1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | S21+ is slightly wider, G24 is taller and thicker. S21+ might feel a bit more compact in hand, while G24 may feel a bit more substantial. |
| Weight | 200g | 181g | The G24 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.56" | The S21+ has a slightly larger display, which is beneficial for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | S21+ provides much sharper visuals, text, and images due to the higher resolution. The G24’s lower resolution may result in less detail and pixelation. |
| PPI | 394 | 269 | The S21+ offers considerably higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeably clearer and more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The S21+ has superior display technology with deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors and better energy efficiency. The G24 uses a standard IPS LCD panel. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21+ provides a smoother scrolling and gaming experience due to its higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 500 nits | S21+ has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. G24 might struggle in very bright conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | S21+ has a much more powerful chipset leading to better performance in all tasks, including gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 266,894 | The S21+ shows significantly higher performance in benchmarks, translating to a much faster overall user experience and smoother gameplay. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The S21+ offers considerably more powerful graphics processing capabilities, resulting in smoother and more detailed gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The G24 has a higher resolution standard camera, which, in theory, allows for more detailed images; actual image quality depends on various other factors. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0 | Not Available | S21+ has dedicated telephoto capabilities for better zoomed images and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | The S21+ has slightly higher selfie resolution, while G24 has a wider aperture, potentially better in low-light. |
| Wide Angle lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | The G24 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for broader shots. |
| Macro lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | The G24 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | The S21+ has a wide-angle + macro camera for versatile shooting. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The S21+ supports significantly higher video recording resolutions and frame rates and more advanced stabilization, great for video content creators. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111 Photo: 118 Video: 89 | Not Available | S21+ performs quite well based on DxOMark rating, while G24 lacks the score, which makes it difficult to compare objectively. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, etc | Digital zoom, etc | S21+ offers more advanced camera features. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | The G24 has a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to slightly longer battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | S21+ charges faster, reducing time spent connected to the power outlet. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21+ offers additional wireless and reverse charging capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and much brighter screen. Significantly better visual experience for all types of use.
- Much Higher Performance: Significantly more powerful processor and GPU, resulting in smoother performance in all tasks, including gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: More versatile camera system, telephoto lens, superior video capabilities and more camera features
- Faster Charging and More Battery Features: Supports faster charging, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, offering greater flexibility.
- Better Audio Quality: Offers Hi-Res Audio and Noise cancelling microphone for a much better sound experience.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards, Wi-Fi Display, more Bluetooth profiles and more accurate GPS.
- Better Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
Practical Implication: The S21+ is the superior phone, excelling in display, performance, camera capabilities, battery features and connectivity, offering a much more refined user experience.
Motorola Moto G24 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for prolonged use due to its lighter weight.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Marginal difference in battery capacity that might translate to longer usage times.
- Lower Cost: The G24 is likely much more affordable, targeting budget-conscious consumers.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14, which is more updated than S21+'s Android 11.
- Dedicated Macro and Wide Angle Lenses: Adds more photographic versatility that the S21+ does not offer.
- More advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Practical Implication: The G24 focuses on affordability and practicality, suitable for basic smartphone needs, with a bit more versatility on its cameras.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ provides top-tier performance and a premium experience but likely comes at a higher cost and is an older phone.
- The G24 offers a more budget-friendly option with basic functionality but lacks the performance, display quality, camera prowess, and advanced features of the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality displays for streaming video, viewing photos, or gaming.
- Photography Lovers: Users who require a versatile camera system with advanced video capabilities.
- Tech-Savvy Individuals: Those who want the latest features, excellent connectivity, and a premium user experience.
- Users who value Audio: Those who want a better sound experience with higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion
Specific Use Cases: High-end gaming, professional photography, detailed photo and video editing, streaming high-definition media, seamless multitasking.
Motorola Moto G24 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those looking for an affordable smartphone with basic functionality.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phones for social media, web browsing, and basic communication.
- Users who Value Battery Life: Those who need a device that can last through the day without needing frequent charging.
- Users who want a Newer Operating System: Those who prefer the latest Android OS features.
- Users who want Macro and Wide angle lenses: Those who value camera versatility in their smartphone.
Specific Use Cases: Social media browsing, web surfing, basic app usage, everyday communication, light photography, users on a strict budget.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Offers a higher price for significantly better performance, display, and camera capabilities.
- Motorola Moto G24: Provides a budget-friendly option with adequate performance for basic use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? If budget is a major concern, the G24 is the only viable option. If not, the S21+ offers a much better experience.
- How important is performance and display quality? If you need a high-performing phone with a premium display, the S21+ is a clear choice. If basic performance is sufficient and you're willing to trade display quality, the G24 may be suitable.
- What are your primary use cases? If you're a casual user focusing on basic tasks, the G24 is adequate. If you require high-quality photos, videos, gaming, and multitasking, the S21+ is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Budget User): If you're on a strict budget and only need basic functionality, the Motorola Moto G24 is more suitable.
Scenario 2 (Performance Seeker): If you're a power user or gamer who values performance, display quality, and camera features, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a better choice despite being an older phone.
Scenario 3 (Camera Focused): If you highly value versatile camera capabilities such as zoom, then the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is more suitable. If you value having macro and wide angle lenses, the Motorola Moto G24 might suit you.
What I would choose and why:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
- Superior All-Around Experience: The S21+ offers a vastly superior user experience in almost every area. The AMOLED display is significantly better, the performance is much more powerful for demanding tasks, and the camera system is more versatile.
- Future-Proofing: Despite being an older phone, the S21+ still holds up well thanks to its powerful chipset and high-quality components. It will likely continue to provide a premium experience for a longer time compared to the G24.
- Value for the Investment: While it will likely cost more than the G24, the S21+ offers a far better overall value in terms of performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and feature set. It provides a much more refined and enjoyable user experience.
- My Use Case: I often use my smartphone for multitasking, media consumption, and photography, all of which the S21+ excels at. The G24, while affordable, does not offer the same level of performance or capabilities. I am also a stickler for high quality audio.
While the Motorola Moto G24 is a decent budget option for very basic use, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear winner for anyone who values a premium smartphone experience and can accommodate the higher price point.
