Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Moto G73. We'll break down the specs, explore the practical implications, and figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, along with what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Moto G73 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | S21 FE is slightly shorter and thinner, but both are quite similar in-hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 181g | Very similar, neither will feel significantly heavier. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding phones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Very similar screen size; Both are great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, crisp visuals; negligible difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 403 | 405 | Both offer a clear, detailed screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE's AMOLED offers superior contrast, black levels, and vibrancy. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones have a smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE much better for outdoor use under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Dimensity 930 (6nm) | S21 FE has a significantly more powerful chipset, better for heavy apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 497,466 | S21 FE has much faster app loading and gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | IMG BXM-8-256 | S21 FE’s GPU is superior for demanding graphic tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Moto G73 captures more detail, while the S21 FE has a better sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE has dedicated telephoto lens for zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | S21 FE takes higher resolution, wider aperture selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Moto G73 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for group photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 FE is more versatile with dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 FE shoots higher quality 4K video. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 | N/A | S21 FE has a proven camera system. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 127 | N/A | S21 FE has a proven selfie camera system. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Triple Camera | Ultra Stable Video, Dual Camera, Front Flash | S21 FE features OIS, optical zoom while G73 features ultra stable video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Moto G73 likely has better battery life thanks to a larger battery. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Moto G73 has slightly faster charging. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse | None | S21 FE supports wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 16) | Android 13 | Moto G73 ships with the newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Moto G73 has the newer, more efficient Bluetooth 5.3. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | Moto G73 has more satellite system support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Moto G73 has 8GB RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation | Dolby Atmos | S21 FE has better audio with noise cancellation for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Moto G73 has more convenient side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Basic set | S21 FE has more sensors like a barometer for better positional awareness. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: Its standout features are its superior display (AMOLED with 1300 nits brightness), much more powerful performance (Snapdragon 888), and a more versatile camera system with telephoto and macro lenses. It also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Excels in multimedia consumption, high-end gaming, and photography thanks to a more mature camera setup and stronger chipset.
- Trade-offs: It has slightly less battery capacity and older Bluetooth version compared to the Moto G73. It also doesn't come with a charger in the box.
Motorola Moto G73:
- Strengths: It boasts a newer Android version out of the box, better battery life, a newer Bluetooth version, and potentially a more reliable fingerprint sensor on the side.
- Competitive Advantages: Offers a great value proposition for those seeking good battery life, reliable performance, and the latest software.
- Trade-offs: The display is not as good, lacks a telephoto camera, has slower performance, and doesn't offer wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best For: Users who prioritize display quality, performance, camera versatility, and the best multimedia experience. Gamers, content creators, and avid photographers will appreciate its capabilities.
- Use Cases: Ideal for high-end mobile gaming, streaming high-quality video, professional-level photography, and anyone who needs top-tier performance in their daily tasks.
- Value: If you have a budget that can accommodate the price premium and want a flagship-level experience, then the S21 FE would be a strong choice.
Motorola Moto G73:
- Best For: Users who prioritize long battery life, the latest software, and a more budget-friendly price.
- Use Cases: Great for users who need a reliable phone for daily communication, social media browsing, and casual gaming without breaking the bank.
- Value: It’s a solid option if you're looking for a balanced phone that excels in key areas and is easy on the pocketbook.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these questions:
- How important is display quality and outdoor visibility to you? If you often use your phone outdoors, then the Samsung S21 FE's brighter AMOLED display is a clear winner.
- How much do you value performance for gaming or heavy apps? If you're into mobile gaming, then the Snapdragon 888 in the S21 FE would make a major difference.
- What is your battery life priority? If you prioritize battery life, then the Moto G73's larger battery is your best bet.
Here are a few scenarios to consider:
- Scenario 1: The Power User If you're all about peak performance, a vibrant display, and camera versatility, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: The Practical Everyday User If you want great battery life, the latest Android version, and a smooth experience for everyday use, the Motorola Moto G73 is a very solid and cost-effective option.
- Scenario 3: The Camera Enthusiast If you want flexibility in your photography with different lenses, then the S21 FE is a winner.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd personally pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here’s why:
As a tech journalist and someone who genuinely appreciates top-tier performance, I’m drawn to the S21 FE's superior display, chipset, and cameras. I often need to test performance-heavy apps and capture high-quality photos and videos, and the S21 FE is simply better equipped for these tasks. The brighter AMOLED screen is a must-have for outdoor use and the telephoto lens and macro mode provide greater creative flexibility for my photography. While the battery is slightly smaller than the Moto G73's, the wireless charging feature would add extra convenience. The lack of a charger in the box is a minor inconvenience which can be resolved easily. For me, the comprehensive sensor suite and overall superior performance for demanding use-cases make it the more suitable choice. While it may cost more, the user experience makes it worthwhile.
That said, the Motorola Moto G73 is an excellent option for anyone who wants a reliable, smooth phone with a great battery life at a more affordable price. It just wouldn’t be the right fit for my particular needs.
I hope this comparison helps you make an informed decision that best suits your needs!
