1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm | ThinkPhone is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. S21 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 188.5g | S21 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended holding periods. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard non-folding phones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | ThinkPhone offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness. |
| PPI | 421 | 399 | S21 has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density, though difference may not be very noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. The difference between AMOLED and P-OLED is minor, mostly concerning manufacturing nuances and doesn't drastically affect user experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone has smoother animations and scrolling, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 has slightly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | ThinkPhone has a more powerful and energy-efficient processor, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone has significantly higher performance, handling demanding tasks with ease. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | ThinkPhone has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.00µm | ThinkPhone has much higher resolution images and a larger sensor, potentially resulting in better low-light performance and more detail. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | None | S21 offers optical zoom capabilities, which may be useful for portrait photography and zooming in on distant objects, while ThinkPhone does not have dedicated telephoto. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.45, unknown µm | ThinkPhone has much higher resolution selfies, but S21 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially resulting in better low-light selfies. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | ThinkPhone has dedicated depth sensor for more precise portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 13MP, f/2.4, unknown µm | Both have comparable wide-angle capabilities. The S21 has a slightly wider aperture for better light gathering. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer similar high-resolution video recording, with the ThinkPhone offering slightly smoother 8K recording. Both support video stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | N/A | S21 camera performance is objectively tested and scored, while no score exists for ThinkPhone. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | ThinkPhone offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | ThinkPhone charges much faster, quickly refilling the battery. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | 15W Wireless | S21 offers more versatile charging options, including reverse wireless charging for accessories, but it's not included in the box. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry in a pocket, good for users with smaller hands.
- Slightly Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for marginally crisper visuals.
- Brighter Display: Better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers optical zoom capabilities, enhancing photographic versatility.
- More Charging Features: Offers reverse wireless charging, and more charging options.
- DXOMark Scores: Objective benchmark scores for camera performance.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes barometer and compass.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Improves call quality.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: supports a larger range of bluetooth features.
Motorola ThinkPhone Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Processor: Superior performance in multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Larger Display: Immersive experience for media consumption and productivity.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother animations and scrolling.
- Much Larger Battery: Significantly longer battery life, less frequent charging required.
- Faster Charging: Quickly replenishes battery capacity.
- Higher Resolution Main and Selfie Cameras: Offers potentially more detail in images, particularly under good lighting conditions.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Enhanced portrait mode effects.
- Newer Android Version: ships with Android 13 vs Android 11 for the S21.
Trade-offs:
- S21: Sacrifices performance and battery for a lighter design and telephoto camera with more charging options.
- ThinkPhone: Larger and heavier design, lacking a telephoto lens for greater performance, battery, and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a light, pocketable phone with a good camera system.
- Users who want versatile charging options, including reverse wireless charging.
- Users who prefer a slightly brighter display for outdoor use.
- Users who prefer a slightly sharper display
- Users who want to have more features with bluetooth
- Users who value validated camera performance.
Use Cases:
- Casual daily usage, social media, photography.
- Users who frequently use wireless charging accessories.
- Users who are concerned about phone size and weight.
Motorola ThinkPhone Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and battery life above all else.
- Users who consume a lot of media and/or play games on their phone.
- Users who value fast charging.
- Users who take a lot of selfies
- Users who want to have the most up to date operating system
Use Cases:
- Heavy mobile gamers, power users, and professionals who need to run demanding apps.
- Travelers who need extended battery life.
- Users who appreciate the convenience of fast charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung S21 is an older model, therefore, it will be likely cheaper.
- The Motorola ThinkPhone is a newer model and typically has a higher price.
- Value depends on individual user priorities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize a compact, lightweight phone or a larger screen with maximum performance?
- Is battery life and fast charging more important to you than versatile charging options and camera zoom capabilities?
- Do you need the best gaming performance, and/or do you need the best phone for outdoor visibility?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a casual user who values a pocket-friendly design, a capable camera for everyday use, and a good display, and are on a budget, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a good choice.
- Scenario 2: If you are a power user, mobile gamer, or someone who needs extended battery life, fast charging, and better performance, the Motorola ThinkPhone is the superior option.
- Scenario 3: If you value camera capabilities with telephoto zoom and an objectively tested camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is better.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola ThinkPhone. While I appreciate the lighter design and telephoto capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, the performance difference between the two is significant. I value having a snappy, responsive phone that can handle intensive tasks without breaking a sweat, and the ThinkPhone's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 730 GPU provide a massive performance boost. Additionally, the larger screen and higher refresh rate make for a more enjoyable viewing experience, and the significantly larger battery, as well as faster charging, mean that the phone is unlikely to be the limiting factor for my day to day. Although the S21 offers a more comprehensive sensor suite as well as a more tested camera, I believe that the ThinkPhone would be a better experience overall, especially for the long term.
