1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | S21+ is wider and thinner, Moto G31 is slightly taller and thicker; S21+ feels more premium, G31 more compact. |
| Weight | 200g | 181g | Moto G31 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use; S21+ feels more substantial. |
| Build Material | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown | S21+ screen offers significantly better scratch resistance; G31 screen protection is unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | S21+ offers a slightly larger viewing area; Moto G31 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness; identical visual clarity for most content. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 411 PPI | Similar sharpness; difference unnoticeable to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent contrast, and energy-efficient displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ has much smoother animations and scrolling, better for gaming and fast-paced content, G31 will appear less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, perfect for use under direct sunlight; G31 not ideal for very bright conditions, brightness spec is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | S21+ offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance; G31 is slower for intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 225,154 | S21+ provides a much snappier experience, better for demanding apps and gaming; G31 struggles with heavy workloads. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21+ GPU offers far superior graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps; G31 is basic in graphic performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G31 has a slightly larger battery, may provide a bit more battery life under some circumstances; The impact will likely be negligible. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 10W fast charging | S21+ charges significantly faster, less waiting time; G31 slower charging takes significantly more time. |
| Features | Wireless, reverse charging | None | S21+ offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, great for accessories and other devices; G31 lacks wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, 1/1.76" | 50MP, 1/2.76" | Moto G31 has higher resolution, S21+ has a larger sensor for better light capture, S21+ typically better in low light, G31 good in daylight. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom and portrait shots; G31 limited to digital zoom, no portrait. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP | 8MP | S21+ has an ultra wide angle lens, G31 has a wide angle lens, which is not as wide. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | Moto G31 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; S21+ lacks dedicated macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP | 13MP | Moto G31 has slightly higher resolution; both similar for selfies |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ has much higher video recording resolution, better for video recording; G31 is limited to 1080p. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 8k, 4k, Manual modes | Laser Autofocus | S21+ has OIS, offering much better video and image stabilization, 8k video; G31 has a laser autofocus, a feature not present on the S21+. |
| DXOMark | 111 | None | S21+ has professional level camera performance; G31's camera capabilities are unknown; S21+ camera has been rated by DXOMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 11 | S21+ is guaranteed software updates for longer; G31 software update is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | S21+ supports faster and more efficient WiFi, better for congested networks; G31 slightly slower network. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, with many features | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | S21+ has more features enabled on it's bluetooth; G31 has less features on it's bluetooth. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | SUPL | S21+ has more accurate GPS location; G31 has standard GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ offers more flexibility with eSIM and physical SIM; G31 lacks eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | S21+ has options for more storage; G31 is more limited. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB | S21+ offers better multitasking performance and responsiveness; G31 may struggle with more demanding apps and multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | 2 Microphones | S21+ offers far superior audio quality and immersion, better for music and videos; G31 basic audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Moto G31 offers a more advanced fingerprint sensor for easy access and security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Geomagnetic | None | S21+ provides more sensor data, great for outdoor activities and data tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers dramatically better processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities.
- Enhanced Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother and more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable in gaming and fast-scrolling content. The higher brightness is better for outdoor visibility.
- Superior Camera System: Features a telephoto lens, 8k recording, and OIS for better zoom capabilities, superior video quality, and better low-light performance.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Options: 25W fast charging is significantly faster, and offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for convenient device and accessory charging.
- More Software Updates: Guaranteed updates to Android 15, extending the life of the device.
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides much better scratch protection on the screen
- Better Audio Features: Includes Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation.
- More Advanced GPS: Includes GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) for greater accuracy.
- eSIM Support: Offers the convenience of an eSIM for dual SIM use.
- More Internal Storage: Offers up to 256GB storage.
- More RAM: 8GB of RAM is better for multitasking and gaming.
- Barometer and Geomagnetic Sensors: Provides more sensor data for advanced applications and tracking.
Motorola Moto G31 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: The phone is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Larger Battery (Slightly): A slightly larger battery capacity may provide marginally longer battery life under certain conditions.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, a feature not found in S21+.
- Laser Autofocus: A feature not present on the S21+, could be beneficial for certain photography scenarios.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More advanced than the basic fingerprint sensor in the S21+.
- Lower Price: Likely more budget-friendly and accessible
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Moto G31 sacrifices significant performance and display quality for a lower price and a slightly larger battery.
- The S21+ lacks a dedicated macro lens, while the G31 sacrifices a telephoto lens, meaning the phones excel in different areas of photography.
- S21+ lacks expandable storage, a trade-off for its faster internal storage and better performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and high-end gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want versatile camera capabilities, including telephoto zoom, high-resolution video, and advanced features like OIS.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who value a high-quality display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a bright display for outdoor use.
- Tech-Savvy Individuals: People who want the latest technology, faster charging, and wireless charging conveniences.
- Users who value longevity: Software updates until Android 15 will extend the usability of this device.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photo and video editing on the go.
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Watching movies and videos with vibrant colors and smooth playback.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Multitasking with demanding apps efficiently.
Motorola Moto G31 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users who prioritize affordability and don't need top-tier performance.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phones for basic tasks, social media, and web browsing.
- Users who want basic photo functionality: Prefer basic phone photography and occasionally need macro shots.
- Users who value a longer battery: A slightly larger battery capacity is useful.
- Users who value portability: Want the phone to be as light as possible.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing and messaging.
- Basic photography and capturing close-up images.
- Watching videos and listening to music.
- Users who want a lightweight device.
- Users who prioritize basic functionality over advanced features
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is likely significantly more expensive than the Moto G31.
- How important is performance and display quality to you? If you need top-tier performance and a high refresh rate, the S21+ is a must.
- What type of camera do you need? If you prioritize zoom, video quality, and low-light performance, the S21+ is a better choice, but if you want close-up macros the G31 is a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Multimedia Focused: If you are a gamer, content creator, or frequently watch videos on your phone, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear winner, due to the smoother display, faster processing power, better video camera, and better audio.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious and Everyday User: If you need a phone for basic tasks and are on a strict budget, the Motorola Moto G31 is a more affordable option, despite its significant compromises in performance and other areas.
- Scenario 3: Camera-Centric Usage: If you prioritize versatile cameras with various modes and good video recording, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice, but if you need macro lens capability, the Moto G31 is more suitable.
- Scenario 4: Battery Focused: If you need extended battery usage at the expense of display and performance, the Motorola Moto G31 may provide marginally better battery life, though the difference will be negligible.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it is the more expensive option, the significant advantages in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, software support, wireless charging, and build quality make it a far superior device for my needs. As someone who uses demanding apps, plays mobile games, and values high-quality multimedia consumption, the S21+ provides a much more enjoyable experience. The superior screen and powerful processor are the main reasons. The additional feature of the optical image stabilization on the camera is important as well. Although a macro lens is useful to have, the telephoto lens is more important to me, and the ability to shoot 8K video is desirable. The added features of wireless charging and the ability to reverse wireless charge is also a great feature to have. The longer software support is also a big selling point, as I like to keep my phones for a longer period of time.
