Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Motorola Edge 40
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Edge 40 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 158.4 × 72 × 7.6 mm | S21+ is larger and slightly thicker, might feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 167g | Edge 40 is significantly lighter, enhancing comfort for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | S21+ offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer same sharpness, suitable for general use, videos, and gaming. |
| PPI | 394 | 402 | Negligible difference in pixel density, both displays are very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar display quality, both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 40 offers a smoother visual experience, especially noticeable in scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21+ has a slightly brighter display, providing better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm) | Both chipsets provide high performance for smooth usage, but different architectures might lead to minor differences in specific app performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 762,526 | Similar performance, suitable for gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Both GPUs are capable for gaming, but their architecture affects graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.55" sensor | Edge 40 has higher resolution and wider aperture; better in low light situations, more detailed images. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | Not available | S21+ has a telephoto lens for better optical zoom capabilities. |
| Ultrawide/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 13MP, f/2.2 | Similar ultrawide camera performance for capturing wide-angle shots and macro. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 32MP, f/2.4 | Edge 40 has higher resolution selfies, S21+ slightly better low-light performance because of wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | S21+ records videos at higher resolution, which is good for professional use cases. |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, Triple camera, 8k Video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus | Laser autofocus (LAF), Dual Camera | S21+ is more versatile for advanced photography, while Edge 40 has a laser autofocus. |
| DxoMark Score | 111 Mobile Score (118 Photo, 89 Video) | Not Available | S21+ has a DxoMark rating, Edge 40 does not. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4400mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery for potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Edge 40 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Wireless charging 15W | S21+ has additional reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradeable to 15 | Android 13, Upgradeable to 15 | Edge 40 has a newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Edge 40 has a newer version of Bluetooth, that offers improved efficiency and performance. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi performance for both devices. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB | Both offer sufficient storage, but the S21+ has a 128GB variant. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both have ample RAM for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, 3 microphones | S21+ offers higher audio quality and noise cancellation for calls. Edge 40 has three mics, which could be useful for recording audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Similar fingerprint security for both devices. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ offers superior screen protection, the level of protection for Edge 40 is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21+ includes a barometer, good for users interested in environmental data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits for better outdoor visibility.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers optical zoom capabilities for versatile photography.
- 8K Video Recording: For professional-grade video content creation.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- Additional Sensors: Barometer for environmental data.
- Hi-Res Audio and Noise Cancellation Mic: Better audio quality for calls.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
- DxoMark Score: Tested by DxoMark, scoring well for photography
Practical Implications: The S21+ excels in scenarios requiring advanced photography, high-quality video recording, better outdoor visibility, and the option to reverse wireless charge accessories.
Motorola Edge 40 Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: More comfortable for extended use.
- Faster Charging: 68W charging for quickly topping up the battery.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz display for a smoother visual experience.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Better detail and low light performance for everyday photography.
- Newer Android Version: Android 13 out of the box.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Improved efficiency and performance.
Practical Implications: The Edge 40 is ideal for users who prioritize comfort, fast charging, smoother display interactions, and higher-resolution selfies.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ trades weight and size for better camera versatility and display brightness.
- Edge 40 sacrifices telephoto zoom, 8k video recording, and reverse wireless charging for faster charging and a lighter design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts, content creators, users who frequently view content outdoors, users needing reverse wireless charging
- Use Cases: Professional photography, creating high-quality videos, outdoor use, users needing high-fidelity audio and good call quality.
- Price-to-Value: Can offer good value if found at a discount, given the higher-end camera and display features.
Motorola Edge 40:
- Ideal User: Everyday users, mobile gamers, users who value comfort, those who need fast charging
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, everyday social media use, general tasks, fast charging, users who value a lightweight phone.
- Price-to-Value: Provides a good balance of features for its price, particularly appealing to users on a budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Photography Needs: Do you prioritize high-quality, versatile cameras (optical zoom, 8K video), or is a good main camera with fast capture speeds sufficient?
- Usage Style: Do you need a phone that feels light and comfortable for extended use, or is a slightly heavier device with more advanced features acceptable?
- Battery Requirements: Is faster charging a must-have, or is better battery life with wireless charging your preference?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "The Photographer": If you frequently take photos and videos and want the best possible camera experience, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its versatile triple camera system, 8K video, and optical zoom.
- Scenario 2: "The On-The-Go User": If you prioritize comfort, fast charging, and a smoother visual experience, the Motorola Edge 40 is the better choice for its lighter design and 144Hz refresh rate.
- Scenario 3: "The Balanced User": If you value a balance between photography, display, and performance the Samsung S21+ 5G is the best choice as its strengths are better than the Motorola Edge 40's.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Motorola Edge 40 has some very good features like fast charging and a lighter weight, the S21+ offers a much better camera system overall, which is a primary need for my usage, especially because of the telephoto lens and 8K recording. Additionally, the brighter display makes it a better choice for outdoor use. Although it's slightly heavier, the trade-off for these benefits is worth it for me. The higher audio quality and more advanced sensors add value as well.
