1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm | Motorola slightly taller and thicker; Samsung slightly wider. Might affect one-handed use, but minimal difference. |
| Weight | 200g | 190g | Motorola slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness for everyday use. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Visually indistinguishable pixel density, both very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar quality; both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, though AMOLED often has slightly better color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | Samsung better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Different chipsets; Samsung’s generally provides better processing power based on benchmark scores. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 514,000 | Samsung faster for demanding apps and games. Noticeable difference in overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 710 | Samsung provides better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola slightly larger battery, potentially longer runtime, but other factors play a significant role. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Motorola charges slightly faster. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No Charger in box | 15W Wireless Charging | Samsung has reverse wireless charging; both have 15W wireless, but Motorola comes with a charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | Motorola has higher resolution and slightly larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | None | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.70µm | Motorola has higher resolution; Samsung has wider aperture, possibly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Motorola has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Samsung allows for higher resolution, more versatile video recording. |
| DXOMark Score | 111 (Mobile) | Not Available | Samsung rated better, though results vary based on use case. |
| Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, RAW | Time-Lapse, Dual Capture | Samsung for content creators; Motorola for creative modes. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradeable to 15) | Motorola offers a more recent base Android version, which is usually smoother and more efficient; both upgradeable to Android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | Motorola supports 6GHz band for better WiFi performance in some cases. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Motorola offers slightly newer Bluetooth with better energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC | Motorola has additional NavIC, a more accurate system overall. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both support dual SIM with e-SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256GB | Motorola has more standard 256 GB storage |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Identical RAM, sufficient for multitasking on both. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has microSD support, limiting storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Samsung has an edge with Hi-Res audio and a noise canceling mic, potentially higher audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Similar basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Not Specified | Samsung screen more durable due to Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung has additional sensors like barometer, offering greater functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly better performance for demanding tasks, such as gaming or video editing.
- Better Display Brightness: 1300 nits brightness enhances visibility in bright sunlight compared to the Moto's 1200 nits.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes a dedicated telephoto lens, higher-resolution video recording capabilities, and additional features, better for versatile photography.
- Premium Audio Features: Hi-Res audio and noise cancellation microphone offer better audio experience.
- More Sensors: Barometer offers more environmental data, helpful for some applications.
- Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus, enhancing durability.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 14, offering a more modern experience and possibly longer update support.
- Slightly Larger Battery: May offer longer battery life for some users.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging provides faster power-ups compared to Samsung's 25W.
- More Standard Storage: Comes standard with 256GB storage, while the Samsung comes with 128GB or 256GB variants.
- Slightly Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1, offering minor improvement in energy efficiency.
- Advanced GPS: NavIC support for more accurate location tracking in some regions.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Access to 6GHz band for faster and less crowded WiFi in compatible environments.
- Built-in stylus: Added usability for those who would use it, but might not be used by everyone.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Newer Software: Samsung offers superior performance but runs an older OS version by default, while Motorola offers more recent software with good enough performance.
- Camera Versatility vs. Resolution: Samsung’s camera excels with zoom, while Motorola offers higher resolution on its primary sensor, but is less versatile.
- Build Quality vs. Battery: Samsung has more robust screen protection, while Motorola offers slightly larger battery capacity, potentially increasing battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Gamers, video editors, and users needing the fastest performance for demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize versatile camera capabilities, including telephoto zoom and advanced video features.
- Audiophiles: Users who value high-quality audio playback and noise-canceling capabilities.
- Outdoor Users: Benefit from the brighter display for better sunlight visibility and higher build quality.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming: Offers smoother gameplay on demanding titles.
- Video Editing: Faster rendering times and better preview performance.
- Professional Photography: Better zoom and RAW capture capabilities.
- Outdoor Navigation: Brighter screen visibility in direct sunlight.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is Ideal For:
- Value-Conscious Users: Seeking a balanced smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
- Casual Photographers: Who are okay with less versatile but higher-resolution photos.
- Users Who Want a Modern Experience: Benefit from the newer Android version out-of-the-box.
- Heavy Battery Users: Benefit from the larger battery and fast charging.
- Note takers or those who might use the stylus: It's built in.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily Social Media: Great for scrolling and casual usage with good battery.
- Casual Photography: High-resolution images for social media sharing.
- Long-Term Use: Benefit from the most recent Android version and better GPS.
- Taking notes: Built in stylus allows taking notes, marking up documents, etc.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Offers higher performance and advanced features but might be more expensive, especially if you need a charger.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): Provides a more budget-friendly option with good enough performance and key features for the modern user, and comes with a charger.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize top-tier performance for gaming or heavy multitasking, or is good enough sufficient?
- Camera Versatility: Do you need a telephoto zoom and advanced video features, or is a high-resolution main camera sufficient?
- Software and Longevity: Do you want the newest Android version out-of-the-box, or is the possibility of a future upgrade enough?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance Gaming and Photography
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its superior chipset, versatile camera system, brighter display, and better overall build quality.
- Scenario 2: Casual User with Budget Constraints
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) for its newer Android version, decent main camera, larger battery, and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Long-Term Use & Software Updates
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), having a newer version of Android will help in long-term software support.
- Scenario 4: Stylus User:
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) due to built-in stylus.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) offers a more recent Android version, faster charging, and a larger battery, my use case leans towards higher performance and a better camera system. I often use my phone for gaming and some photo/video editing on the go, and the Samsung’s Exynos 2100 is far more capable in this regard. The brighter display and dedicated telephoto lens also provide a more enjoyable experience for my needs. While having the newest Android version is nice, the Samsung should still get Android 15, making it a viable phone. The slightly smaller battery doesn't concern me much, and I am willing to carry a separate charger when needed. I would rather take the tradeoff of the battery for better performance, camera features, and premium feel.
