1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto E22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-10-11 | Motorola is significantly newer, may have better software support |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.6 × 74.7 × 8 mm | S21+ is slightly shorter and thinner, Moto E22 is slightly narrower |
| Weight | 200g | 169g | Moto E22 is significantly lighter, easier to handle for long periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ has slightly larger screen, more immersive for media |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21+ has much sharper, more detailed display |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 270 | S21+ display will look noticeably clearer and less pixelated |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ offers smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is much easier to see in bright outdoor light, brightness for Moto E22 is unknown |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | S21+ has a much more powerful processor, snappier performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 159,800 | S21+ offers vastly superior performance for demanding tasks and gaming |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE8320 | S21+ has a significantly more powerful GPU, better gaming experience |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4020mAh | S21+ has a larger battery, likely better battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 10W fast charging | S21+ charges much faster |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse | None | S21+ offers additional charging options and convenience |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.8µm | 16MP, f/2.2, 0.65µm | S21+ has larger pixels and a wider aperture for better low light performance |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 0.8µm | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto camera for zoom and portraits |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | S21+ has a higher resolution selfie camera with wider aperture |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto E22 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1.4µm | None | S21+ has a dedicated wide-angle lens, more versatile photography |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K 24fps | Up to 1080p 30fps | S21+ records much higher quality video |
| DxOMark Score | 111 | N/A | S21+ has been tested for camera quality |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode | Laser Autofocus | S21+ offers more advanced features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | Moto E22 has a newer OS out of the box, while the S21+ is upgradable to a newer OS |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21+ supports newer WiFi, faster speeds and more reliable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with many profiles | 5.0 with A2DP and LE | S21+ has wider Bluetooth profile support, more compatibility options |
| GPS | L1+L5, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | S21+ supports more satellite systems, more accurate location |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ offers more SIM flexibility |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 32/64/128 GB | S21+ has options for more storage |
| RAM | 8 GB | 2/3/4 GB | S21+ has significantly more RAM, better multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device has expandable storage, limited options |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos | S21+ offers higher audio fidelity |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Moto E22 has more convenient fingerprint sensor placement |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive set | Standard set | S21+ has slightly more sensors for specific use cases like enhanced gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and much higher AnTuTu score deliver a significantly faster and smoother experience, ideal for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- High-Quality Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness offers a vibrant, sharp, and readable experience, especially in bright sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21+ includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a wide-angle lens, larger sensors with wider apertures, and more advanced video recording capabilities up to 8K, making it better for versatile photography and video creation.
- Faster Charging & Battery Features: The 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging offers convenience and faster charging times.
- More RAM and Storage: With 8 GB of RAM and options for more internal storage, the S21+ handles multitasking and data storage much more effectively.
- Premium Features: Superior screen protection, more comprehensive connectivity options (WiFi 6, more Bluetooth profiles), enhanced audio quality, and more sensors for advanced features and gaming.
Motorola Moto E22 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: The Moto E22 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods.
- Newer OS Out-of-the-Box: Launched with Android 12 means it may be better supported software-wise in comparison to the S21+ which was released with Android 11
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more convenient fingerprint sensor placement
- Lower price point: Likely a more budget-friendly phone
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Moto E22 sacrifices performance, display quality, camera capabilities, battery features, and overall build quality for a lower price and lighter design. Its weaker processing power and lower-resolution screen will limit its potential.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a much heavier phone and may be less convenient to handle, especially with one hand.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Users who demand high performance for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding apps.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who value a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing photos, and reading.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with excellent low-light performance, optical zoom, and advanced features.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest features, faster charging, wireless charging, and premium connectivity options.
Use Cases:
- Gaming: Demanding mobile games with high graphics settings.
- Creative Tasks: Editing photos and videos, creating content.
- Productivity: Running multiple apps simultaneously, fast multitasking.
- Entertainment: Watching high-resolution content on a vibrant screen.
Motorola Moto E22 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks at a more affordable price.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phones for calls, messages, social media, and light browsing.
- Users Prioritizing Lightness: Individuals who prefer a lighter phone that's comfortable to carry all day.
- Users Who Prioritize Updated Software: Users looking for newer software out of the box for support and better software compatibility.
Use Cases:
- Basic Communication: Calls, texting, and basic social media.
- Light Browsing: Checking email, web browsing, and basic app usage.
- Media Consumption: Watching occasional videos on a less-demanding display.
- General Use: Easy to use for less tech-savvy individuals.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a high price-to-value ratio for users who need the best performance and features. The price might be justified for specific needs like gaming, professional photography, or heavy multitasking.
- The Motorola Moto E22 provides a value-oriented choice for basic users who don't need high performance. The value comes from its functionality at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and gaming? If you need top-tier performance, the S21+ is essential. For basic use, the Moto E22 suffices.
- How important is display quality? The S21+ has a far superior display. The Moto E22 has a basic display. Choose based on how much you prioritize screen clarity and color accuracy.
- What is my budget? The Moto E22 is a budget-friendly option, while the S21+ is a higher-end model.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance and Gaming: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its significantly faster chipset, more RAM, and superior graphics.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Friendly Basic Use: Choose the Motorola Moto E22 if you need a simple smartphone for calls, texts, and basic social media without spending a lot of money.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumption and Photography: If you plan to watch many videos, take lots of photos, and want a high-quality display with a versatile camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 4: Lightweight and Comfortable Handling: If you prioritize a lightweight and comfortable phone, the Motorola Moto E22 is more suitable, provided you can live with the sacrifices to other features.
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. My primary reason for selecting the S21+ is its significantly superior performance and display. I prioritize a smooth and responsive experience for daily tasks, multitasking, and occasional gaming. The high-resolution AMOLED screen with its vibrant colors and high refresh rate also provides a much more enjoyable viewing experience for media consumption, and the advanced camera system is a big plus for capturing high-quality photos and videos. While it's heavier than the Moto E22, the benefits in terms of overall performance and experience far outweigh the difference in weight. The additional battery features (wireless charging, faster charging) also provide convenience, making the S21+ the better all-around device for my specific needs and use cases. Even though it is an older phone and I would miss out on some future software support, I believe it is still more powerful and better equipped than the Motorola Moto E22 in its current state.
