Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). Both are solid mid-range contenders, but they’re aimed at slightly different users. I'm going to dig into the specs, focusing on what actually matters for day-to-day use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 168.9 × 75.8 × 9.3 mm | The S21 FE is more compact and pocketable; the Moto G is larger and potentially less comfortable in small hands. |
| Weight | 177g | 215g | The S21 FE feels significantly lighter, better for extended use. The Moto G is heavier, possibly more fatiguing over time. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.8" | The Moto G offers more screen real estate, good for media consumption and multitasking. S21 FE has smaller screen, easy to handle |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2460 | Both are sharp enough for daily use, but the Moto G has a slight resolution edge, though not really noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 403 ppi | 395 ppi | Very similar pixel density, both appear sharp to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The S21 FE's AMOLED has superior colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and improved battery efficiency for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both are smooth for scrolling and gaming, delivering a very similar user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 FE is significantly brighter, making it much better in direct sunlight. The Moto G may be hard to see outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | The S21 FE’s flagship chipset is significantly more powerful, better for gaming, and heavy multitasking. The Moto G is for more casual usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 385,000 | The S21 FE scores much higher in benchmarks. Expect noticeable difference in app loading and multitasking performance |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | The S21 FE's GPU handles graphically demanding tasks with more ease. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555) | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1) | While the Moto G has a higher megapixel count, the S21 FE's larger sensor and wider aperture result in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.0, Hynix HI-847) | None | The S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots, which the Moto G lacks. |
| Selfie | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX616) | 16MP (f/2.2) | The S21 FE takes more detailed selfies, though the pixel sizes are smaller. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06" Sony IMX258) | 8MP (f/2.2) | S21 FE has a wide-angle lens. Moto G is wide angle lens is dedicated to Macro mode and lacks wide angle lens. |
| Macro | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | The Moto G has a dedicated macro lens, which the S21 FE lacks. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | Up to 1080p@60fps | The S21 FE shoots higher-resolution video, essential for quality content creation. |
| DXoMark (Mobile) | 117 Overall, 119 Photo, 107 Video | Not tested | S21 FE's camera scores are good, indicating solid image quality. The Moto G's performance is unknown |
| DXoMark (Selfie) | 127 Overall, 126 Photo, 130 Video | Not tested | S21 FE is a great option for selfies, it has a good selfie camera according to DXoMark |
| Features | 4K Video, OIS, Optical zoom, PDAF | Night Mode 2.0, OIS, Manual focus | The S21 FE has more advanced video features, while the Moto G has a "Night Mode 2.0", while both have OIS for still photos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G has a larger battery capacity, potentially providing longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W Fast, Wireless Charging | Standard Charging | The S21 FE supports fast and wireless charging, while the Moto G does not. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W | Non-removable | S21 FE has convenient power-sharing capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both have the same OS version. |
| Max OS Version | Android 16 | Unknown | The S21 FE has a guaranteed 4 major Android OS upgrades |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | The S21 FE has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Both have modern Bluetooth, but the Moto G has slightly better Bluetooth technology. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Moto G has wider support for GPS satellites, which could mean more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | The S21 FE supports two SIM cards simultaneously, offering flexibility for travelers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256GB | Both offer 256GB internal storage, but the S21 FE has a 128GB option as well. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8GB | Both have at least 8GB RAM, but the S21 FE has an additional option of 6GB RAM |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage expansion, you'll need to rely on cloud storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | The S21 FE delivers richer audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted sensor on the Moto G is often faster and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 FE has a more rugged screen protection, it could endure falls more effectively. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Compass, Barometer, Gyroscope | Gyroscope | S21 FE includes more sensors, offering enhanced functionalities and better gaming experiences. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Display Superiority: The AMOLED screen is significantly better with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and higher brightness for outdoor visibility.
- Performance Prowess: With the Snapdragon 888, the S21 FE is a performance beast, handling demanding apps and games with ease.
- Camera Versatility: It offers better low-light performance, a dedicated telephoto lens, and higher video recording quality (up to 4K).
- Premium Features: It includes wireless charging, reverse charging, and better audio, making it feel more premium.
- Future-Proof OS: Guaranteed 4 years of Android OS updates.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) Strengths:
- Larger Screen: The 6.8" display is great for media consumption and multitasking.
- Battery Endurance: The 5000mAh battery should offer longer battery life.
- Stylus Input: The included stylus makes it excellent for note-taking and drawing.
- Macro Lens: For those who enjoy close-up photography.
- Lower Price: It's typically more affordable than the S21 FE, making it a value proposition.
- Better Location Tracking: Offers more satellites for location tracking
- Bluetooth 5.1: The latest version, slightly better performance
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- S21 FE: Lacks expandable storage, and the battery life may not match the Moto G. It also doesn't come with a charger in the box.
- Moto G: The screen is not as good, the performance is noticeably lower, it lacks fast/wireless charging, and the camera isn’t as versatile. It also lacks official software support.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize performance, a great display, a versatile camera, and premium features.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, social media content creators, those who consume a lot of media, and anyone wanting a high-performance phone.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022):
- Ideal For: Users on a budget who need a large screen, long battery life, and the convenience of a stylus for note-taking and drawing.
- Use Cases: Students, professionals who take frequent notes, and casual users who value battery life over high performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Consider these questions when deciding:
- How important is display quality to you? If vibrant colors and bright sunlight visibility are crucial, the S21 FE is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? If you need a fast phone for gaming and heavy usage, the S21 FE’s processor will outperform the Moto G. If battery life is your main concern, the Moto G’s larger battery will be better.
- What is your budget? The S21 FE is a higher-end mid-range phone, so if affordability is the main factor, then the Moto G is cheaper.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you need a phone that can handle anything you throw at it and value a great display and camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better choice.
- For the Casual User: If you need a big screen, stylus functionality, and long battery life at an affordable price, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is the better option.
Final Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Here's why: As someone who values a great display and performance, the superior AMOLED screen, the flagship-level Snapdragon 888 chip, and the versatility of its camera system are the features that fit my needs the best. While the battery life might not be as long as on the Moto G, the fast and wireless charging options makes it manageable, and having the future proof with 4 years of OS support makes this device very attractive. For me the slight premium is well worth it.
