1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2 mm | The Moto G23 is slightly taller and thicker. The difference is minimal for most users, but the S21+ 5G might feel a bit more svelte. |
| Weight | 200g | 184.3g | The Moto G23 is noticeably lighter (15.7g), making it more comfortable for prolonged use, especially one-handed. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus front, no info on back | Unknown front glass type, no info on back | The S21+ has superior screen protection. The Moto G23's protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | The S21+ has a slightly larger display, which might be preferred for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | The S21+ has significantly sharper images and text. The Moto G23 might appear pixelated in comparison. |
| PPI | 394 | 270 | The S21+ provides a crisper display with finer details visible, especially when reading text or viewing high-resolution images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The S21+ offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colours, and better power efficiency for dark themes. It provides a superior viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21+ offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. This is noticeable during fast-paced games and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21+ offers dramatically better outdoor visibility in sunlight. Moto G23 has unknown brightness which is a concern when using the phone in bright light. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | The S21+ chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 225,154 | The S21+ provides significantly superior performance for demanding tasks and games. The Moto G23 is more suitable for basic use cases. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The S21+ has a superior GPU, leading to better graphics rendering in games and other visual applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8, 1.8µm, Sony IMX555, 1/1.76" | 50MP f/1.8, 0.64µm | The Moto G23 has higher megapixel count; however, the S21+ has a larger sensor and pixel size, which means it would perform better in low-light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP f/2.0, 0.8µm, Samsung S5KGW2, 1/1.72" | None | The S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities and portrait shots, which the Moto G23 lacks. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2, 1.22µm, Sony IMX374, 1/3.2" | 16MP f/2.5, 1.0µm | The Moto G23 has a higher megapixel front camera while the S21+ has a wider aperture. This could lead to different performance in low-light scenarios. |
| Wide Angle lens | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1.4µm, Sony IMX563, 1/2.55" | 5MP f/2.2 | The S21+ has a wider angle camera while the Moto G23 has a low resolution one. |
| Macro lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | The Moto G23 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, which the S21+ lacks. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR & EIS, 4K@60fps with HDR & EIS, 1080p up to 240fps | 1080p@30fps | The S21+ supports much higher video recording quality. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical Zoom, Night Mode etc. | Digital zoom, PDAF, basic features | The S21+ offers a more comprehensive set of camera features, particularly for video recording. |
| DxOMark | Main Score: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Tested | S21+ has been tested, giving it a quality benchmark. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G23 has a slightly larger battery, which could offer marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | The Moto G23 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | None | The S21+ offers more versatile charging options. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | The G23 ships with a newer Android version. Both will have comparable system features with their Android versions. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | The S21+ supports faster, more efficient WiFi technology with better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Both have Bluetooth LE. The Moto G23 has the latest Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | SUPL | The S21+ has a better GPS system. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | The S21+ offers the flexibility of using an eSIM in addition to two nano SIMs. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB or 128GB | The S21+ has a higher storage capacity option, which is better for users with lots of media. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4GB or 8GB | Both are available with 8GB RAM but the Moto G23 might need to switch more between apps if it has 4GB. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | The S21+ has better audio features. The Moto G23 only uses 2 microphones which may be a lower recording quality. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensors are usually more accurate and convenient than basic ones. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The S21+ provides a wider variety of sensors which is useful for more advanced games and apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology with higher resolution, brightness, and refresh rate for a better viewing experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much more powerful chipset and GPU for smooth multitasking, gaming, and demanding tasks.
- Better Camera System: Offers more features (telephoto zoom, OIS, 8K video) with higher image quality (larger sensor and pixel size).
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, e-SIM support, and more comprehensive sensor suite.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res audio, noise cancellation microphone.
Motorola Moto G23 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster wired charging.
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer Android version out of the box.
- Lower Price: Expected to be more affordable.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro camera.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Much higher price point; might be too expensive for some users.
- Moto G23: Significantly lower performance, lower quality display, inferior camera system, less premium build.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize display quality and overall visual experience (media consumption, gaming).
- Users who require high performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Users who want a premium camera experience with high-quality photos and videos, zoom, and advanced features.
- Users who want wireless charging and more advanced connectivity features.
- Users with a higher budget seeking a top-tier phone experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who need smooth performance and high refresh rates.
- Content creators who require high-resolution video recording and editing.
- Frequent travellers who benefit from better outdoor visibility and robust GPS features.
- Users who use their phone for video calls.
Motorola Moto G23 Ideal Users:
- Users looking for an affordable smartphone with basic functionality.
- Users who need a lightweight and comfortable phone for everyday use.
- Users who don't require high-performance or demanding features.
- Users who prioritize battery life.
- Users who occasionally use the camera for social media.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media use.
- Casual users who only occasionally take photos or play games.
- Budget-conscious users who need a functional phone.
- Users who value battery life over high performance.
Price-to-Value:
- The S21+ offers a better overall experience but comes at a higher cost.
- The Moto G23 is a budget-friendly option that sacrifices several features for a lower price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget?
- If budget is a major constraint, the Moto G23 is the more logical choice.
- What are your primary use cases?
- If you play demanding games, watch a lot of videos, or rely heavily on the camera, the S21+ is the better option.
- If your usage is mostly basic (browsing, calls, social media), the G23 will suffice.
- How important are display quality and performance to you?
- If you prioritize a vibrant, sharp display and smooth performance, the S21+ is worth the extra cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget - Choose Moto G23. Provides basic functions at a lower price, perfect for everyday use.
- Scenario 2: Power User with Moderate Budget - Choose Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Despite being a little older it offers significantly better performance, display, and camera features for a better user experience.
- Scenario 3: Heavy Media User / Gamer - Choose Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The superior display and gaming power offer a much more enjoyable experience.
- Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast - Choose Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The more advanced camera and features will provide much better photo quality.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it's an older device, the performance difference, superior AMOLED display, and significantly better camera system make it worth it for my use case. The difference in display sharpness and brightness alone is a deal-breaker. I also frequently use my camera and tend to edit videos so the advanced photo and video features in S21+ along with 8k video recording outweigh the benefits of the Moto G23. Even though the Moto G23 is lighter and has a slightly bigger battery, those advantages do not outweigh the premium features and performance that the S21+ provides. The Moto G23 is a budget-friendly device, but the older Samsung phone is much more capable for the way I use a smartphone.
