1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, making the Edge 2022 slightly more pocketable and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 227g | 170g | The Edge (2022) is significantly lighter, leading to less fatigue during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and more detailed images. |
| PPI | 515 | 399 | Higher PPI on the S21 Ultra makes the screen visibly sharper, particularly noticeable for reading small text or viewing high-resolution photos. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent colors and deep blacks. AMOLED is a specific type of OLED, so they perform very similarly. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | The Edge (2022) has a slightly smoother scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much brighter and easily usable under direct sunlight, whereas the Edge 2022's brightness data is missing, but is likely not as bright.. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra generally offers better performance in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 522,375 | S21 Ultra has a significantly higher benchmark score, implying faster app loading and overall smoother performance, especially for gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | The S21 Ultra's GPU is more powerful, better suited for graphically intensive games and applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | The S21 Ultra captures more detailed photos due to the higher megapixel count and slightly larger sensor. |
| Telephoto | 10.8MP + 10.8MP | None | S21 Ultra has two dedicated telephoto lenses for better zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 32MP, f/2.45 | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies with wider aperture, improving low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP (Combined) | 13MP, f/1.5 | S21 Ultra's Wide Angle is a wide angle + macro camera, whereas the Motorola has a dedicated wide angle camera |
| Macro | None | 20MP, f/2.4 | The Motorola Edge has a dedicated macro camera for close up shots |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra has much more advanced video recording capabilities. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not tested | S21 Ultra has significantly higher scores on the DxoMark benchmark compared to the Motorola Edge, implying higher camera quality |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life, though real-world usage varies. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | The Edge (2022) charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W, 9W reverse | 15W, 5W reverse | The S21 Ultra has slightly faster reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 15) | Android 12 (Up to 13) | S21 Ultra offers a more updated version of Android. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | S21 Ultra has more storage options |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | S21 Ultra can have significantly more RAM, making multitasking smoother |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has a microSD card slot |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | S21 Ultra has Hi-Res audio. Motorola Edge has 3 microphones |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 Ultra has much better screen protection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, sharper display, and significantly brighter panel, making it ideal for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Better Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU, resulting in smoother and faster performance for demanding applications and gaming.
- More Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main sensor, dedicated telephoto lenses for better zoom, and more advanced video recording capabilities including 8k support.
- More RAM and Storage Options The S21 Ultra can have more storage and ram, ideal for heavy users.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior protection against scratches and drops.
- More Advanced Software Updates: The S21 Ultra has a higher version of Android which will last longer, and have more features.
Motorola Edge (2022) Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and easier to carry around.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster wired charging, reducing downtime.
- Dedicated Macro and Wide Angle Lens: Has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots, and a wide angle lens, whereas the S21 Ultra has them combined into one.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Slightly smoother display with 144Hz refresh rate.
- eSIM support: Allows for more flexible carrier management and digital switching
- 3 microphones: May be better for capturing audio in specific scenarios
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra is heavier, bulkier and more expensive. It's also older.
- The Edge (2022) sacrifices display quality, camera prowess, and performance for a lighter build and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who demand high-quality photos and versatile zoom capabilities, as well as 8k video recording.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who want the best possible display for watching videos, browsing content, or reading e-books, particularly in bright outdoor environments.
- Users Needing Future-Proofing: Those who want the newest features for a long time, as well as the most RAM and storage capacity.
Motorola Edge (2022) is ideal for:
- Everyday Users: People who prioritize portability and comfortable handling over top-tier performance.
- Casual Gamers: Users who play games occasionally but don't need the absolute best graphics performance.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those who want a solid phone with decent specs without paying a premium for flagship features.
- Users Who Want Flexible SIM Options: Those that want to use an eSIM and be able to easily change between digital carriers.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21 Ultra: Professional photography, detailed video recording, mobile gaming, outdoor use in bright sunlight, running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Edge (2022): Daily communication, social media browsing, light gaming, casual photography, extended use due to its light weight, and easy switching between mobile carriers.
Price-to-Value:
- The S21 Ultra offers more advanced features and performance, which justifies its higher price. It is likely to be much more expensive on the used market.
- The Edge (2022) offers a solid experience at a more affordable price point, focusing on essential features and ease of use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and outdoor visibility? If you spend a lot of time outdoors or prioritize a sharp display, the S21 Ultra is superior.
- What is your primary use case? If gaming, photo/video editing, or demanding multitasking is your focus, the S21 Ultra is the better choice. For more casual users the Motorola Edge (2022) is likely sufficient.
- Is portability or performance more important? If lightweight design and comfortable handling are important, the Edge (2022) is better. For those who need top of the line performance and are willing to sacrifice portability, the S21 Ultra is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Content Creator: Choose the S21 Ultra for its top-tier camera with 8K video, better zoom, and powerful performance.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: The Motorola Edge (2022) offers a good balance of features and is more comfortable to use for daily tasks.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: The S21 Ultra's performance, display, and GPU make it better for intensive gaming.
- Scenario 4: Frequent Traveler: The Motorola Edge (2022) is better due to its support for eSIM, which makes it easier to change carriers between countries, or use two carriers at the same time.
Personal Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the Motorola Edge (2022) offers a lighter design and slightly faster charging, the S21 Ultra's superior display, significantly better performance, more advanced camera system (especially with the zoom capabilities and higher quality), better screen protection, and additional RAM/storage are more aligned with my needs. As a user who values high-quality photos, detailed video capabilities, and a smooth, responsive experience for demanding tasks such as gaming and multitasking, the S21 Ultra is a better fit. The improved brightness is also a significant advantage for outdoor use. While it is heavier and bulkier, the trade-offs are worth it for the enhanced functionality it provides.
