Okay, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Moto G72. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and give you my take on which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with an emphasis on what these specs actually mean for daily use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | Moto G72 is taller, but both have similar width and thickness, making them feel comparable in hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 166g | Moto G72 is noticeably lighter, which can be a plus during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | Moto G72 offers a slightly larger viewing area, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals; negligible difference in everyday use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 402 | Practically identical sharpness; images appear crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both technologies offer excellent colors and contrast; slight difference in display tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both; great for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE offers much better visibility in bright sunlight; Moto G72 does not specify brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Helio G99 (6nm) | S21 FE significantly faster for gaming, heavy apps, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 415,300 | S21 FE offers a massive performance leap, easily handling demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 FE's GPU is superior, offering better graphics for games and media. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G72’s larger battery should last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Moto G72 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 FE offers wireless charging convenience and reverse charging to power other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 108MP (f/1.7) | Moto G72 offers higher resolution, but S21 FE has larger pixels for better low-light capture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto camera, offering optical zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) | 16MP | S21 FE offers higher resolution front-facing shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (f/1.9) | Moto G72 has a dedicated wide angle lens for capturing more scene in the shot. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Moto G72 offers close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 13MP (f/2.2) | None | S21 FE offers a single lens option for both Wide Angle and Macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 FE captures video in higher resolution with 4K and more recording options. |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | 117 | N/A | S21 FE has solid photo quality (119) and good video (107), Moto G72 not tested. |
| DxoMark (Selfie) | 127 | N/A | S21 FE has a good selfie camera (126 for photos and 130 for videos). |
| Camera Features | OIS, 4K video, optical zoom, RAW | LAF, triple camera | S21 FE is loaded with camera features, while Moto G72 provides a more basic experience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Max Ver. 16 | Android 12 | S21 FE guaranteed OS updates up to Android 16, while Moto G72 is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 FE offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Both have similar Bluetooth capabilities, but S21 FE has more codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both offer similar location capabilities, Moto G72 adds SUPL. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both support two SIM cards; good for travel or separate contacts. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB | Both offer the same storage options, plenty for most users. |
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB | 6 GB / 8 GB | Both offer the same RAM options for multitasking and smooth performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, which might be a limitation for some. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 FE offers more premium audio features with Noise Cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE has superior screen protection from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Barometer | Magnetometer | S21 FE includes a Barometer and other environmental sensors |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: The S21 FE is a powerhouse when it comes to performance. The Snapdragon 888 chipset blows the Helio G99 out of the water in terms of speed, gaming, and overall responsiveness. Its display is also a standout with significantly higher brightness, making it far more usable outdoors. The camera system is more versatile, with a telephoto lens, 4K video recording, and superior overall photo and video quality, as confirmed by DxOMark scores. You also get premium features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and future OS updates.
- Competitive Advantages: If you value raw speed, superior display quality, and a more advanced camera, the S21 FE is the clear winner. It's better for gaming, content creation, and those who need a reliable, high-performance phone in all conditions.
- Trade-offs: The S21 FE's battery is smaller, and its charging is slower, making the Moto G72 more appealing for those who need maximum battery life and fast refills. It does not include a charger in box either. It is also slightly heavier.
Motorola Moto G72:
- Strengths: The Moto G72 focuses on delivering excellent value with its larger battery, faster charging, and a higher resolution main camera. Its primary advantage is battery endurance, which can be crucial for heavy users. It also has a dedicated wide angle lens, and a macro lens which the S21 FE lacks. It is also lighter.
- Competitive Advantages: The Moto G72 shines as a phone that prioritizes longevity and everyday utility. It's ideal for users who need a dependable device that will last a full day without needing a charge.
- Trade-offs: The performance is much lower than the S21 FE. It also lacks in overall camera quality and video features. The screen brightness is also not known and might struggle in outdoor conditions. It lacks wireless charging capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, content creators, power users, and anyone who demands top-tier performance and a quality camera system. It is good for those who prioritize high screen brightness, and a comprehensive experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality photography and videography, heavy multitasking, and those who often work outside.
- Motorola Moto G72:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who need a long-lasting battery, and casual users who prioritize battery life over top-end performance.
- Use Cases: Daily communication, social media, light browsing, and those who prioritize a longer battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How much do you value performance? If gaming or running demanding apps is important, the S21 FE’s superior processor is essential. If performance isn't a priority, and daily tasks are your main use case, the Moto G72 will be just fine.
- How much do you need for battery life? For maximum usage, the Moto G72’s larger battery and faster charging is a big win. But if you’re often near a power source, the S21 FE's battery may suffice and is backed with wireless charging capabilities.
- How important is the camera quality for you? If capturing high-quality photos and videos is a priority, the S21 FE's superior system is the better option. For casual use, the Moto G72's 108MP main camera will be more than adequate.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Mobile Gamer: Go with the S21 FE for the best gaming experience.
- Frequent Traveler: The Moto G72 will suit you better with its long battery life and fast charging, but will lack on some camera features.
- Casual User: The Moto G72 will provide a balanced experience at a lower price.
- Photography Enthusiast: The S21 FE offers more versatile and higher quality images.
- Outdoor Worker: The S21 FE has much better screen brightness for usage in bright sunlight.
My Choice:
If it were my money and I had to choose between the two, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here's why:
While the Moto G72's large battery and faster charging are appealing, the performance difference is just too massive to ignore. As someone who uses their phone for everything from gaming to photography to productivity, the S21 FE's powerful chipset, high-brightness display, and better camera system are worth the trade-off in battery life. For my needs, I don't mind having to charge my phone more often for a far more premium experience.
Also the S21 FE boasts premium features such as wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, that are not present in the Moto G72. The superior software support also tips the scales in the favor of the S21 FE.
