1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Moto G35 is slightly taller; both have a similar width and thickness. May impact one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 188g | Moto G35 is lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.72" | Virtually identical screen size; negligible real-world difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same sharpness and detail levels. |
| PPI | 394 | 392 | Similar pixel density; virtually indistinguishable in normal use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ offers superior colors, contrast, and deeper blacks; better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter; much better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | S21+ has much more powerful chip for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 423,297 | S21+ offers a significantly faster user experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP4 | S21+ has a much more powerful GPU, resulting in better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G35 has slightly larger capacity; might offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | S21+ charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless, reverse, no in-box charger | Non-removable | S21+ has wireless and reverse charging; Moto G35 has basic non-removable battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Moto G35 has higher resolution, but S21+ has a larger sensor and bigger pixels for better low-light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21+ has telephoto zoom, which is better for portraits and zooming. Moto G35 has no telephoto lens |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.45, unspecified | Moto G35 has slightly higher resolution, but S21+ may be better in low-light. |
| Wide Angle lens | 12.2MP f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, unspecified | Moto G35 has a dedicated ultrawide lens, S21+ has wide angle plus macro functionality. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21+ offers higher video recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | None | S21+ camera has been evaluated with very good score, while no score for Motorola Moto G35. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 14, | Moto G35 has a newer version of Android out of the box. S21+ can be updated to 15 version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21+ has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE Enhanced | 5.0 LE Basic | S21+ has more audio codecs and features. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both have the same storage options; no expansion. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB or 8GB | S21+ has good memory for smoother multitasking, same if Moto G35 has the 8 GB configuration |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise cancellation | Dolby Atmos, 2 mic | S21+ has more advanced audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Moto G35 has a more ergonomic fingerprint sensor location. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21+ has significantly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Proximity, etc | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, etc | S21+ has additional environmental sensors useful for specific applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher brightness provides a significantly better visual experience with deeper blacks, more vibrant colours and better visibility in sunlight.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a huge advantage in overall performance, app loading speeds, and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a better main sensor, dedicated telephoto lens, wider range of video capabilities, and additional camera features like OIS, Optical Zoom, and RAW capture. The DXOMark scores are also much better.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 25W wired charging, wireless, and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection, and improved connectivity with faster WiFi.
- Advanced Audio: Hi-Res audio support, noise cancellation for better audio experience.
Practical Implications for S21+:
- Offers a much smoother experience for heavy app usage, demanding games and streaming.
- Significantly better camera for photos and video, especially in low-light and zoomed conditions.
- More convenient charging options and faster speeds.
- Higher level of screen protection, reducing risk of scratches and cracks.
- Better audio fidelity and enhanced audio immersion.
- Better connectivity speeds.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 14, providing the latest software features.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Offers a small increase in battery capacity, potentially leading to marginally longer battery life, but not much based on tests.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More ergonomic placement for quick and convenient unlocking.
- Wider Angle lens: Offers a dedicated ultrawide camera lens
- Lighter: May be more comfortable for some users
Practical Implications for Moto G35:
- More up-to-date Android system with the latest features for a longer period of time.
- Longer battery life (marginal), less frequent charging if used lightly.
- Quick unlocking in a more convenient location.
- Dedicated ultrawide lens to capture group photos and wider landscapes.
- More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- S21+: Older operating system (can be upgraded to 15), and no included charger.
- Moto G35: Significantly lower performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, media consumers, people who want a premium experience with top-tier performance, screen quality and camera.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, professional-grade photography, video recording, frequent streaming, multitasking with demanding apps.
- Price-to-Value: Good if available at a discounted price as older model; Provides a premium experience with top-tier specs.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, casual users, those seeking a basic reliable phone with good battery life, and who prefer a more recent android version out of the box.
- Use Cases: Basic daily use, social media, browsing, light gaming, media consumption, users who prefer a dedicated wide angle lens and don't mind a lower quality camera overall.
- Price-to-Value: Good value at its launch price but depends on price compared to other models in the same category.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for demanding games and apps, or is basic usage sufficient? (S21+ for high performance)
- Display Preference: Is a superior AMOLED display and brightness important for media consumption and outdoor use? (S21+ for better display)
- Camera Requirements: Do you need a high-quality camera with more capabilities, or is a basic camera adequate? (S21+ for superior camera)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High-Performance & Camera Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Its powerful processor, superior display, and advanced camera system are well worth the investment.
- Budget Conscious & Basic Use: Choose the Motorola Moto G35. Its affordability, decent battery life, and latest Android version make it suitable for everyday tasks.
- Balanced User: If the price is good for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, it is still a better phone even being an older model.
Conclusion
My Choice:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Although it is an older model, the significant advantages in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and overall build quality make it a far superior option for me. The enhanced experience in daily usage and for demanding applications, combined with advanced features, outweighs the benefits of the newer OS and slightly larger battery of the Moto G35. If the price is right the S21+ offers a much more enjoyable experience even as an older flagship.
