1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | S21 is smaller and more pocketable. G72 is larger, potentially better for media consumption. Same thickness for both. |
| Weight | 169g | 166g | Both phones feel very similar in hand; the difference is negligible. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | G72 offers a more immersive experience for videos and gaming due to a larger screen, but it's less convenient for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness, and you won't perceive any difference due to resolution alone. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 402 PPI | Both displays are sharp; this difference in PPI will be hard to notice in practical use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both technologies provide vibrant colors and good contrast; in most cases, the difference would be minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Not specified) | S21 offers better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight, while we have no idea about G72 screen visibility and brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | S21 offers significantly faster processing, leading to smoother performance in apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 415,300 | S21 provides far superior performance, with noticeably snappier responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 provides better graphics performance, leading to smoother gaming experiences. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | G72 is expected to have a longer battery life, suitable for users who need all-day usage, while the S21 might require a mid-day charge with heavy usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | G72 charges slightly faster than S21, reducing downtime spent charging your phone. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W | None | S21 has a more versatile battery system, offering the convenience of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.7 | G72 can capture more detailed images in well-lit conditions; S21 takes good pictures in all-round conditions with more natural colors. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 has a telephoto lens which is good for taking portrait and zooming shots. G72 doesn't have the telephoto/zoom lens. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2 | 16MP | G72 has slightly higher resolution front camera, which can result in better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/1.9 | G72 offers an ultra-wide angle camera, useful for landscape and group photos, while S21 doesn't have an ultra-wide camera. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | G72 offers a macro lens for very close-up shots, while S21 doesn't have this lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 has a wide angle lens, good for capturing group photos and landscapes, which the G72 lacks. |
| Video | Up to 8K, 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 records professional-quality videos. G72 video capabilities are basic and lack 4K/8K recording options. |
| DXOMark | Mobile 111, Selfie 132 | Not tested | S21 has a higher-quality camera based on its DXOMark results. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode | Laser Autofocus (LAF) | S21 offers more advanced camera features for photography enthusiasts. G72 offers Laser Autofocus for faster focusing. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 12 | S21 has an older OS but will be updated to Android 15, while the future OS updates for G72 are unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, Multiple profiles | 5.0, Basic profiles | S21 has better Bluetooth audio connectivity. |
| GPS | Dual-band, Multi-system | Multi-system | S21 provides more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer similar storage capacities, with no option for memory expansion. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8 GB | S21 is optimized for multitasking with 8 GB RAM. G72 can come with 6 or 8GB RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expanded storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancelation, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | S21 offers superior audio experience, with a more immersive sound experience and clear calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Basic | Both provide basic fingerprint security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Not specified | S21 has better screen protection, making it more durable to scratches and drops, while the protection of G72's screen is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Magnetometer | S21 has more environmental sensors, offering comprehensive features, while G72 is better for simple gaming due to the magnetometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Significantly better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers much higher benchmark scores, making it suitable for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Superior Display Brightness: 1300 nits brightness results in better visibility in direct sunlight and outdoors.
- Advanced Camera System: Features optical zoom, better video recording (8K), OIS, RAW capture and night mode, offering professional-grade photography capabilities.
- More versatile Battery features: Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add extra convenience, and better quality in built-in speakers with a noise cancelation microphone.
- Better Connectivity: Offers Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and more stable connections and has dual-band GPS for accurate positioning.
Motorola Moto G72 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery offers a longer battery life, perfect for all-day usage.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging reduces charging times.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main camera for more detailed images in ideal lighting conditions.
- Ultra-wide and Macro lenses: Offers additional versatile shooting options with wide angle and macro lenses.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a smaller battery and no wide angle or macro lenses, while the Moto G72 does not offer high-performance chipset or advanced camera system.
- The display brightness of Motorola Moto G72 is not specified, and likely much lower than the 1300nits of Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
- The Motorola Moto G72 is missing a lot of key features that are available in the S21 such as reverse charging, optical zoom, OIS, RAW photography, night mode, and high resolution 8K video recording. *The S21 has a much smaller screen and is more suitable for one-handed use and mobility, the Moto G72 on the other hand is much bigger in size and is suited for users who want a bigger screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is Ideal For:
- Power users: Those who require high performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want the best camera quality and versatility with professional features like OIS and RAW capture.
- Users who value Display Quality: Those who need the best display quality and a clear screen outdoors.
- Users who value additional features: Users who would use the reverse and wireless charging, a better sound system, and a better connectivity suite.
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding games
- Editing photos and videos
- Taking high-quality photos and videos
- Outdoor use with excellent visibility
- Professional Photography
Motorola Moto G72 is Ideal For:
- Users needing long battery life: Users who need a phone that can last throughout the day without requiring a mid-day charge.
- Casual photographers: Users who want versatile cameras and a larger screen for media consumption.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Buyers who want a functional phone at a lower price point.
Use Cases:
- Streaming videos and movies
- Casual social media and browsing
- Taking photos and videos in regular, non-professional conditions
- All-day usage without needing to recharge
- Users who want a bigger screen.
Price-to-Value:
The Samsung S21 is typically more expensive than the Moto G72. The S21 offers significant premium features for its price, including a much better camera, processor and a higher display brightness. The Moto G72 is a budget option that offers a great battery, large screen, and versatile camera for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, daily use)
- How important is battery life to you? (e.g., do you need a phone that lasts all day?)
- What is your budget? (e.g., how much are you willing to spend?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High performance and camera are a priority: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G if you need excellent performance and camera quality, regardless of battery capacity.
- Scenario 2: Long battery life is most important: Choose the Motorola Moto G72 if you prioritize battery life and want a more affordable option.
- Scenario 3: A balance of features and price: The choice depends on personal preference, with the S21 being a more premium option with flagship features, while the G72 is a decent mid range phone with a larger battery.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the battery life of the Motorola Moto G72 is appealing, the S21's superior performance, significantly better display brightness, and professional-grade camera system are far more important to me. I also value the wireless and reverse charging features, the noise cancelation microphone, and the better connectivity. I am not a heavy gamer, but I do use the camera frequently. In my experience, a device with a better camera and faster processor can extend the lifespan of the phone and provide a more satisfactory user experience. Although the Moto G72 has a much better battery, I am willing to sacrifice battery for better user experience, since charging is always an option, but a camera that cannot take good pictures is not easy to deal with.
