1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 159.6 × 72 × 7.9 mm | S21+ is slightly larger; Edge 40 Neo is more compact. The difference may not be noticeable for some users, but the Neo is better for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 170g | Edge 40 Neo is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods and easier to carry in a pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | S21+ has a slightly larger screen, which could be preferred for media consumption or multitasking. The difference is minimal and may not be noticeable to some users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness; no visible difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 402 | Virtually identical pixel density. Both display sharp text and images. No practical difference for users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. Users won't likely notice a difference in display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 40 Neo has a higher refresh rate, resulting in smoother animations and a slightly more responsive feel, especially during gaming or scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both displays are bright enough for outdoor use. No practical difference for most users. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6 nm) | S21+ has a more powerful chip, translating to faster app loading and smoother overall performance; edge 40 Neo can handle most tasks with ease, but may not be as snappy with demanding applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 527,666 | S21+ has significantly better performance based on benchmarks which translates into faster app loading, smoother gameplay and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G610 MC3 | S21+ has a more powerful GPU, which is beneficial for graphically intensive tasks, such as gaming, video editing or design. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Edge 40 Neo has a slightly larger battery, which could result in slightly longer battery life. The difference in practical usage will be minimal. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 68W fast charging | Edge 40 Neo charges much faster; this translates to significantly less time plugged into the wall. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | None | S21+ has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging options. Offers additional convenience but not required by all users. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | Edge 40 Neo has a higher resolution sensor that is slightly larger, which can capture more detailed images and provide better performance in low light conditions. However, the S21+'s image processing could make the results similar to the Edge. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and better portrait photos. The Edge 40 Neo does not have this feature and relies on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 32MP, f/2.4 | Edge 40 Neo has a higher resolution front camera. However, S21+ has a wider aperture which performs better in low light. |
| Wide Angle/Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 13MP, f/2.2 | Both have wide-angle cameras, but the S21+ has a larger pixel size. The difference in photo quality will be minimal. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | S21+ captures higher resolution videos which is better for professional video recordings. Both have stabilization features. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Mobile: 103, Photo: 102, Video: 116 | S21+ has better overall photo scores, while the Edge 40 Neo performs better with video quality. |
| Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera | Dual camera, Laser autofocus (LAF) | S21+ offers Optical zoom and a triple camera, offering more flexibility in photo taking. Edge 40 Neo has laser autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 13, upgradable to 15 | Edge 40 Neo ships with a newer version of Android; This provides newer features and enhanced security out-of-the-box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both phones support fast and modern WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Edge 40 Neo has a newer Bluetooth version that offers improvements in range, speed and efficiency; S21+ supports additional codecs for connecting with more types of audio devices. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, BeiDou (B1) | S21+ supports more satellite systems which improves the accuracy of GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both offer dual SIM support, with one physical SIM and one eSIM; the S21+ also allows the use of two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | Edge 40 Neo only comes with 256GB of storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Edge 40 Neo offers an option for 12 GB of RAM. This provides better performance when multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so users are limited to onboard storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | S21+ offers higher audio quality via Hi-Res Audio and better call quality via noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar basic biometric security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | S21+ has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | None | S21+ includes more sensors, which are useful for navigation, AR applications and environmental measurements. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides noticeably faster performance in benchmarks, which translates into smoother app launches, multitasking and gaming experience.
- Better Camera System Overall: The S21+ boasts a triple camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which is excellent for capturing detailed zoom shots and better portraits.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Hi-Res audio, Stereo speakers and a noise cancellation microphone which provide superior audio quality.
- Premium Build Quality: Better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus and a wider array of sensors that enhance the user experience.
- Wireless charging: The phone supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- More Precise GPS: The phone supports GPS with L1+L5 and Galileo (E1+E5a), providing the most accurate GPS tracking.
- More SIM Options: The phone allows the use of two physical SIMs.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13, providing immediate access to the latest software features and security updates.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging significantly reduces charging time, making it more convenient for users on the go.
- Lighter and More Compact: Lighter and more compact design makes it easier to handle and more pocketable for extended use.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz refresh rate allows for a smoother scrolling experience, especially for gamers and people who consume a lot of social media content.
- Better Video Quality: Provides better video performance (based on DxOMark scores)
- More Recent Bluetooth Version: The newer version of bluetooth is more efficient and provides faster connection speeds.
- More RAM options: The 12 GB RAM version allows for a smoother multitasking experience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Lacks the faster charging, newer software out of the box, lighter design and higher refresh rate present in the Edge 40 Neo.
- Edge 40 Neo: Less powerful chipset, lacks a telephoto camera and wireless charging found in the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need the best performance for multitasking, heavy apps, or gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who desire a versatile camera system with optical zoom and superior overall image quality.
- Users who want premium features: Wireless charging and higher audio quality is important to those who consume a lot of multimedia.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, professional photography, high-end app usage.
- Users who listen to music and want high-fidelity audio.
- People who need the most accurate GPS tracking.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo is ideal for:
- Casual Users: Those who value a smooth experience, quick charging, and a lightweight design.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who mostly watch videos and consume social media and value a smooth display.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who prioritize value for money and do not need the highest performance.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use, social media browsing, video streaming.
- Users who need fast charging.
- People who prefer a light and compact phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Edge 40 Neo offers more value due to its newer technology and lower price.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is still a great option if users value the most powerful components.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: How important is raw processing power? Is it required for gaming and demanding apps or is a smooth experience sufficient?
- Camera Requirements: Is optical zoom and better still image quality important or is better video quality more important?
- Battery and Charging: How important is fast charging and wireless charging compared to slightly better battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: If you are a mobile gamer who wants the highest possible performance, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice due to its superior chipset and GPU.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User: If you prioritize a smooth experience, fast charging, and a lighter design, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo is the better pick.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover: If you want a more versatile camera system for taking a variety of photos with better image quality and zoom capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a better choice.
- Scenario 4: Multimedia Consumer: If you value a faster refresh rate display for scrolling social media or watching videos, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo is the better pick due to its 144hz refresh rate and slightly superior video capture.
- Scenario 5: Value Focused Buyer: If value for money is your top priority, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo offers a newer, more modern feature set at a lower price point.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a more powerful chipset and a better overall camera system for still photography, the Edge 40 Neo is the more practical choice for everyday use. The faster charging, higher refresh rate, and lighter design are all features that I value highly in a smartphone. Additionally, the newer software out of the box makes the phone feel more modern. While the S21+ is a great phone, for my use case, the Edge 40 Neo makes more sense.
