1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Motorola Edge 20, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163 x 76 x 7 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, may feel bulkier in hand. Edge 20 is noticeably thinner. |
| Weight | 227g | 163g | The Edge 20 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to handle. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (Front) | Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection, leading to better scratch and drop resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible size difference; both are large screen devices. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | The S21 Ultra offers a much sharper display with noticeably more detail. |
| PPI | 515 | 385 | The S21 Ultra's higher pixel density makes text and images appear crisper and less pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks; visual quality will be comparable. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | The Edge 20 has a slightly smoother display, especially when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The S21 Ultra is drastically brighter, offering much better visibility in direct sunlight. Note: Brightness value for Motorola Edge 20 seems incorrect, and real-world brightness will be much higher. However, S21 Ultra should still have significantly higher brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | The Exynos 2100 is a high-end chip, better for demanding tasks and gaming. The Snapdragon is a mid-range chip that's efficient and suitable for daily use. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 589,200 | The S21 Ultra demonstrates superior performance, loading apps and games faster. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | The S21 Ultra should provide smoother, faster graphics for demanding games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor | S21 Ultra's larger sensor and wider aperture should perform better in low light and have better dynamic range. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The S21 Ultra has a dedicated portrait lens for better depth-of-field effects, offering more versatile photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.3 | The S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies and performs better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | 8MP, f/2.4 | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom with greater magnification, while Motorola Edge 20 will likely provide superior telephoto in low light. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 | The Edge 20 has a higher resolution ultrawide sensor. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra offers professional-grade video recording, while the Edge 20's 4k capability will suit everyday use. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a very high rating in both mobile and selfie camera. |
| Features | OIS, Laser AF, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode, Quadruple Camera | Triple Camera | S21 Ultra has a more feature-rich camera system, especially with OIS, advanced autofocus and night mode. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4020mAh | The S21 Ultra has a larger battery, providing longer battery life for a day of heavy usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | The Edge 20 has slightly faster charging but with smaller battery will not be significantly faster in time to charge to full. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | Reverse charging | The S21 Ultra offers wireless charging capabilities, which the Edge 20 lacks. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution and brightness results in a sharper and more vivid viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset delivers faster app loading and smoother operation, especially noticeable in gaming and demanding applications.
- More Versatile Camera: Features more cameras, better low-light performance, and 8K video recording with advanced features like OIS and RAW.
- Longer Battery Life: The larger battery provides better endurance throughout the day.
- Better Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and Noise cancellation microphone.
- Additional Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, more advanced GPS, and more Bluetooth features.
- Superior Screen Protection: The Victus Glass is better in protecting from scratches and damage.
Motorola Edge 20 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: The phone is significantly more comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Slightly Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate provides a somewhat smoother visual experience.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster wired charging at 30W.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted sensor considered more modern and ergonomic for some users.
- More affordable: Usually positioned at a lower price point.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21 Ultra: Heavier, more expensive, and no charger in the box.
- Motorola Edge 20: Lower performance, inferior camera system, shorter battery life, and less versatile feature set.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos with advanced features and versatility.
- Content Creators: People who need the best video recording capabilities, and great audio quality for social media or video production.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright and clear screen that is easily visible in direct sunlight.
- Users seeking a premium experience: People willing to pay more for the best specifications and advanced features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography with 8K recording.
- Mobile gaming with high graphics settings.
- Long hours of work or travel needing a long-lasting battery.
- Using a device under direct sunlight.
Motorola Edge 20 is ideal for:
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable smartphone for daily tasks, browsing, and social media.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a good experience at a more affordable price.
- Users Prioritizing Comfort: Individuals who prefer a lighter and thinner smartphone for easier handling.
- Casual Gamers: Users who want a smooth refresh rate for an enjoyable experience in casual games.
Specific Use Cases:
- Social media, web browsing, and communication.
- Light gaming.
- Users who prefer a very light and thin phone.
Price-to-Value:
The S21 Ultra generally offers better value if its advanced features match the user’s requirements. The Edge 20 can be a good option for those seeking better value for everyday use at a lower price.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions potential buyers should consider:
- How important is camera quality and versatility to you?
- If top-tier camera performance is essential, the Samsung S21 Ultra is the better option. For basic use, the Motorola Edge 20 is acceptable.
- What is your priority: Power or comfort/price?
- If you need top performance for intensive tasks, the S21 Ultra is superior. If you prefer a lighter device and better value, choose the Edge 20.
- Do you need features like wireless charging and longer battery life?
- If these are essential, the S21 Ultra offers a better package. The Edge 20 lacks wireless charging and has a smaller battery.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its versatile, high-quality camera system.
- Scenario 2: Casual User on a Budget: Choose the Motorola Edge 20 for its solid everyday performance and comfortable design at a more accessible price point.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its superior performance.
- Scenario 4: Heavy Outdoor User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its much brighter screen and higher resolution display.
My Choice and Explanation:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Here’s why:
My primary needs revolve around a high-quality camera for photography and videography, coupled with a device capable of handling demanding tasks efficiently. While I appreciate the lightweight design of the Motorola Edge 20, it does not fulfill my needs in the camera and performance department. The S21 Ultra’s significantly superior camera system (including advanced features like optical image stabilization, better low-light performance, and RAW capture) is essential for my needs. Additionally, the higher resolution and brightness of the display, paired with the faster chipset makes the Samsung S21 Ultra the obvious choice for me, even at a higher price point.
Although the Edge 20's 144Hz refresh rate is appealing, the practical benefits it offers will not benefit my use cases as much as a better camera or better performance. The Motorola Edge 20 serves well as a good value proposition for the everyday user, but it is not the best phone for my personal needs.
