1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 158.5 x 72 x 7.5 mm | Motorola is slightly smaller and easier to handle, the difference is not extremely significant. |
| Weight | 200g | 168g | Motorola is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | S21+ has a slightly larger display, better for media consumption, gaming, and reading, but the difference is minor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 402 PPI | Both offer very similar sharpness |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar display quality, both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola offers a slightly smoother experience, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content and games |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | S21+ has better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888+ offers higher performance for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 904,900 | Motorola provides noticeably faster app loading and smoother operation overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 in Motorola is generally considered to be a higher performing GPU, better for graphically intensive tasks and gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4400mAh | S21+ might offer marginally longer battery life, but usage will be the determining factor. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Motorola charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21+ offers more charging options. Motorola lacks these convenience features |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | Motorola captures more detailed photos due to higher megapixel count and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | S21+ offers optical zoom capabilities |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.2 | Motorola provides higher-resolution selfies with more detail. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 13MP, f/2.2 | Motorola has a dedicated wide-angle lens, allowing for versatile shots. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Motorola offers dedicated depth sensing for portrait mode |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both support high-resolution video recording with image stabilization, making them suitable for video creators |
| DXOMark | 111 (Mobile) | N/A | S21+ has a tested camera with a known performance score |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Continuous Autofocus, Manual Focus | OIS, Laser AF | S21+ gives more control and more zoom, Motorola has quicker focus |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | S21+ gets 2 more android version updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support fast and reliable WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Motorola has a newer Bluetooth version for better efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) + Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5) + BeiDou (B1) | Both have accurate GPS but different compatibility. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ offers eSIM for digital carrier flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer ample storage without expansion. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | Motorola provides better performance for multitaskers in 12GB version. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Canceling Mic | Dolby Atmos | Samsung has higher audio features, great for people listening with headphones and making many calls |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer the same type of security sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ is much more durable against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Other sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | None | S21+ is more equipped for environmental and orientation-based applications |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 200 nits higher peak brightness for better outdoor visibility.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- eSIM Support: Provides greater flexibility in carrier management.
- More Camera Features: Optical zoom, continuous autofocus, and manual focus options for camera enthusiasts.
- Better Audio Features: Hi-Res audio, noise canceling microphone for superior sound.
- More Sensors: Additional sensors like Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, better for gaming and environmental data.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs unknown screen protection.
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion Advantages:
- Lighter and Smaller: More comfortable for extended one-handed use.
- Faster Charging: 68W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Higher Performance: Snapdragon 888+ offers better overall performance, especially in gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz display is smoother for fast-paced content.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: Higher MP main and selfie cameras capture more detail.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle lens: More camera flexibility with an ultrawide option.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 for better power efficiency and connectivity.
- More RAM Option: 12GB option for better multitasking.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G sacrifices performance and fast charging for wireless charging and better display brightness. It is slightly heavier and bulkier.
- The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion lacks wireless charging and has a lower display brightness, but compensates with much faster charging and better performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Users Prioritizing Display Quality: Those who frequently use their phone in bright conditions will benefit from the higher brightness of the S21+.
- Wireless Charging Enthusiasts: Users who rely on wireless charging and reverse charging will find it very convenient.
- Camera Users Needing Zoom & Control: Those who prioritize zoom capabilities, manual focus, and have a focus on camera control, would be better with S21+.
- Users Who Want More Android Version Updates: Those who want to keep their phones longer might benefit from having more Android updates.
- Users who value Hi-Res Audio: Those who enjoy high quality music playback with headsets.
Users who need more sensors: Gamers and those who need specific sensors such as a Barometer
Use Cases:
- Outdoor photography in bright sunlight.
- Long periods of media consumption with need for brightness.
- Frequent travelers needing flexibility with eSIM and wireless charging on the go.
- Power users who need access to more information via sensors and camera controls
- Users who want better audio quality with headsets
Ideal User for Motorola Edge 30 Fusion:
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and power users who need a faster phone with a higher refresh rate screen.
- Users Wanting Fast Charging: Users who do not want to be tethered to a wall for long periods of time.
- Casual photographers: Those who prioritize quick and versatile photos using different lenses.
- Users Who Need More RAM: Those who constantly run multiple apps and need to avoid slowdown.
- Users who want a lighter phone: Those who are going to use their phone one-handed.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy mobile gaming and multitasking
- On-the-go use needing fast charging.
- Casual photographers who take variety of pictures with main, selfie, wide and portrait lenses.
- Use Cases:
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion generally offers a higher performance for its price. However, the S21+ has the benefits of wireless charging and a brighter display that some users may value more.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize display brightness or overall performance and smoothness? If you prioritize screen visibility in outdoor conditions, choose the S21+. If you need a smoother overall experience with high performance, the Motorola is a better option.
- Is wireless charging and extra sensors important to you? If you heavily rely on wireless charging and more sensor options, the S21+ is the clear winner.
- Do you need the flexibility of eSIM and better audio features, or fast charging and more versatile cameras with a wide angle option? If you like eSIM, better audio quality and additional camera features, then choose S21+. If you want a dedicated wide-angle lens and super fast charging, the Motorola is better for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: You are an outdoor photographer who needs to take pictures in bright sunlight, and want to have zoom functionality. You would prefer the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Scenario 2: You are a heavy mobile gamer who wants the best possible performance and charging speeds. You would prefer the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion.
Scenario 3: You want an all-around phone with a balance of performance, good battery life, and camera quality and do not rely on wireless charging. You would prefer the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion.
My Choice
I would personally choose the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion.
Reasoning: While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has a slightly brighter display and the convenience of wireless charging, the Motorola's strengths align better with my typical usage patterns. The combination of the Snapdragon 888+ chipset, 144Hz display, and faster charging are very appealing. I also appreciate the higher resolution cameras, and the inclusion of an ultrawide lens. The lighter weight and newer Bluetooth version are also small but welcome benefits. While the wireless charging on the S21+ is certainly convenient, I tend to prefer having the faster charging speeds so I am not tied to a charger for extended amounts of time. While the S21+ offers more zoom capabilities, I personally do not use zoom that often and prefer the extra versatility and high resolution of the ultrawide lens, which makes it easier for me to take diverse photos. Finally, having a newer chip and better gaming performance is something I would value.
