1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G82 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-06-07 | Motorola is significantly newer by about 1 year and 4 months, likely having more updated software. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 160.9 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Moto G82 is taller and wider making it less pocketable; S21 5G is more compact. |
| Weight | 169g | 173g | Both feel similarly light in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | Moto G82 offers a larger screen for better media consumption and gaming, but makes it less pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer same sharpness, ensuring crisp text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 402 PPI | Both provide sharp visuals; difference is negligible in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, improving user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung S21 5G is significantly brighter outdoors, offering much better visibility in direct sunlight. Motorola G82 brightness is unknown and likely poor. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Exynos 2100 is more powerful, delivering faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance, while Moto G82 is less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 390,000 | S21 5G offers significantly smoother and more responsive performance overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 5G provides better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G82 likely offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more for most users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Moto G82 has slightly faster charging, reducing downtime when powering up. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 5G offers added wireless charging convenience and the ability to charge other devices, while the G82 does not. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | Moto G82 captures more detailed images (higher resolution), but S21 5G has better low-light performance due to larger sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72") | None | S21 5G offers versatile zoom and portrait capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | 16MP (f/2.2) | Moto G82 provides slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle lens | None | 8MP (f/2.2) | Moto G82 offers a wider field of view for group shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Moto G82 allows for close-up shots of small objects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | None | S21 5G offers versatile wide-angle and close-up capabilities |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 5G offers superior video recording, offering much higher resolution and frame rate options, better for professional video capture. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | N/A | S21 5G offers better camera and overall image quality; G82 has no official score |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K video, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | OIS, Laser AF | S21 5G offers advanced video features and image customization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max. 15) | Android 12 (max. 13) | Moto G82 ships with a newer Android version, but likely has fewer future software updates available compared to S21 5G. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 5G offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Moto G82 offers a slightly newer Bluetooth standard, offering minimal benefits. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, SUPL | S21 5G offers better location accuracy in areas with weak signals, especially for precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | S21 5G offers more storage options (up to 256GB), accommodating more apps and media files. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB | S21 5G provides better multitasking performance and smoother app transitions. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both lack expandable storage, which may be limiting for heavy media users. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation | Dolby Atmos | S21 5G offers better sound quality for calls due to its noise-cancelling microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint | Moto G82 has a more convenient and faster fingerprint unlock |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G has stronger screen protection; G82's protection is unclear, so might be more susceptible to damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Magnetometer | S21 5G includes additional environmental sensors; G82 has a magnetometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and higher AnTuTu score mean faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility with 1300 nits, making it excellent for use in bright sunlight.
- Better Camera System: Offers more versatile camera capabilities with a telephoto lens, wide-angle, and better video recording (up to 8K), and better photo quality according to DXOMark scores. Also offers night mode, manual controls and RAW.
- More Storage & RAM: Up to 256 GB storage and 8 GB RAM for smoother operation and more space for files.
- Wireless Charging: Added convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 offers faster, more efficient wireless connectivity, and has more accurate GPS.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection.
- More Advanced Sensors: Offers environmental sensors like Barometer and Hall, that could be useful for some.
Practical Implications: The S21 5G is better for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a premium experience. Its superior display is essential for outdoor use. The additional features like wireless charging, larger storage, and a stronger display add to the overall premium feel.
Motorola Moto G82 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: A 5000mAh battery offers significantly longer battery life, making it ideal for users who need all-day power.
- Newer Software (at launch): Ships with a newer version of Android.
- Larger Display: 6.6" screen provides more screen real estate for media and gaming.
- Slightly faster charging: 30W vs 25W for faster recharge times.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Arguably faster and more convenient than an in-screen fingerprint sensor.
- Wide Angle and Macro Camera: Versatile camera lenses for different photography scenarios.
- More basic sensors: Basic sensors like a Magnetometer can be more useful than Barometer and Hall for a lot of users.
Practical Implications: The Moto G82 is better for users who prioritize battery life and a larger screen, and need those camera capabilities. It's a more practical choice for everyday use, providing reliable performance and a good overall experience at a potentially lower price point.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 5G trades battery life for performance and camera quality.
- The Moto G82 trades performance and camera quality for battery life and a larger display.
- The G82 has an unknown brightness and might be hard to use outdoors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera with advanced features like 8K video, OIS, RAW support, and better image quality, including telephoto zoom.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright display that is easily visible in direct sunlight.
- Users Who Value Premium Features: People who want wireless charging, superior build quality, and a premium software experience with more future updates.
- Travelers: Users who need more accurate GPS, or benefit from the additional sensor.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, editing photos/videos, professional video recording, photography in various conditions, and using the phone under direct sunlight
- Running resource-intensive apps and software
- Using wireless charging pads and having the option to reverse wireless charge other devices
- Using the most modern GPS standard
Motorola Moto G82 - Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Individuals who need a reliable phone for day-to-day tasks with long battery life.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, browsing social media, and need a larger screen.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a good value for the money, prioritizing battery life and usability over peak performance.
- Casual Photographers: Users who need some camera versatility (wide angle and macro), but don't require professional-level quality.
Use Cases:
- Daily browsing, social media, watching videos, casual gaming, long days without access to a charger.
- Capturing photos and videos in various scenarios, where a large screen makes editing and sharing easier.
- Using the phone for extended periods without needing to recharge it.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung S21 5G may have a higher price point due to its premium features, making the value more about performance and camera capabilities.
- The Moto G82 should offer better value for those prioritizing battery life and overall usability at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your top priority? (Performance, camera quality, battery life, or overall value)
- How important is screen visibility outdoors? (Will you use the phone in direct sunlight?)
- What are your photography needs? (Casual shots or detailed photos/videos with advanced features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User: If you prioritize top-tier performance, a high-quality camera, and need to use the phone outdoors, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
- Scenario 2: Battery-Life Focused: If you need a long-lasting phone and prioritize battery life and a large screen, choose the Motorola Moto G82.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious: If you're looking for a good smartphone at a value price point, the Motorola Moto G82 is likely the better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Reasoning:
As someone who values performance, camera quality, and display visibility, the S21 5G's advantages align better with my needs. While the G82's larger battery is appealing, the S21's significantly better processor, brighter screen, and superior camera system provide a more well-rounded premium experience. I often take photos in varying conditions, including low light, and the S21's camera seems much better for that, thanks to a better sensor. The enhanced video capabilities and additional features like wireless charging are also valuable to me. Furthermore, the better build quality and advanced connectivity features are added bonuses that further tip the balance in its favor. I am okay with charging my phone more often for the added performance and features.
