Alright, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). Both are compelling devices, but they cater to different needs and preferences. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and give you a clear picture of what each phone offers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, looking at what the raw specs mean for you in everyday use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm | S21 FE is more compact; G Stylus is taller and thicker |
| Weight | 177g | 202g | S21 FE feels lighter, more pocketable |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Front | Unknown Front | S21 FE's screen has robust protection |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | G Stylus has a slightly larger screen |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp, with minimal practical difference |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 399 | Both offer very crisp viewing experience |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE: richer colors, deeper blacks, better power efficiency in dark mode; G Stylus: lower contrast and not as good outdoors |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE vastly superior in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | S21 FE: Flagship-level performance, faster app loading; G Stylus: Mid-range performance for everyday use |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 565,000 | S21 FE is significantly faster; better for gaming |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 710 | S21 FE has better graphical performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.88 | G Stylus captures more detail, but S21 FE has better overall image quality and larger pixels |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities and portrait mode |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE has higher resolution ultrawide |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.5 | S21 FE captures more detailed selfies |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 FE offers more versatile video recording modes |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | Not Tested | S21 FE has proven camera quality |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | G Stylus will likely have longer battery life on a single charge |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 20W Fast | S21 FE charges slightly faster; Both can reach full battery quickly |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21 FE offers more charging flexibility |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 16) | Android 13 | G Stylus has the latest software out of the box, S21 FE has a longer software support lifetime. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | S21 FE has slightly more advanced Wi-Fi capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | G Stylus has newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, SUPL, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Both offer precise positioning |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | S21 FE allows for two SIM cards |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Same storage options, however they cannot be expanded on either devices |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both good for multitasking and gaming, but S21 FE has slightly faster performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device can expand storage via microSD |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | S21 FE has better noise cancellation capabilities; G Stylus has enhanced clarity in recording |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G Stylus has a more modern, convenient fingerprint sensor placement |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 FE provides additional environmental sensors for specific apps |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chip provides flagship-level speed and responsiveness, making it great for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Excellent Display: The AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and fantastic outdoor visibility thanks to its 1300 nits brightness.
- Versatile Camera System: The triple-lens setup, with its dedicated telephoto lens, offers more creative options and quality.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, and robust screen protection add convenience and value.
- Long Software Support: Will be supported to Android 16, for longevity.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery should provide excellent battery life.
- Built-in Stylus: The integrated stylus is perfect for note-taking, drawing, and precise interactions.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 provides more efficient connections and more modern audio codec support.
- Latest Android OS: The phone ships with Android 13.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor: More modern and convenient.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: No expandable storage, potentially shorter battery life, no charger in the box.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): The mid-range processor is not as powerful, display technology is less vibrant, camera quality is good but not as impressive, no wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Power Users and Gamers: This phone is ideal for anyone who demands high performance, smooth multitasking, and a great gaming experience.
- Media Consumers: The AMOLED display makes watching videos and browsing photos a delight.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system and image quality make it a great choice for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Productivity-focused Users: The stylus and large battery make it perfect for taking notes, drawing, and working on the go.
- Budget-Conscious Users: This phone offers a great blend of features at a more affordable price point.
- Users Who Prefer Simplicity: It has a clean Android experience, perfect for those who want an easy and intuitive smartphone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before deciding, ask yourself:
- Performance Requirements: Do you need top-tier processing power for gaming and heavy multitasking, or will a more modest mid-range chipset suffice?
- Display Preferences: Do you prioritize a vibrant, high-contrast display with excellent outdoor visibility, or is a decent LCD screen good enough for your needs?
- Battery Life vs. Features: Do you need features like wireless charging and reverse charging, or is long battery life your primary focus?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: You're a mobile gamer who loves watching videos. Go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its powerful performance and vibrant AMOLED screen.
- Scenario 2: You need a phone primarily for productivity and note-taking. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) and its built-in stylus will be the perfect companion.
- Scenario 3: You value a premium camera experience for photos and videos The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers versatile camera options and higher-quality imagery.
- Scenario 4: You're budget-conscious and want a balanced experience. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) offers a great value with a decent chipset, big battery, and built-in stylus.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the lack of a charger in the box and no expandable storage is a miss, the superior performance with the Snapdragon 888 chip, the vibrant AMOLED display, and the versatile camera system are too compelling to pass up. As someone who appreciates smooth and fast performance and a high quality display, the S21 FE 5G aligns more closely with my priorities. The extra features such as wireless charging and better build quality will come in handy in my day to day life. While the Motorola has a larger battery, I’m confident the S21 FE 5G's 25W fast charging will allow me to quickly top up the battery if I'm low.
