1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-01-19 | The Moto G71 5G is about a year newer, potentially having newer software and longer support. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 | The S21+ is slightly wider, the Moto G71 is a bit thicker. |
| Weight | 200g | 179g | The Moto G71 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
| Build Material | Not Specified | Not Specified | Without specific material details, the impact on build quality and feel is unclear. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | The S21+ has a slightly larger display, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness for everyday use. |
| PPI | 394 | 411 | Similar sharpness, likely indistinguishable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The S21+ display will feel much smoother during scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21+ screen will be much more visible in bright sunlight. The Motorola brightness is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The Exynos 2100 offers substantially higher performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 396,564 | The S21+ is much faster, offering a smoother experience across the board. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | The S21+ has a significantly more powerful GPU, crucial for graphics-intensive tasks and high-end gaming. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both offer solid multi-tasking capabilities but the S21+ is guaranteed to have 8 GB of RAM, while the Moto G71 5G might come with 6 or 8 GB depending on the configuration. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | The S21+ has a larger sensor for better low-light performance, while Moto G71 offers higher resolution for more detail. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | The S21+ has a dedicated zoom lens, offering better quality zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm | The Moto G71 5G has a higher-resolution front camera, better for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 8MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | Both phones have a wide angle lens with the S21+ having a higher resolution and better light capturing capability |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4, | The Moto G71 5G has a dedicated macro lens, suitable for extreme close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | The S21+ supports much higher video resolution, better for video recording |
| DXOMARK Score | 111 (Mobile) | N/A | The S21+ has a rated camera quality score, while the Moto G71 lacks one, the S21+ camera performs better |
| Features | OIS, 8K, 4K, Night Mode | Laser Autofocus | The S21+ provides better image stabilization, higher quality videos, and better low-light capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Moto G71 has a slightly larger battery, but real-world battery life depends on many factors. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Moto G71 charges slightly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21+ has more battery features like wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly better processing power and graphics performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Better Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness screen offer a smoother and more vibrant viewing experience, especially in outdoor conditions.
- More Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens, OIS, 4K & 8K video recording and a higher DXOMARK score offers a better photography and videography experience.
- Enhanced Features: It provides wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, higher quality audio, and a wider range of GPS support.
- Software Update Support: The S21+ is guaranteed to have more software updates, extending its usability over the long run.
Motorola Moto G71 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: The Moto G71 5G is lighter and slightly thinner, making it more comfortable to hold and carry.
- Potentially Longer Battery Life: A slightly larger battery and less demanding chipset could result in longer battery life depending on usage.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is faster than the S21+'s 25W charging.
- Macro Lens: It has a macro lens for specialized close-up photography.
- Lower Price: Moto G71 5G is likely to be less expensive, making it more budget friendly.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G sacrifices some portability for its high-end performance and display features, as well as the cost factor.
- The Motorola Moto G71 5G compromises performance and camera quality for a lower price, lighter design, and the inclusion of the Macro lens and slightly faster charging.
- The Moto G71 5G has a lower refresh rate, lower brightness screen and the absence of a telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Media Consumers: Those who frequently watch videos or movies on their phones and prefer a smooth, vibrant display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with good zoom capabilities and high-quality video recording.
- Tech Enthusiasts: People who like to have the latest features and don't mind paying a premium.
- Professionals: Individuals looking for premium audio and video capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming at high graphics settings
- Creating and editing videos on the go
- Watching HD and HDR movies and TV shows
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions
- Utilizing wireless charging frequently
- Having the latest version of android.
Motorola Moto G71 5G is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who want a good 5G phone without spending top dollar.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phones for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users Prioritizing Portability: People who value a lightweight and comfortable phone.
- Macro Photographers: Users who like to take close-up photos of small objects.
- Users Wanting Fast Charging Individuals wanting to charge their phone quickly and efficiently.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic daily smartphone tasks
- Social media browsing
- Casual gaming
- Taking macro photos of small objects
- Wanting a phone with a good battery life and fast charging.
- Individuals who are interested in a phone that is easy to carry.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21+ offers better raw performance, display and camera quality, but the price will reflect that.
- The Moto G71 5G provides good value for its price, especially for everyday tasks and casual usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The S21+ is generally more expensive.
- How important are performance and high-end features to me? If you're a gamer, photographer, or power user, the S21+ is the better choice.
- Do I need a compact, lightweight phone, or are performance, screen and camera quality more important? The Moto G71 5G is a lighter and more convenient option for everyday use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The superior chipset, GPU, RAM, and display are better suited for demanding tasks.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Casual User - Choose the Motorola Moto G71 5G. It provides a good all-around experience for daily use at a more affordable price.
- Scenario 3: Media Enthusiast - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The 120Hz AMOLED display and its enhanced audio features provide a better viewing experience.
- Scenario 4: Mobile Photographer - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for the inclusion of OIS, a telephoto lens, as well as the capabilities of shooting videos in 4K and 8K.
- Scenario 5: Battery Life Prioritizer - Choose the Motorola Moto G71 5G for the fast charging capabilities, and the possibility of having a larger battery life.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it is an older phone, it still packs a punch with its significantly better performance, superior display, and more versatile camera system. These factors make the S21+ a more enjoyable phone overall, providing a better long term experience for demanding tasks.
