1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164 × 75 × 8.5 mm | S21+ is slightly shorter and thinner. G22 is slightly taller and thicker. Overall, the G22 is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 185g | G22 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ provides a marginally larger viewing area, beneficial for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21+ has a significantly sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. G22's display will appear less detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 268 | S21+ has a much crisper display. Individual pixels are far less visible, enhancing the viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors and better power efficiency with dark mode. G22's LCD is less vivid. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ offers smoother animations and scrolling. G22's refresh rate is still smooth but not as fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. The G22 brightness is unknown, and likely lower. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | S21+ has a significantly more powerful processor, providing snappier performance, better multitasking and higher gaming frame rates. G22 is slower for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 159,800 | S21+ offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. G22 is much slower. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE8320 | S21+ has much more powerful graphics. This translates to better gaming performance, and video rendering capabilities. G22 is less capable for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | G22 offers slightly longer battery life under similar use, though real-world battery life also depends on user behavior. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 15W fast charging | S21+ charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | Non-removable | S21+ offers the convenience of wireless charging and can also charge other devices wirelessly. G22 has no special battery feature. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | G22 has a higher resolution sensor, but S21+ has a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed shots, which is absent on the G22. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 16MP, f/2.45, unkown sensor | G22 has higher resolution, but S21+ has wider aperture for low light selfies. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | G22 has a dedicated depth sensor, enabling better portrait mode photos with background blur effect. S21+ lacks this dedicated hardware |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.3 | G22 has a dedicated Macro lens for close-up photography. S21+ lacks this hardware |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21+ has a dedicated ultrawide angle camera. The G22 lacks this hardware |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ records much higher quality video, and has a range of frame rate options with EIS and Stereo Sound. |
| DxOMark | 111 | Not tested | S21+ has been independently tested and scores well, the G22 has not been tested. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical zoom | Laser autofocus | S21+ has optical image stabilization and optical zoom which leads to better quality image, G22 has laser autofocus which can help in low light focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | S21+ has older base version, but is upgradable to 15. G22 has newer OS version, but no max version is specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ has newer Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and better network performance. G22 has older Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE w/ advanced profiles | 5.0 LE w/ basic profiles | S21+ supports a wider range of Bluetooth profiles offering more functionality and device compatibility. G22 only offers basic profiles. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), Beidou | GPS, Galileo, SUPL | S21+ supports more satellite systems for more accurate and reliable location tracking, G22 has basic support and SUPL. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Single SIM | S21+ supports Dual SIMs for using two numbers and an eSIM. G22 has a single SIM slot only. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | S21+ provides more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB | S21+ has more RAM for better multitasking and app switching, leading to smoother performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic | S21+ has superior audio, with stereo speakers for more immersive sound and advanced audio features. G22 is more basic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G22 has more convenient fingerprint sensor placement, and is more responsive due to newer technology. S21+ basic is likely less advanced. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior screen protection against scratches and damage. G22’s screen is unprotected, may be prone to scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Hall, Geomagnetic; Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Fingerprint | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Fingerprint | S21+ has an extra sensor for advanced functionalities like magnetic field detection. G22 is missing these sensors. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness resulting in significantly better visual quality and outdoor visibility.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers vastly superior processing and graphics power for demanding apps and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens, larger main sensor, and support for 8K video recording providing more versatile and higher-quality photography and videography options.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. The reverse wireless charging is also useful.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi 6, broader Bluetooth profiles and more satellite system for GPS.
- Higher RAM and Storage Options: More RAM for smoother multitasking and more internal storage available.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for richer sound experience.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers premium scratch protection
Motorola Moto G22 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use and single-handed operation.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Potentially better battery life than S21+.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
- Dedicated Macro lens and depth sensor: Offers a different range of photography options with a dedicated depth sensor and macro lens.
- More advanced fingerprint sensor: Side-mounted provides convenient and more responsive biometric unlock.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung S21+ has significantly higher specifications in most areas, especially the display and performance. However, it is older and would likely be more expensive.
- The Motorola G22 is more affordable, it sacrifices heavily on display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and connectivity in order to achieve its lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who require high performance for gaming, video editing, and running demanding apps.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize high-quality video streaming and media consumption thanks to the high quality display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who need a versatile camera with high resolution and high quality video capabilities.
- Travelers: Those who need a reliable device with excellent GPS for navigation, dual SIM support and eSim.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming at high frame rates with smooth graphics.
- Editing videos and photos.
- Watching movies in high resolution and HDR.
- Navigation in unfamiliar areas.
Motorola Moto G22 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who prioritize affordability over high-end features.
- Casual Users: Those with basic smartphone needs like web browsing, social media, and light photography.
- Users who value battery life: The slightly larger battery may offer marginally better battery life.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone: A slightly lighter design may be more comfortable for certain users.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic everyday use such as checking email, browsing social media, or making calls.
- Capturing basic photos with its macro lens and depth sensor.
- Light mobile gaming, web browsing and video streaming.
- A simple device for people who are not tech-savvy.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ offers high performance for its price if you can get it at a discount. It has a premium display, performance and camera system, with additional features like wireless charging, and is more suitable for power users.
- The Motorola Moto G22 offers basic functionality and can be a good value if you're seeking an affordable phone with a longer battery, macro and depth cameras.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? Are you willing to pay more for premium features and performance, or do you need a budget-friendly option?
- What are your primary use cases? Do you need high-end performance for gaming and demanding apps, or are you mainly using your phone for basic tasks?
- How important is display and camera quality? Do you need a sharp, vivid display and a versatile camera system, or is basic functionality sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance User: You play demanding games, edit photos/videos, and multitask heavily. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: You need a basic smartphone for everyday use and want to save money. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G22.
- Scenario 3: Camera Focused User: You value camera quality and video recording capabilities. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 4: Basic User: You are a basic user that would rather have a lighter phone, with good battery life and simple functionality. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G22.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Although it is older and likely more expensive than the Motorola G22, the S21+ simply offers a much better overall experience. The superior display quality with its vibrant AMOLED screen, the vastly improved performance due to the powerful Exynos 2100 chipset, the significantly more versatile camera system, and the additional features like wireless charging, stereo speakers, and premium connectivity make it a much more compelling device for my use case. I prioritize a smooth and responsive experience, and I appreciate having a higher quality display and camera. While the G22 offers a lighter design, slightly better battery and is more affordable, the trade-offs in display, performance, and camera quality are too significant for me. The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G would be a much better daily driver that would meet my needs, and would be more future proof and last longer.
