Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Motorola Moto G71 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | The Moto G71 is noticeably larger, which might be less comfortable for one-handed use and carrying in smaller pockets. The S21 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 179g | The S21 is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.4" | The Moto G71 has a slightly larger display, offering a bit more screen real estate for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp viewing experience with the same resolution. |
| PPI | 421 | 411 | Both have similar pixel density, making them appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The S21's 120Hz refresh rate provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more fluid, especially beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content viewing. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21's higher brightness makes it much more usable outdoors under bright sunlight. The Moto G71's brightness spec is missing and it's crucial for outdoor visibility; the missing spec implies a standard brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The Exynos 2100 is a flagship-level chipset, offering significantly better performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking. The Snapdragon 695 is a mid-range chip that's good for everyday tasks but may struggle with more intensive applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 396,564 | The S21 demonstrates much higher performance, offering a snappier experience and better gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | The S21's GPU is substantially more powerful, resulting in smoother graphics and gaming performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | While the Moto G71 has higher resolution, sensor size is equally crucial; the S21 has larger sensor pixels and is likely to have better low light performance |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/2.76" | The S21 has a larger sensor which typically results in better light sensitivity and overall image quality. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP | None | The S21 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom and portrait photos, providing more versatile photography options. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 16MP | The Moto G71 has higher selfie camera resolution, potentially producing slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | Yes (12.2MP) | Yes (8MP) | The S21 has a higher res wide angle sensor, while Moto G71 features an additional dedicated ultra wide angle lens, which is a lower resolution. |
| Macro Camera | No | Yes (2MP) | The Moto G71 offers a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots, but with very low resolution. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | The S21 can record in much higher resolutions, making it suitable for professional-grade video content creation with EIS and HDR across all modes. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 4K/8K Video, Night Mode, RAW | Digital image stabilization, LAF | The S21 offers more advanced features for better image quality, while Moto G71 has laser autofocus. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | N/A | The S21 has been benchmarked with good scores and offers a superior camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G71 has a significantly larger battery, which should translate to longer battery life, especially for general use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Moto G71 charges faster with 33W, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | The S21 offers the convenience of wireless and reverse charging for accessories like headphones and smartwatches, however it is chargerless in box. |
Other Features
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | The S21 will receive software updates for a longer period, ensuring better security and features in the future. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The S21 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, offering faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with Extensive Features | 5.0 with Basic Features | The S21 has more advanced Bluetooth support, potentially improving audio quality and device pairing. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, SUPL | The S21 provides more precise location tracking and better accuracy due to advanced dual frequency GPS. |
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB | The S21 offers more storage with a 256 GB option for users who need more space. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both offer 8GB versions but the S21 is consistent. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | The S21 offers improved audio output via stereo speakers and noise cancellation features. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both feature fingerprint sensors, but the specific type is not specified on the S21. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 provides superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer, Gyroscope | Gyroscope | The S21 has a more comprehensive sensor suite that can offer enhanced features for gaming, and environmental measurements. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide significantly higher performance than the Snapdragon 695, making it much better for intensive tasks and gaming.
- Higher-Quality Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and significantly brighter display enhance user experience with smoother animations and better outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera Features: The S21 offers telephoto lens, optical image stabilization (OIS), 4K/8K video recording, RAW, and better low-light performance.
- Wireless & Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers the convenience of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging for accessories.
- Better Software Support: The phone is upgradeable to Android 15, ensuring longevity in terms of security and features.
- Enhanced Audio: Features stereo speakers and noise cancellation.
- More precise GPS Dual frequency GPS
- More storage: 256 GB variant available
- Better screen protection Gorilla Glass Victus
- More sensors: Features compass, barometer
Motorola Moto G71 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers a significant 1000mAh capacity advantage, resulting in longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging speeds up the charging process.
- Higher Resolution Main and Selfie Camera: Offers higher MP count for both cameras.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
- Laser Autofocus: Features faster auto focus for quicker and more accurate shots.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21: The smaller battery might require more frequent charging compared to the Moto G71, however, it has faster wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Motorola G71: Sacrifices display quality (60hz, missing brightness), processing power, and camera features for a larger battery and lower cost.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Power Users & Gamers: Those who need top-tier performance, smooth graphics, and the best possible display experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera with OIS, telephoto lens, and professional-grade video recording capabilities.
- Users who value a premium experience: Those who prioritize a bright and smooth display, premium design, and advanced features.
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a good battery life and reasonable performance at a lower price point.
- Users focused on daily tasks: Those who mainly use their phones for everyday tasks, social media, and basic multimedia consumption and value battery life.
- Occasional photographers Those who want better quality than the average budget phone camera.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth graphics and quick response.
- Content creation with 4K/8K video recording and professional camera features.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight, with a highly readable display.
- Multitasking between demanding apps.
- Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- All-day use without needing to recharge frequently.
- Casual use of social media, web browsing, and watching videos.
- Close-up photography using the macro lens.
- For those who value a simple, clean user experience.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a higher value for users who prioritize premium features and performance, but is likely to be at a higher price point, especially since the phone was a flagship in 2021.
- The Motorola Moto G71 5G provides a balance between performance and battery life at a more budget friendly price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, daily use, long battery life, etc.)
- How important is display quality? (Do you need a high refresh rate and bright display for outdoor visibility?)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for premium features or looking for the best value?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and display: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for the best overall experience, especially if you use your phone as a gaming device or content creator.
- If you prioritize battery life and value: Choose the Motorola Moto G71 5G for longer uptime, budget-friendly pricing, and faster charging.
- If you value premium design and advanced features: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for it's more refined design and additional features.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the larger battery and faster charging of the Moto G71 are appealing, my primary use cases involve mobile gaming, media consumption, and photography. The S21's superior chipset, higher refresh rate, higher brightness display, more feature rich camera system, better video recording capabilities and superior build quality would make the experience much more enjoyable and worth the trade off in battery. The additional features such as wireless and reverse wireless charging, and the better software support make it a more future proof option. Ultimately, the S21 caters better to my personal requirements.
