1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 154.1 x 71.2 x 8.1 mm | S21+ is taller & wider, but thinner, Edge 50 Neo is more compact. |
| Weight | 200g | 171g | Edge 50 Neo is noticeably lighter, easier to handle for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | S21+ has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption, Edge 50 Neo is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1256 x 2760 | Edge 50 Neo has a sharper display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 474 | Edge 50 Neo's display appears crisper and more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar visual quality, both offer excellent contrast and colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 3000 nits | Edge 50 Neo's display is significantly more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | S21+ has a slightly higher benchmark score, but the difference in real-world usage is likely minimal. Edge 50 Neo has a newer chip based on a smaller node, so could be more efficient and have better heat management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 675,000 | S21+ has slightly better performance based on benchmarks, but both offer decent speeds. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G615 MC2 | S21+ has a more powerful GPU based on the architecture, potentially better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Edge 50 Neo captures more detailed images with its higher resolution sensor. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.56" | Edge 50 Neo’s larger sensor gathers more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP | 10MP | S21+ has a dedicated Telephoto/Portrait camera, Edge 50 Neo has a telephoto lens camera. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 32MP | Edge 50 Neo’s front camera captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP | 13MP | Very similar performance for ultrawide photos. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | S21+ can record higher resolution videos with more frame rate options. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 115 | Edge 50 Neo has slightly better overall camera performance. |
| DxOMark Video Score | 89 | 107 | Edge 50 Neo captures better videos. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Digital Stabilization, RAW, Night Mode | Laser Autofocus | S21+ offers more flexibility, Edge 50 Neo focuses faster |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4310mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially lasting slightly longer. |
| Charging | 25W | 68W | Edge 50 Neo charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both phones offer wireless charging at the same speed |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | S21+ can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 19) | Edge 50 Neo offers a newer version of Android out-of-the-box. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | Edge 50 Neo has the newer standard, offers faster connection and lower latency if you have a WiFi 6E capable router. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with more features | 5.0 with LE | S21+ has a wider range of Bluetooth support protocols. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Edge 50 Neo offers higher storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12GB | Edge 50 Neo has a larger RAM option |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21+ provides slightly better audio quality with Hi-Res audio support. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21+ is significantly more resistant to screen scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Geomagnetic, Hall | Basic sensors | S21+ offers more sensors for better functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Slightly better benchmark performance: Marginally faster for demanding tasks based on benchmarks, but real-world difference may be minimal.
- More versatile camera features: Offers features like 8K Video, OIS, RAW and Night Mode providing more flexibility in photography.
- Reverse wireless charging: Ability to charge other wireless devices on the go.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better protection from scratches and drops.
- More Advanced Sensors: Provides a more comprehensive suite of sensors which may be beneficial for specific apps or gaming.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Enhanced audio quality for audiophiles.
- Better Telephoto/Portrait camera: Offers more flexibility with photos.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo Advantages:
- Newer Phone and Software: Comes with newer Android version and more OS upgrades, providing a more up-to-date experience and longevity.
- Significantly brighter display: Much better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight.
- Higher Resolution Display: Noticeably sharper and more detailed images.
- Significantly Faster Charging: Charges much faster, reducing downtime.
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry around.
- Higher resolution Main and Selfie cameras: Capture more detailed images, especially in good lighting conditions.
- Larger Storage and RAM Option: Offers more storage and an option for higher RAM for power users.
- Newer Wifi standard Supports WiFi 6E for faster speeds if you have a compatible router.
- Better video camera performance: Edge 50 Neo scored higher in DxOMark for video.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G trades size and weight for slightly better benchmark performance and camera versatility. It also has the older operating system version.
- The Motorola Edge 50 Neo provides a lighter, more modern experience, and faster charging but might have a slight disadvantage in demanding graphical tasks and less camera flexibility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Power users: Who prioritize raw performance and versatile camera capabilities.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Who consume high-resolution media and appreciate Hi-Res audio.
- Users who need advanced camera features: With more manual controls and greater flexibility for different lighting scenarios
- Users with multiple wireless devices: Who would benefit from the reverse wireless charging feature.
- Users who want the best screen protection
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming: Benefit from the slightly more powerful GPU.
- Professional photography/videography: The camera features like 8K video, OIS and RAW.
- Travel: Reverse charging to power other devices on the go.
Ideal User for Motorola Edge 50 Neo:
- Everyday users: Who value a smooth, fast, and lightweight experience.
- Media consumers: Who enjoy bright, high-resolution displays.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Reducing downtime and quickly topping up the battery.
- Users who prefer a more modern OS:
- Users who want a great all-around camera with great video recording
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily use: Perfect for social media, browsing, and communication.
- Outdoor use: The brighter display makes it easy to use on sunny days.
- On-the-go: The lighter build and faster charging are ideal for frequent travelers.
- Casual photography and videos: The high-resolution sensors and great video performance make it a great daily camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you need the very best screen protection? If yes, the S21+ has a better screen with Victus glass.
- Is display brightness and visibility in bright sunlight a priority? If yes, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo is the clear choice.
- How important is the latest Android version? If it's important the Motorola is better, with more OS updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "Performance and Camera Focused": If you need the utmost performance for gaming, more camera controls and features and the best screen protection, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2: "Modern and Practical Experience": If you want a more modern phone with a vibrant display, a lightweight build, and rapid charging, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: "Best All-Around Daily Driver": If you value a great all-around phone with great cameras and video recording, then the Motorola Edge 50 Neo is better.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has its merits, the Edge 50 Neo's significantly brighter and sharper display, faster charging, lighter build, modern OS, and impressive main and selfie cameras align more with my daily needs and preferences. The slightly lower benchmark performance is a trade-off I'm willing to make for the overall improved user experience and convenience. The better video recording capabilities also make this phone a better option. While the S21+ is great for power users, the Edge 50 Neo strikes a better balance between features, usability, and modern technology for a daily driver.
