1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | S21+ is slightly wider; Both have similar height & thickness. |
| Weight | 200g | 166g | Moto G72 is significantly lighter, better for comfortable extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | S21+ has a slightly larger screen, a minimal difference in everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution, resulting in similar image sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 402 PPI | Similar PPI, negligible difference in display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar display technologies, both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is much brighter, providing significantly better outdoor visibility in sunlight. Motorola's brightness is not provided; it's assumed to be significantly lower. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Exynos 2100 is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 415,300 | S21+ has a significantly higher score indicating superior performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21+ GPU is much more powerful, resulting in better gaming performance and smoother graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 108MP | Moto G72 captures more detailed photos at its highest resolution setting. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | Moto G72's wider aperture allows slightly better low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | Not specified | S21+ Main Camera has larger sensor for better light capture and image quality. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 1.80 µm | 0.64 µm | S21+ has larger pixel size for potentially better low light performance |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | S21+ offers dedicated telephoto for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2 MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/1.9 | S21+ provides a dedicated Wide angle lens |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 16MP | Moto G72 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Moto G72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21+ records much higher quality video. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | S21+ offers electronic image stabilization. |
| DxOMark Camera Score | 111 (Mobile) | Not Available | S21+ has tested better for overall camera quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G72 has a slightly larger battery capacity, potentially leading to slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Moto G72 charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | No | S21+ offers wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | S21+ can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | Android 12 | Moto G72 comes with a slightly newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21+ has faster wifi speeds and better network performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE (with more features) | 5.0 LE | S21+ has more extensive Bluetooth functionality. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | S21+ offers more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ offers the flexibility of an eSIM. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8 GB | S21+ comes with a base of 8GB; Motorola has a base of 6GB |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21+ provides a more immersive audio experience with enhanced features. |
| Security & Build Quality | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both use basic fingerprint technology |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has stronger screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More advanced | Basic | S21+ has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide a much faster and smoother experience, especially for demanding apps and gaming.
- Superior Display Brightness: 1300 nits make the display easily viewable in bright sunlight.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes telephoto lens for optical zoom, better image stabilization, and 8K video recording capabilities.
- Wireless & Reverse Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes Hi-Res Audio and a noise cancellation microphone for better audio experiences.
- More advanced Connectivity: Faster wifi and improved Bluetooth functionality.
- More Precise Location Tracking: Includes more satellite systems.
- eSIM Support: Offers the convenience of using an eSIM for digital carrier switching.
- Better Build Quality: Offers better screen protection via Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Motorola Moto G72 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Comfortable: 34g lighter, better for extended use.
- Larger Main Camera Resolution: 108MP captures more detailed photos.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows for quicker battery refills.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Wider aperture: Better low light images
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+ has significantly better performance, display brightness, and a more advanced camera system but is heavier and lacks a macro lens.
- Moto G72 offers a lighter build, a macro lens and faster charging but at the cost of significantly less processing power, lower display brightness, and a less versatile camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for demanding apps and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want versatile camera capabilities, including optical zoom and high-resolution video recording.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright screen for easy readability in sunlight.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who appreciate advanced features like wireless charging, reverse charging, and eSIM support.
- Users who need better audio: Hi-Res audio and a noise cancellation microphone.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Shooting high-quality videos for social media or professional use.
- Navigating outdoors in bright conditions.
- Multitasking between demanding apps.
- Using wireless charging for convenience.
Motorola Moto G72 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a more affordable phone with a decent set of features.
- Casual Users: Individuals who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks.
- Users who value comfort: Lighter weight makes it better for long use sessions.
- Macro Photography Fans: Those who enjoy taking close-up photos.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing social media, texting, and making calls.
- Taking casual photos and videos.
- Macro photography of small objects and details.
- Extended use sessions due to lighter weight.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is top-tier performance and gaming capability to you?
- Do you prioritize a versatile camera system, or is a basic camera sufficient?
- Is a bright display for outdoor use a must-have feature for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Camera are Top Priority:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice for power users and photography enthusiasts.
- Scenario 2: Budget and Comfort are Top Priority:
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G72 is a good choice for those seeking a more affordable and lightweight option for everyday use.
- Scenario 3: Need a Balance of Features:
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G might be the best option. It offers better overall quality. But you might sacrifice comfort. If comfort is important, the Motorola Moto G72 could be considered.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Motorola Moto G72 offers a lighter build and faster charging, the S21+ surpasses it in the most crucial areas for my use case. I value the significantly better performance for smoother app usage and gaming, and the much brighter display for outdoor visibility. The superior camera system with its optical zoom and higher quality video recording capabilities is also a major draw. Although it is heavier and lacks a dedicated macro lens, the overall experience the S21+ provides better fits my needs. I often prioritize powerful performance, and a versatile camera for my smartphone and the S21+ offers that. Also, the better build quality and wireless charging are great additional features.
