- Gamers: Users who play demanding mobile games and require high performance and smooth graphics.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera systems, especially those who need telephoto or wide-angle capabilities and like shooting videos.
- Power Users: Individuals who multitask frequently and need a fast and responsive phone with additional functionality like wireless charging.
- Users that value screen quality and brightness: Users that spend a lot of time in bright sunlight, and demand to see the display without issues.
Motorola Moto G34 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a long-lasting phone at a more affordable price.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Battery-Life Focused Users: Users who prioritize a phone that can last a full day or more on a single charge and do not need high performance.
- Users looking for newer Android version: Users who want a newer Android version out of the box.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for potential buyers:
- What is your primary use case? If you want to game or use your phone as a mobile professional camera, the S21 5G is the clear winner. If you just want a phone that will last a long time, and work for basic social media, the G34 may be a better fit.
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize a vibrant, sharp, and bright display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice. If screen quality is not a priority, the Motorola G34 may be okay.
- How important is battery life vs overall quality? If you require all-day battery life, with little regards for photo quality or display, the Motorola G34 is the better choice. If you value the display, overall performance, and camera quality, then the S21 is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Travel and Photography: If you're someone who travels a lot and likes to take photos, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, with its versatile camera system and brighter screen, is a better fit.
- Scenario 2: Daily Commute and Media Consumption: If you mainly use your phone for your daily commute, listening to music, podcasts, and basic social media, the Motorola G34's battery life will get you through.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gaming: If you are a mobile gamer, the S21 5G's superior processor, GPU and high refresh rate will be much better for you.
My Choice
Based on the specifications and my analysis, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. The superior display quality, performance, camera capabilities and added features like wireless charging outweigh the slightly shorter battery life for me. The combination of a high-resolution, high-brightness AMOLED screen, a more capable processor, and a much more versatile camera system make it a far better overall choice. The added security of Gorilla Glass Victus and the potential for extended software updates make it a more future-proof option. Although it does not have the latest Android version out of the box, the upgrade path to Android 15 makes the software a negligible concern. Although the Moto G34 is cheaper and has a much larger battery, the compromises in key areas like display and performance are significant. For me, the enhanced user experience provided by the S21 5G justifies the higher cost. If battery life was the single most important factor, and I was on a very tight budget, then the G34 would be the better option.
