1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.6 mm | Moto G85 is taller and slightly wider, may be less comfortable for smaller hands. S21 5G is slightly thicker, but has smaller overall footprint. |
| Weight | 169g | 171g | Both phones are very similar in weight, negligible difference in hand. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.67" | Moto G85 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. S21 5G is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution; both provide sharp, clear images. |
| PPI | 421 | 395 | S21 5G offers slightly sharper text and images, though the difference is not dramatically noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both technologies offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, negligible user-facing difference in everyday use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, no user-facing difference. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1600 nits | Moto G85 is significantly brighter, much better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | S21 5G’s chipset offers significantly more processing power, faster app loading, better multitasking and overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 475,000 | S21 5G provides a noticeably smoother and faster user experience, especially with demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 5G’s GPU is more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony LYT-600, 1.0µm | Moto G85 captures higher resolution photos. S21 5G has larger pixels and sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung S5KGW2, 0.8µm | N/A | S21 5G offers dedicated telephoto and portrait capabilities, better optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.4µm | N/A | S21 5G offers a dedicated ultra wide lens for capturing wider scenes and macro photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | Moto G85 offers a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374, 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.7µm | Moto G85 captures higher resolution selfies. S21 5G has a wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 5G offers professional-grade video recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 111 | 88 | S21 5G has better overall image quality according to DxOMark scores, better photo performance, however, Moto G85 is slightly better in video. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 132 | N/A | S21 5G has a superior selfie camera, according to DxOMark scores. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G85 likely provides much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Moto G85 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21 5G has wireless charging capabilities and can be used to charge other devices wirelessly. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers far better performance than the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a versatile triple-lens setup, including telephoto and ultrawide lenses, offering more photography options and better quality according to DxOMark scores. Supports up to 8K video.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection against drops and scratches than the Gorilla Glass 5 on the Moto G85.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers wireless charging and can wirelessly charge other devices, adding convenience.
- Enhanced Audio Capabilities: Features Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation microphone and stereo speakers, offering a slightly better audio experience than the Moto G85.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes additional environmental sensors (barometer) suitable for more advanced features and gaming.
- Better Selfie Camera: According to the DxOMark score, the selfie camera of the S21 is better.
Motorola Moto G85 Advantages:
- Larger, Brighter Display: 6.67" screen with 1600 nits of brightness provides a more immersive viewing experience and better outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers much better battery life for all-day use.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14, compared to Android 11 on the Galaxy S21 (though S21 can be upgraded).
- Dual SIM with eSIM: Supports eSIM for digital carrier switching in addition to dual physical nano SIM.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 30W charging provides slightly faster charging.
- Wider Angle Lens: Offers a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography.
- Lower Price: Often available at a lower price point than the Galaxy S21.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Trades battery life and a larger display for a much more powerful chipset and advanced camera system.
- Moto G85: Trades raw performance and advanced camera features for longer battery life and a larger display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera versatility, including telephoto and ultrawide lenses and excellent image quality.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who value high-quality video recording capabilities and prefer more compact phones.
- Users who want more advanced features: wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
Specific Use Cases for S21 5G:
- Mobile gaming at high graphics settings.
- High-quality video recording and editing on the go.
- Photography with different zoom and wide-angle options.
- Power users who do a lot of multitasking.
Motorola Moto G85 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a good overall smartphone experience without a premium price tag.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Individuals who value all-day battery life and want to avoid frequent charging.
- Casual Photographers: Users who need a good camera for everyday use, with the flexibility of a wide-angle lens.
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a large display for watching videos and browsing the web.
Specific Use Cases for Moto G85:
- Watching movies and TV shows on a large, bright screen.
- General day-to-day tasks, social media, and browsing the web.
- Casual photography with a focus on wide-angle shots.
- Users needing long battery life for travel or work.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: How important is high performance for gaming or demanding apps?
- Battery Life: Is all-day battery life a top priority, or are you okay with charging more frequently for better performance?
- Camera Requirements: How important is high camera quality and versatility, including telephoto and advanced video capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance & Camera Quality: If you value top-tier performance, advanced camera features and don't mind charging more often, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Long Battery Life & Larger Screen: If long battery life and a larger, brighter screen are your priorities, and you are ok with a mid-range performance, the Motorola Moto G85 is a better fit.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Approach: If you want a solid performer with a larger screen and good battery life at a lower price point, the Motorola G85 might be a better overall option.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Motorola Moto G85 offers a larger display and longer battery life, the superior performance of the S21's Exynos 2100 chipset is a significant advantage. For me, the ability to multitask smoothly and play demanding games at higher settings, along with better camera quality and additional features like wireless charging outweighs the benefit of a slightly larger screen and better battery life in the Moto G85. Additionally, the better quality screen protection and enhanced audio capabilities add to the overall user experience, even if it means sacrificing battery life and a slightly larger screen. While the Moto G85 is a good option at the mid-range, the S21 offers a more premium, future-proof experience and a top tier performance when compared to the Moto G85.
