1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.6 mm | Moto G85 is slightly taller and narrower, 2.5mm slimmer making it a bit more pocketable and easier to hold, Galaxy S21+ is wider which may offer more content visibility |
| Weight | 200g | 171g | Moto G85 is significantly lighter (29g) making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Practically identical screen sizes; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical clarity and sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Virtually identical pixel density; images and text appear equally sharp on both. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; slight difference in technology, generally negligible in user experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1600 nits | Moto G85 has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | S21+ offers significantly better raw processing power for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 475,000 | S21+ is noticeably faster in benchmarks, indicating better performance for app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 619 | S21+ offers superior graphics processing for gaming and other visually demanding applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G85 has a slightly larger battery, which could result in marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Moto G85 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Non-removable | S21+ offers more versatile charging options. No charge in-box for S21+. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12MP | 50MP | Moto G85 captures higher resolution images with more detail. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.79 | Moto G85 has a slightly wider aperture, allowing more light in for low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/2" | S21+ has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail, especially in low-light situations |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | Yes | No | S21+ offers dedicated telephoto zoom capabilities for portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 10MP | 32MP | Moto G85 captures higher-resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | S21+ has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes | Moto G85 can capture wide-angle photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | Yes | No | S21+ can capture wide-angle and macro images, offering more creative flexibility. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21+ records much higher resolution video, better suited for professional-grade content creation. |
| DxOMark Main Score | 111 | 88 | S21+ scored significantly higher overall for camera performance. |
| DxOMark Photo Score | 118 | 83 | S21+ is significantly better for photo quality. |
| DxOMark Video Score | 89 | 109 | Moto G85 provides a slightly better video recording experience |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, 8K video, more | Laser autofocus (LAF), Dual camera | S21+ has more advanced camera features while Moto G85 provides features like Laser autofocus |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Moto G85 has a newer OS version out of the box. S21+ will have Android 15 update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer similar modern Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Moto G85 has a slightly newer version, which can offer minor improvements in efficiency and stability. S21+ has more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both offer similar location capabilities; S21+ supports more precise positioning for specific use cases, Moto G85 includes QZSS |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Both support dual SIM and eSIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB | Both provide same storage options |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB | Moto G85 offers 12GB option for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | S21+ provides slightly better audio with Hi-Res support and noise cancellation, Moto G85 has 2 microphones |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ has more advanced scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21+ includes additional environmental sensor for use with specialized applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU offer a considerable advantage in raw power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The 58% higher AnTuTu score reflects this.
- Superior Camera System: The S21+ excels in overall camera quality, as evidenced by its higher DxOMark scores (111 vs 88), particularly in photo quality (118 vs 83). It also offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom and 8K video recording, catering to users who demand professional-grade imaging.
- More Versatile Charging: Offers wireless charging, reverse charging, and reverse wireless charging adding convenience for on the go users.
- More advanced screen protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, providing more protection than the Gorilla Glass 5 on the Motorola Moto G85.
- Advanced Audio: Offers Hi-Res audio and Noise cancellation microphones
- More Environmental Sensors: Includes Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic sensors for more advanced features.
Motorola Moto G85 Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: The Moto G85 is lighter (29g) and slimmer, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and easier to pocket.
- Brighter Display: The screen is significantly brighter (1600 nits vs 1300 nits), offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Longer Battery Life and Faster Charging: While the capacity difference is minor, the combination of a slightly larger battery (5000mAh vs 4800mAh) and faster charging (30W vs 25W) provides a slight edge in daily usability.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 14 out of the box, potentially providing access to the latest features and security updates.
- Higher resolution selfie camera: 32MP vs 10MP on the S21+.
- Wide Angle Lens: The Moto G85 has a wide angle lens which S21+ does not have.
- Laser autofocus (LAF): Moto G85 has laser autofocus for fast focusing, especially in low-light.
Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Comfort: The S21+ delivers superior performance, but the Moto G85 prioritizes comfort with a lighter and slimmer design.
- Camera Quality vs. Versatility: The S21+ boasts a more robust and versatile camera system for professionals, while the Moto G85 still offers decent images with the addition of a Wide Angle Lens and a slightly better video experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks will find the S21+ more capable.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with optical zoom, high-resolution video (8K), and advanced features like RAW shooting will benefit from the S21+.
- Those Needing Additional Features: The extra sensors and reverse charging features may be needed.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Gaming: Smoother, more detailed gaming due to the superior chipset and GPU.
- Professional Video/Photo: High-resolution video recording and greater control over the camera.
- Multitasking: Seamlessly switching between apps.
Motorola Moto G85 Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize comfort, battery life, and a smooth user experience for daily tasks will appreciate the Moto G85.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want good-quality photos with a user-friendly experience for social media.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter display is ideal for viewing content in bright sunlight.
Specific Use Cases for Motorola Moto G85:
- Daily Communication and Browsing: Comfortable, smooth experience for everyday tasks.
- Outdoor Navigation and Media Consumption: Clear visibility in direct sunlight.
- Long Battery Needs: Users who need a phone that will last a long day.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21+ was a premium flagship phone in 2021, it may offer better value for power users if it has dropped in price. However, if it has not, the Motorola Moto G85 may be the more cost effective option with the same amount of internal storage and RAM.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming/professional tasks vs. everyday usage)
- How important is camera quality, and what do you prioritize? (Optical zoom and pro features vs. high-res selfies and wider lens)
- Do you need longer battery life and comfortable use? (Lighter phone and longer battery vs. more features)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance-Focused): If gaming, video editing, and multitasking are your priorities, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice due to its superior processor and GPU.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday Use, Outdoor Visibility): If comfort, battery life, and visibility in sunlight are more crucial, the Motorola Moto G85 is a better fit.
- Scenario 3 (Photography and Videography Focused): If you value high image quality, zoom capabilities, and high resolution video, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the superior option due to its higher overall camera scores, telephoto lens, 8K recording, and more advanced photo features. If you mainly value social media level photos with a better front camera, the Motorola Moto G85 can be an option with the wide angle lens.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Motorola Moto G85 offers a more comfortable design and a brighter screen, the S21+ has advantages that better suit my needs, despite being an older phone. I regularly use my phone for heavy multitasking, gaming, and taking photos, and the S21+ significantly outperforms the Moto G85 in these key areas. The improved camera system, with its telephoto lens and 8K video, is also essential for my photography needs. While the Moto G85 has a brighter screen, I do not often need to use it in direct sunlight. Therefore, the S21+ makes more sense for me even though it is older, it will be able to provide better performance and versatility.
