Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Offers a unique, compact foldable design, potentially more pocketable when folded. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 171.4 × 74 × 7.1 mm | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Taller but thinner, impacts in-hand feel and pocketability when unfolded. The Razr 50 Ultra is more compact when folded. |
| Weight | 200g | 189g | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Slightly lighter, may be more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.9" | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing, especially for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Slightly sharper display with more pixels, leading to marginally improved clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 413 | Both: Similar pixel density; both offer a sharp and detailed display for everyday use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Not specified | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: AMOLED provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and potentially better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Significantly smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience, especially in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 3000 nits | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; a huge benefit for outdoor users. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Newer, more powerful chipset with better efficiency for faster app loading and multitasking, better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,625,000 | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Much higher benchmark score indicates significantly better overall performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 735 | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: The newer Adreno GPU is more powerful for gaming and graphical tasks, and better suited for the display's high refresh rate. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555, 1.80µm | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.96" Samsung GN8, 0.70µm | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Higher resolution for more detailed images but smaller pixel size; the S21+ has a slightly larger sensor, which could help in low light. |
| Telephoto | 64MP f/2.0, 1/1.72" Samsung S5KGW2, 0.80µm | 50MP f/2.0, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Higher resolution and larger sensor for better detail and zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374, 1.22µm | 32MP f/2.4, 1/3" Omnivision OV32B, 0.70µm | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Higher resolution for better detail, but slightly smaller aperture and smaller pixel size, but larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX563, 1.40µm | N/A | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Offers a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens for versatile shooting options. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Supports higher 8K video resolution, offering more detail; both support 4K video capture with EIS. |
| DxoMark | Main 111 (Photo 118, Video 89) | N/A | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Proven camera performance according to DXOMark, while the Motorola has no testing data to compare. |
| Features | Extensive (OIS, etc) | Time-lapse, Ultra Stable Video, LAF (Laser Autofocus) | Both: Feature-rich cameras with OIS, but different strengths. The Razr offers 'Ultra Stable Video' mode and Laser Autofocus, while the S21 has more specific features such as continuous and manual focus. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4000mAh | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Larger battery for potentially longer battery life, especially for heavier usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Faster charging speed, enabling quicker refills. |
| Features | Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W | Wireless 15W | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Offers reverse wireless charging, which is useful for charging accessories. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 17) | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Comes with a newer Android version and a longer OS update policy, for newer features and security. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Newer Wi-Fi standard, faster speeds and more reliable connection |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Newer Bluetooth version for better efficiency and connection quality. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Offers more storage, especially the 512GB variant, better for large media and apps. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: More RAM for improved multitasking, smoother and faster app and game performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, 3 Microphones | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Has Hi-Res Audio for higher audio quality. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Has 3 mics which may improve clarity during calls. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Side-mounted sensor is more convenient and faster for unlocking. |
| Sensors | Full suite with Barometer | Full suite without Barometer | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Has Barometer for accurate atmospheric pressure readings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 4800mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, beneficial for extended use without charging.
- Established Camera Performance: DxoMark scores indicate reliable photo and video quality, with 8K video recording capability.
- Wider Angle + Macro Camera: Offers more versatility in photography.
- More comprehensive Bluetooth features: More features related to Audio, and Device Interaction.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Better audio quality for audiophiles.
- More comprehensive sensor suite: Barometer for environmental measurement.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Charge accessories wirelessly
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a unique form factor, more compact when folded, and a larger display when unfolded.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset provides much faster performance for demanding apps and gaming.
- Significantly Brighter Display: 3000 nits brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 165Hz display provides incredibly smooth animations and a more responsive user experience.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging allows for quicker battery refills.
- More RAM & Storage: 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB storage handle multitasking and large media libraries effortlessly.
- Newer Android Version: Longer software update support and newer features with Android 14.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 offer speed and efficiency advantages.
- Laser Autofocus (LAF): Superior focus speed and reliability.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G sacrifices performance and a unique design for a more traditional form factor and better-established camera quality.
- The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra trades battery capacity and a slightly more established camera for a foldable design, superior performance, and a brighter, smoother display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Users prioritizing battery life: The larger battery will last longer on a full charge.
- Photography enthusiasts who value reliable camera performance and versatile lenses
- Users who prefer a traditional, non-folding design.
- Audiophiles seeking Hi-Res Audio for better playback.
- Users requiring a barometer for atmospheric measurements
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- All-day usage without frequent charging, particularly in professional or travel settings.
- Photography-centric individuals who need versatile cameras and reliable image quality.
- Users who need wireless charging of accessories.
- Users who prefer a standard slab phone without the complexities of a folding mechanism.
Ideal Users for Motorola Razr 50 Ultra:
- Tech enthusiasts who want the latest features and the newest tech.
- Users seeking a unique form factor that is more portable when folded.
- Power users who demand top performance and smooth multitasking.
- Outdoor users who need a very bright display for visibility in sunlight.
- Gamers who benefit from the high refresh rate display.
Use Cases for Motorola Razr 50 Ultra:
- Users who want a unique, portable phone with a larger screen when needed.
- Users who need to frequently use their phone outdoors under bright light
- Mobile gamers who require high refresh rates for smoother gameplay.
- Professionals or students who need efficient multitasking and fast app loading.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Razr 50 Ultra is expected to be the more expensive device. For users who want the most advanced tech the Razr 50 Ultra is likely worth the extra price. If you prefer traditional phones and do not require the latest tech, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G likely offers a better price-to-value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Form Factor Preference: Do you prefer a traditional slab phone or the unique form factor of a foldable device?
- Performance Needs: How important are the latest processor, smooth multitasking, and demanding gaming performance?
- Display Requirements: Do you need extreme brightness for outdoor use or are you okay with a standard AMOLED display?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoors and heavy usage: If you frequently use your phone in bright daylight or need all-day battery the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is better for brighter displays and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is better for longer battery.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Focused User: If you prioritize performance, gaming and want the latest tech then Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is a better choice.
- Scenario 3: Camera-Focused User: If you prioritize versatile cameras and well-established image quality and do not need cutting-edge tech, then the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G will be better.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra. Here's why:
- The Foldable Design: I find the foldable form factor incredibly appealing. The ability to have a compact device that opens into a large-screen experience is a game-changer for both portability and media consumption.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and 12GB of RAM offer a noticeable performance boost, ensuring smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and a great gaming experience.
- Brighter Display: The 3000 nits display brightness is a major plus for someone who spends time outdoors. The 165Hz refresh rate also makes the user experience noticeably smoother.
- Future-Proofing: With newer Android, faster WiFi, and Bluetooth, the Razr 50 Ultra is more future-proofed and likely to receive more updates.
- Unique Value: The foldable phone is something different from the traditional phone and I like having that tech.
While the Samsung S21+ 5G has a reliable camera and longer battery, the improvements in display, performance, and unique design of the Razr 50 Ultra outweigh these benefits for me.
