1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | The S21 is significantly more compact and pocketable, while the G51 is larger and may be less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 208g | The S21 is much lighter and more comfortable for extended use, while the G51 feels heavier in hand. |
| Build | Not specified | Not specified | Unable to compare build materials. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.8" | The G51 offers a larger screen for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking, while the S21 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays offer the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 421 | 387 | The S21 will have a slightly sharper image due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The S21 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. It is also more power-efficient for dark mode use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer a smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 is significantly brighter and more readable in direct sunlight. The G51's brightness information is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ (8 nm) | The S21's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 381,000 | The S21 offers vastly superior performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | The S21's GPU is more powerful and better suited for graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | The G51 has a higher megapixel count, but sensor size also impacts image quality. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/2.76" | The S21's larger sensor should capture more light and result in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP | None | The S21 offers a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 13MP | The G51 has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP | 8MP | S21 has wide angle with macro lens and higher resolution. The G51 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, offering a different perspective. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | The G51 includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | The S21 has superior video recording capabilities, including higher resolution and features like HDR. |
| Camera Scores | DXOMark Mobile: 111, DXOMark Selfie: 132 | Not Available | S21 camera is clearly higher quality due to better hardware and software. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The G51 has a larger battery and may last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 10W fast charging | The S21 will charge faster than the G51. |
| Features | 15W Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | None | The S21 offers additional charging convenience with wireless charging capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel offers superior visual quality, higher brightness, and is more power-efficient, especially for dark mode.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a significantly faster and smoother experience for all tasks, including gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a versatile camera system with telephoto lens, better low light performance and higher video resolutions, and significantly better image quality according to DXOMark.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: The 25W fast charging and wireless charging options provide convenience for daily use.
- Better Connectivity: It supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. It supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.8" screen provides more immersive media consumption and multitasking experience.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may result in longer battery life, particularly for users who prioritize battery endurance.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for capturing very close-up subjects, which the S21 lacks.
- Lower Cost: Typically a more budget-friendly option.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 sacrifices battery life for superior performance, display, and camera quality.
- The G51 sacrifices processing power, display quality, and camera prowess for longer battery life and lower cost.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand the best performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos with features like a telephoto lens and 8K recording.
- Media Consumers: Those who appreciate a high-quality display for viewing movies, videos, and playing games.
- Users who value a premium experience and want a compact design with fast charging and wireless capabilities.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Professional video recording and photo editing
- Extensive multitasking and productivity
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight
- Media Consumption
Motorola Moto G51 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals who are looking for a capable smartphone at a lower cost.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need a phone that can last a full day of heavy use without needing to recharge.
- Users who prefer larger displays: Those who enjoy watching videos and playing games on a larger screen.
- Casual Photographers: Users who are not demanding in camera quality and appreciate having a macro lens.
Use Cases:
- Daily driver for calls, messaging, and social media
- Basic gaming and media consumption
- Long usage without needing frequent charging
- Close-up photography with the macro lens
- Users with visual impairment might appreciate the larger screen
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, social media, basic use, etc.)
- How important is display quality and brightness to you? (Will you be using the phone outdoors frequently?)
- Is longer battery life more important than performance? (Do you need all-day battery life, or is performance more crucial?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/High Performance User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. The superior processor, GPU, and display will deliver a better experience for gaming and performance-demanding tasks.
- Scenario 2: Battery Life is Key: Choose the Motorola Moto G51 5G. The larger battery will provide longer usage on a single charge and if you prioritize battery life over performance and display, this will be a better fit.
- Scenario 3: Budget Shopper: Choose the Motorola Moto G51 5G. It offers a reasonable balance of features for a lower price if you can accept the trade-offs in camera, display and performance.
- Scenario 4: Camera Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. It offers the better sensors, more features, and significantly better image quality overall, especially in low light conditions and in video recording.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Moto G51 has a larger battery and screen, the overall experience with the S21 is significantly superior. The AMOLED display is much better, the performance is far faster, and the camera system is more versatile and produces higher-quality images and videos. Although the battery capacity is lower than the G51, the faster charging speed, the addition of wireless charging, and superior overall experience are more appealing. For my typical use cases, which include content consumption, moderate gaming, and photography, the S21 is a much better fit and provides a better premium experience. The performance difference alone is enough to justify the additional cost in my view. The S21 better fits the needs of a power user and offers a more well-rounded mobile experience.
