1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G73 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.4 × 73.8 × 8.3 mm | Moto G73 is larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. S21 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 181g | S21 is lighter, which can be beneficial for long usage periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | Moto G73 offers a slightly larger screen for media consumption but less pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness; difficult to notice a difference. |
| PPI | 421 | 405 | Very similar pixel density, nearly identical sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 has better contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially more vibrant colors; better for HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is much brighter making it better for outdoor use in direct sunlight. The value of 0 nits for the G73 is suspicious and likely a data error, therefore, practical brightness performance is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | S21's chipset is more powerful for demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 497,466 | S21 offers significantly better overall performance (51% higher score). |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | IMG BXM-8-256 | S21's GPU offers superior graphics processing capabilities, particularly in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Moto G73 has a higher megapixel count, but the S21 has a larger sensor and pixel size; generally better low-light performance |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 offers optical zoom and portrait mode capabilities that Moto G73 lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Moto G73 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens, while the S21 combines wide-angle and macro into one lens |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Moto G73 has slightly higher megapixel count, but the S21 has a wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@60fps | S21 can capture much higher resolution video and has better stabilisation capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not available | S21 has significantly higher image quality scores |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G73 has a larger battery, likely leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Moto G73 charges slightly faster |
| Features | Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W, Reverse charging | None | S21 has more flexible charging options; Moto G73 has standard fast charging only. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | Moto G73 comes with a newer Android version, but S21 is upgradable to a similar or newer version. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO | Similar performance, but Moto G73 has MiMo |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Moto G73 has newer Bluetooth technology for improved connectivity and efficiency |
| GPS | Comprehensive | More comprehensive, includes NavIC | Moto G73 has superior satellite positioning system |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have similar storage options |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both have the same ram capacity |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | S21 offers slightly enhanced audio with noise cancellation microphone and stereo speakers |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G73 has a more modern fingerprint sensor, typically faster and more intuitive |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive, includes barometer & gyroscope | Basic sensors | S21 includes a more comprehensive set of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides significantly better contrast, colors, and brightness (1300 nits) for a premium viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU deliver significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers optical zoom, 8K video recording, optical image stabilization (OIS), and higher DxOMark scores, resulting in better image quality and more versatility.
- Wireless Charging: Includes convenient wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and reverse charging for added flexibility.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Provides a full set of sensors including a barometer for atmospheric pressure data and a gyroscope for advanced motion tracking, improving app functionality and gaming.
- Better Audio Quality: Offers better noise cancellation for calls
Motorola Moto G73 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers significantly longer battery life for extended usage, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Newer Bluetooth: Comes with Bluetooth 5.3, offering better efficiency and potentially more stable connections.
- Newer Android: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems, improving location accuracy in various environments.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally faster and more intuitive than basic fingerprint sensors.
- Lower Price: Typically offered at a more budget-friendly price point
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung S21 5G offers superior display technology and performance capabilities, however, the battery life may not be as strong as the Motorola G73.
- The Motorola G73 provides extended battery life and more accurate location data but sacrifices display quality and processing power compared to the S21 5G.
- The S21 5G's advanced camera system is paired with superior image quality and higher video resolution capabilities, but lacks a dedicated wide angle lens.
- The Moto G73 comes with a newer Android version, but lacks more advanced charging capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality displays, HDR content consumption, and professional-grade photo and video capabilities.
- Travelers: Those who benefit from wireless charging options and the higher screen brightness of the S21 for outdoor use.
- Photographers and Videographers: Users who want flexible camera setups with optical zoom, 8K video, and OIS, but not necessarily wide-angle lens
- Tech Enthusiasts: Appreciate all the features offered by the S21 including comprehensive sensor suite and superior overall performance.
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G73:
- Everyday Users: Individuals seeking reliable performance for daily tasks, social media, and general usage, with a particular interest in battery life.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a capable smartphone at a more affordable price without sacrificing too much functionality.
- Navigation Users: Those needing accurate GPS and extended battery life for navigation and outdoor activities.
- Long-lasting battery users: Want a phone that lasts through the day and do not mind sacrificing processing power and display quality.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Mobile gaming with high-graphic settings.
- Editing 4K and 8K videos on the go.
- Outdoor photography in bright sunlight.
- Wireless charging on the go.
- Using the barometer to assess the altitude.
- Motorola Moto G73:
- Daily social media browsing and communication
- Navigation and travel in urban areas or hiking.
- All-day use without needing to recharge the battery often.
- Standard casual photography
- Budget-friendly video streaming
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What are your priorities: Performance and Camera or Battery Life? The S21 excels in performance and camera capabilities, while the G73 prioritizes longer battery life.
- What are your multimedia consumption habits? The S21's AMOLED display is superior for video streaming and gaming, whereas the G73's is still adequate for casual viewing.
- What is your budget and do you need additional features? The G73 provides a budget-friendly option while the S21's features come at a higher price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance Mobile Gamer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its powerful chipset, GPU, and high refresh rate display.
- Scenario 2: Frequent Traveler: Opt for the Motorola Moto G73 for its extended battery life and enhanced GPS capabilities, as long as display quality is not your highest priority.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: The Motorola Moto G73 is an ideal choice for its combination of affordability and decent performance, although you would have to sacrifice the premium display offered by the S21.
- Scenario 4: Professional Photographer: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better option for its superior image quality, video resolution, and OIS.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Here's why:
- I prioritize the display experience: The AMOLED screen is a significant advantage for my everyday usage, which includes watching a lot of video, and general media consumption.
- Performance matters more to me than battery life: I value smooth and responsive performance and the S21’s chipset allows for much more demanding tasks.
- I use camera features frequently: The S21's camera system offers more features like optical zoom, OIS, and higher video resolution, which better suit my needs.
- I need wireless charging flexibility: The convenience of wireless and reverse charging is a significant perk for me.
While the Moto G73's larger battery and newer Bluetooth are appealing, the superior display, performance, and camera capabilities of the S21 outweigh those advantages for my specific usage. I am willing to charge my device more frequently in return for the premium features.
