Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Motorola Razr 40
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Razr 40 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Razr 40 offers a unique foldable design for greater portability and a novel user experience. S21 is a more traditional form factor. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 170.8 x 74 x 7.4 mm | Razr 40 is taller and slightly wider, but thinner. S21 is more compact in pocket. |
| Weight | 169g | 188.6g | S21 is lighter and will be more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.9" | Razr 40 has a noticeably larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Razr 40 has slightly sharper details due to higher resolution |
| PPI | 421 | 413 | Both displays offer similar pixel density, providing sharp images |
| Technology | AMOLED | Not Specified | S21's AMOLED display provides superior contrast, deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. Razr 40's tech is unknown. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Razr 40 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1400 nits | Razr 40 is brighter and will be easier to see outdoors in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) | S21 has a slightly more powerful chip based on benchmark scores, but both handle daily tasks well. Razr 40's more modern chip may offer better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 699,600 | S21 performs marginally better in benchmarks, likely leading to a slightly smoother experience in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 644 | Different GPUs. S21's Mali provides powerful performance, while the Razr 40's Adreno is optimized for gaming and efficiency. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12MP | 64MP | Razr 40 has significantly higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail |
| Telephoto | 64MP | None | S21 offers greater versatility with a dedicated zoom lens for better quality at different distances. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 10MP | 32MP | Razr 40 has higher resolution for better selfie detail. |
| Wide + Macro Camera Res | 12.2MP | 13MP | Very similar ultrawide performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 can record significantly higher resolution videos, suited for professional quality content creation. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 | N/A | S21 has been tested, offering a benchmark score to show quality. Razr 40 is untested |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 | N/A | S21 has been tested, offering a benchmark score to show quality. Razr 40 is untested |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4200mAh | Razr 40 has a slightly bigger battery which could provide slightly longer runtime between charges. |
| Charging | 25W wired | 33W wired | Razr 40 will charge faster than the S21. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 8W | S21 has faster wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 16) | Razr 40 offers a newer operating system and one more version upgrade, giving it longer support. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest WiFi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Razr 40 has the latest version which is more energy efficient and offers improved connectivity. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | Razr 40 offers eSIM support for more flexible carrier options. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both phones offer similar internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12GB | Razr 40 offers 12GB RAM option for better multitasking. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Both phones have similar audio features and stereo speakers. Razr 40 includes 3 microphones while S21 has a noise cancelling microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic sensor | Side-mounted | Razr 40 offers a more advanced side mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both devices use top-tier screen protection |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite + barometer | Comprehensive suite, no barometer | S21 provides a barometer for tracking atmospheric pressure. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED screen offers deeper blacks and vibrant colors, providing a better visual experience for content consumption.
- Higher Performance: Slightly better benchmark scores suggest better raw processing power for intensive tasks and demanding games.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities and a more powerful video suite with 8k recording
- Advanced Battery Features: Faster 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, providing more charging flexibility.
- More comprehensive sensors Barometer included for environmental tracking.
- Established Ecosystem: Benefits from Samsung's well-established software and ecosystem.
Motorola Razr 40 Advantages:
- Unique Foldable Design: Offers a more portable form factor and unique usability features through the folding screen.
- Larger Display: Provides an immersive viewing experience, great for media and gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother animations and scrolling with 144Hz refresh rate.
- Brighter Display: Offers superior visibility in bright outdoor conditions
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android and one more guaranteed software upgrade, ensuring longer usability.
- Faster Charging: 33W wired charging to refill the battery quicker.
- Newer Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, which is more power efficient and offers better connection stability.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM for more flexible carrier switching
- More RAM option: 12 GB RAM configuration for better multitasking
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21: Older OS at launch and less unique design.
- Razr 40: The foldable screen adds complexity and may impact durability, also a less powerful chipset than the S21.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Content creators: Benefit from its high-quality camera with 8k video, great performance, and AMOLED display.
- Users focused on display quality: Will appreciate the superior AMOLED technology and vibrant colors.
- Users seeking a powerful all-rounder: Needs reliable performance across all tasks with a focus on battery flexibility (wireless charging)
- Users in the Samsung ecosystem: Already using Samsung products will appreciate software consistency.
Ideal User for Motorola Razr 40:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Who are drawn to unique designs and cutting-edge technology.
- Users Seeking Portability: Those wanting a large screen experience that can be easily tucked away in their pockets.
- Media Consumers: Will enjoy the larger screen and high refresh rate for watching videos and playing games.
- Users wanting the latest Android version: People who value having the most up-to-date OS and feature set.
- Users who value fast charging
Specific Use Cases:
- S21: Professional photography/videography, graphic design and editing, and gaming on a smaller but higher quality screen.
- Razr 40: On-the-go media consumption, social media browsing, or having a compact device while needing access to a bigger screen.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Form Factor Preference: Do you prefer a standard smartphone or a foldable device?
- Display Requirements: Is display quality (AMOLED, color accuracy) or larger size and refresh rate more important?
- Performance & Future-Proofing: Do you prioritize raw power or long-term software support?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If your priority is raw performance, video recording and display quality within a traditional form-factor, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is better suited.
- Scenario 2: If you are drawn to innovative design, a large screen and more modern features, plus longer software support, the Motorola Razr 40 is the way to go.
- Scenario 3: If you are concerned about cost, check current market pricing. The older Samsung S21 may be a better bargain on resale.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Razr 40. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a solid performer with a great display and versatile camera, the Razr 40 offers a more unique and exciting experience thanks to its foldable design. I value innovation and the added portability the Razr 40 provides. The larger screen, faster refresh rate, faster charging, and more recent software also appeal to me. I'm willing to trade slightly lower raw performance for these features.
