1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Moto G04s is slightly taller and thicker, S21+ is slightly wider; Minimal practical difference. |
| Weight | 200g | 178.8g | Moto G04s is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Material | (Not specified in data) | (Not specified in data) | Unable to comment on durability or feel. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.56" | S21+ has a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | S21+ display is significantly sharper with more detail; Moto G04s may look less crisp. |
| PPI | 394 | 269 | S21+ has noticeably sharper text, images, and video; Moto G04s will have more pixelated appearance. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior blacks, contrast, and vibrant colors; Moto G04s display will be less dynamic, especially in dark conditions. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ has slightly smoother animations when scrolling and gaming; Moto G04s will look a bit less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is significantly better for outdoor visibility; Moto G04s may be unusable under direct sunlight (0 nits brightness is an anomaly and seems unlikely). |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | S21+ is significantly faster for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking; Moto G04s will feel slower, especially in complex tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 220,000 | S21+ offers a much smoother user experience, faster app loading, and improved gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G57 MP1 (ARM Mali-G57) | S21+ has a much more powerful GPU, enabling better gaming performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 1.0µm pixels | Moto G04s has higher resolution but S21+ has a larger sensor and pixel size, leading to better low light performance despite the lower resolution. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm pixels | Not Available | S21+ has dedicated telephoto for zooming; Moto G04s lacks telephoto capabilities and will need digital zoom, resulting in a lower-quality zoomed image. |
| Wide/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm pixels | Not Available | S21+ offers wide angle and macro capabilities, providing more versatility, Moto G04s lacks this feature. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm pixels | 5MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | S21+ will take higher resolution selfies, although the pixel size of both are somewhat similar. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps, EIS | S21+ offers much higher video quality, higher framerates, and better stabilization, suitable for professional video creation; Moto G04s is adequate for casual use. |
| DxoMark Score | 111 (Main), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | Not Available | S21+ camera is very capable for both photo and video; Moto G04s does not have available data, suggesting it is much lower. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS, RAW, Night mode, etc. | Digital Zoom, OIS, HDR, etc. | S21+ has more advanced camera features, including raw image capture and night mode for superior image quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G04s has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | S21+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime; Moto G04s will take longer to recharge. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21+ offers the convenience of wireless charging and reverse charging features; Moto G04s lacks these capabilities. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (No max version given) | Moto G04s ships with a newer version of Android; S21+ can update to 15. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, for faster speeds and better network performance, Moto G04s will be slower. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with many profiles | 5.0 with basic profiles | S21+ has more features, for better device support and audio quality, Moto G04s will have basic functionality. |
| GPS | Advanced systems, dual band GPS, etc. | Standard systems | S21+ offers more precise GPS accuracy with support for dual frequencies; better for navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ provides more SIM flexibility with eSIM, Moto G04s will not have this feature. |
| Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64GB, 128 GB or 256 GB | Both devices have the same max storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB | S21+ offers significantly better multitasking and faster app loading with more RAM; Moto G04s will have slowdowns when doing multiple things. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | S21+ has better audio quality with stereo speakers and high-resolution support. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Motorola has an advanced side-mounted sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | S21+ has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Full suite + Barometer | Basic + Gyroscope | S21+ has more sensors, for advanced functionality and use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, high resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much faster chipset and GPU, leading to smoother user experience and better gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto, wide-angle lenses, higher video resolution, and advanced features like RAW and Night Mode.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging compared to 15W
- Wireless & Reverse Charging: Adds convenience.
- More RAM: 8GB vs 4GB.
- Superior Audio: Stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio.
- eSIM support: Offers more flexibility for carriers and travelers.
- More Advanced Sensors: Barometer and compass are included.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Wifi 6, better GPS, Bluetooth with more profiles.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus.
Practical Implications: The S21+ is a premium phone with top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and a versatile camera system. It excels in demanding tasks, media consumption, and photography.
Motorola Moto G04s Advantages:
- Newer OS at Launch: Android 14 out of the box.
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient than a basic sensor.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Potential for slightly longer battery life, but the less powerful chipset might offset this advantage.
- Lower Price: Typically the biggest factor for a budget phone.
Practical Implications: The Moto G04s is a basic, affordable smartphone for users with basic needs. It is lighter and has a newer OS, but lacks the premium features of the S21+.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Higher price, older OS at launch (although upgradable), no expandable storage.
- Moto G04s: Significantly lower performance, basic display, basic camera, slower charging, no advanced features, may struggle with multitasking.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need a fast phone for demanding tasks, multitasking, gaming, and productivity.
- Media Enthusiasts: People who consume a lot of videos and appreciate a high-quality display.
- Photography Lovers: Users who desire a versatile camera system with excellent image quality and advanced features.
- Users Seeking Premium Experience: Those who want a top-tier phone with all the bells and whistles.
Use Cases:
- High-fidelity mobile gaming
- Professional photography and videography
- Multi-tasking between demanding applications
- Watching HDR content outdoors or in bright light
- Making calls with clearer sound due to noise cancellation
- Travel using esim
- Advanced navigation with dual band GPS
- Using the barometer for weather applications
- Wireless charging at home or the office.
Motorola Moto G04s Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for an affordable phone for basic communication and everyday tasks.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and basic browsing.
- Users Prioritizing Lightweight Design: People who prefer a comfortable and easy to handle phone.
- Users who prioritize latest OS: Those who want a device running the newest software.
Use Cases:
- Browsing social media and emails
- Making calls and texting
- Basic web browsing
- Light gaming
- Simple everyday use
Price-to-Value:
- The S21+ offers a premium experience that is worth the cost for power users and those who need top-tier performance.
- The Moto G04s is an excellent budget option, but users will have to make significant compromises on the performance, display and camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, photography, basic use etc)
- What is my budget? (Willing to spend premium or looking for most cost effective option)
- What features are most important? (Performance, display, camera, battery life, portability etc)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Budget Priority): If your primary concern is cost and you only need basic functionality, the Motorola Moto G04s is the better choice. You will trade off performance and other features.
Scenario 2 (Performance Priority): If you need a fast, reliable, and feature-rich phone for gaming, media consumption, and advanced photography, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the superior choice.
Scenario 3 (Mixed Use): If you need a mix of performance, good display and a decent camera, and you have the budget for it, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a great option, even in 2024.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
While the Motorola Moto G04s is newer and more affordable, the S21+ offers a significantly superior overall experience that aligns better with my preferences and typical use cases. The primary reasons for this decision:
- Superior Display Quality: The AMOLED display with its high resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and excellent brightness would significantly enhance my daily usage, particularly when viewing photos, videos, and reading text.
- Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and 8GB of RAM provide a smoother, faster experience, which I appreciate for multitasking, app switching, and mobile gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: The versatility of the multi-lens setup (telephoto, wide-angle) along with its advanced video capabilities makes the S21+ a better choice for capturing and creating content. The higher DxoMark score demonstrates a tangible advantage over an unknown performance from the Motorola's camera.
- Advanced Sensors and Features: The S21+ has a more complete set of sensors, better audio, wireless charging and more features overall, leading to a much richer experience.
Although the Moto G04s has a slightly larger battery and a lighter build, these advantages do not outweigh the numerous benefits that the S21+ offers, especially when it comes to performance, display, and camera capabilities. The S21+ is a better all round performer and that is what I would prefer.
