1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-09-06 | Moto G55 is significantly newer, potentially with longer software support |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.6 × 73.8 × 8.1 mm | S21 5G is more compact and easier to handle with one hand, G55 is larger with a larger display |
| Weight | 169g | 179g | S21 5G is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.49" | G55 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption, slightly less pocketable |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness |
| PPI | 421 | 405 | Virtually indistinguishable pixel density |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G offers deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and superior power efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G has significantly better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7025 (6 nm) | S21 5G has a more powerful processor, better for gaming and demanding apps |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 470,000 | S21 5G performs considerably better in benchmarks, resulting in faster app loading and smoother operation |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | IMG BXM-8-256 | S21 5G has a stronger GPU, better for graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | G55 has a higher resolution standard sensor for more detailed photos, S21 5G sensor size and pixel size are better for light capture |
| Rear Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait photos |
| Rear Wide Angle | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | G55 has a dedicated ultra-wide lens |
| Rear Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | S21 5G has a dedicated wide and macro lens |
| Front Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1µm | G55 has higher resolution for selfies, S21 5G has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 5G captures much higher quality videos including 8k recording, suitable for videographers |
| DXOMark Camera Score | 111 (Mobile), 132 (Selfie) | Not Available | S21 5G has a superior camera system according to DXOMark score |
| Camera Features | OIS, 8K, 3x Camera | OIS, Dual Camera, Front Flash | S21 5G has superior camera features including 8k video and optical zoom, while the Moto G55 has a front flash |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | G55 has a significantly larger battery for potentially longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | G55 offers faster charging speed |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | Reverse Charging | S21 5G offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 14, max version not specified | G55 ships with newer Android version, potentially has better software support |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 5G supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster speeds on compatible networks |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | G55 has the newer bluetooth standard and improved audio codecs |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS, Galileo (E1+E5a) | Dual-band GPS, QZSS, BeiDou (B1) | G55 supports more satellite systems for potentially better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | G55 supports eSIM for more flexibility |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both offer adequate RAM for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Dual Microphones | S21 5G features noise-canceling microphone, while the G55 has two microphones |
| Security & Build | |||
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G55 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 5G offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | S21 5G has additional sensors, beneficial for advanced gaming and features |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides better color accuracy, contrast, deeper blacks, and significantly higher brightness, making it great for outdoor visibility.
- More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU offer significantly better performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens, a wide-angle/macro lens, and much higher video recording capabilities, along with a better front camera in terms of aperture
- Better Build Quality: Features Gorilla Glass Victus, the best Corning glass available, for improved durability.
- Additional Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, more sophisticated sensor array, and higher quality audio recording capabilities.
- Better video quality: Higher recording resolution and frame rates for better video.
- Better benchmark results: Superior CPU performance due to its processor and GPU
Practical Implications:
- The S21 5G is better for users who prioritize a top-tier display, high performance, professional-grade photography and video capabilities, and a premium build.
Motorola Moto G55 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: A 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life, ideal for users who need all-day power.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging is faster than the S21 5G's 25W, so it charges faster.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 14, offering newer features and security updates.
- Dual microphones: Possibly better audio recording in loud environments.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility for managing cellular plans.
- Ultra-wide lens: Captures more of the scene, providing additional creative options.
- Front Flash Better low-light selfies with this feature.
Practical Implications:
- The Moto G55 is better for users who prioritize long battery life, a more up-to-date Android experience, and a more affordable price point.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Inferior battery life, no expandable storage, and is older compared to the G55.
- Motorola Moto G55: Significantly weaker performance, inferior display quality, and a less versatile camera system compared to the S21 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who frequently use demanding apps, play graphics-intensive games, or edit photos and videos.
- Content Creators: Users who need high-quality photos and videos, and want advanced camera features like optical zoom and 8K recording.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who value a premium display experience with vibrant colors and high brightness.
- Users wanting a flagship experience: Although the phone is older, it still offers a flagship level experience in terms of speed, performance and display.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming: The superior processor and GPU of the S21 5G provide a smoother, more immersive gaming experience.
- Video Editing: The S21 5G's processing power and video recording capabilities are well-suited for editing 4K or even 8k video.
- Outdoor Use: The much brighter AMOLED display is easily visible even in direct sunlight.
Motorola Moto G55 - Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those who want a good smartphone experience without spending a fortune.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone that can easily last a full day or more on a single charge.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phones for social media, web browsing, and basic photography.
- Users wanting a modern Android experience: The Moto G55 has the newest Android version out of the box.
Specific Use Cases:
- Extended Daily Use: The large battery ensures the phone lasts throughout the day without needing a recharge.
- Travelers: eSIM support and long battery life are useful for international travel.
- Basic Photography: The main camera provides decent images for everyday snapshots, and the ultra-wide lens expands creative options.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung S21 5G will likely be more expensive, but it provides a much more complete flagship experience.
- The Moto G55 is more of a budget phone which is reflected in its performance but it offers a more modern Android experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 5G will likely be more expensive than the G55, which caters to the budget-conscious buyer.
- What is your primary usage pattern? Prioritizing high performance, display, and camera over all-day battery life should lean towards the S21 5G. The G55 is better for those that want a good modern phone for a low price.
- What software version is most important to you? The G55 has the more modern Android experience out of the box, which some may value above all else.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler, Needs All-Day Battery: Choose the Motorola Moto G55 for its long battery life and eSIM support.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer, Enjoys High-Quality Media: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its superior display and processing power.
- Scenario 3: Content Creator, Needs Versatile Camera: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its high-end camera capabilities, such as 8k video recording, telephoto lens, and wide-angle/macro camera.
- Scenario 4: Wants a budget phone with a modern Android experience: The Motorola Moto G55 is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally select the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Motorola Moto G55 offers a larger battery and more modern OS out of the box, the S21 5G's superior display, significantly higher performance, and the more versatile camera system align better with my priorities. I value the AMOLED display for its color accuracy and outdoor visibility, and the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos is a plus. Although the battery life isn't as good and it's an older phone, the overall experience of the S21 5G would make it the right choice for me. The difference in performance would be especially felt with the S21 5G being capable of running demanding apps and high-end games. I'd accept slightly shorter battery life to gain the benefits of these improvements.
