1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 152.9 x 71.2 x 7.8 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, less comfortable for smaller hands or single-hand use. |
| Weight | 227g | 155g | Edge 30 Neo is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.28" | S21 Ultra offers a more immersive experience for media consumption, gaming. Edge 30 Neo is more compact, better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | S21 Ultra has noticeably sharper text and images, better for detail-oriented tasks and high-res media. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 419 PPI | S21 Ultra provides a significantly crisper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar quality, both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly brighter, easily visible in direct sunlight, whereas the Edge 30 Neo brightness is not specified, so difficult to compare in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful, offers faster app loading, better multitasking and gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 425,200 | S21 Ultra has much higher performance, making it suitable for demanding tasks like video editing and high-end gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 Ultra offers superior graphics performance, important for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4020mAh | S21 Ultra offers longer battery life, especially under heavy usage. |
| Charging | 25W wired | 68W wired, 5W wireless | Edge 30 Neo charges much faster with the included charger; Edge 30 Neo has the ability to charge wirelessly. |
| Features | 15W wireless, 9W reverse wireless, no charger | 5W wireless, no charger | S21 Ultra supports faster wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding additional functionality. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 64MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed photos, better for large prints or cropping. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2" | S21 Ultra's larger sensor collects more light, better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Camera | Yes (2 lenses) | No | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom for better quality zoomed images, additional telephoto portrait lens. |
| Ultrawide Camera Resolution | 12.2MP | 13MP | Similar ultrawide camera quality, Motorola offers a slightly higher megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 32MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@120fps | S21 Ultra supports much higher video resolution, better for professional video creation. |
| DXOMark Scores (Mobile) | 115 (Main), 135 (Selfie) | Not Tested | S21 Ultra's camera performance is rated higher by DXOMark, indicative of better image and video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 12 (up to 15) | Both phones offer similar android updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 Ultra has faster, more stable Wi-Fi connections, especially in crowded networks; better for streaming and downloading. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | S21 Ultra has a slightly newer Bluetooth standard, offering better efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | S21 Ultra supports more satellite systems for better accuracy in location tracking, useful for navigation and location based apps. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | S21 Ultra offers a higher storage capacity option. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 8GB | S21 Ultra offers more RAM, ensuring smoother multitasking and better performance for heavy applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expanded storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra offers additional features for better audio fidelity. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both offer a standard fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra includes additional sensors, such as a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, higher pixel density, and significantly brighter screen. This is better for media consumption, gaming, and outdoor use.
- Higher Performance: More powerful chipset, more RAM and GPU. Offers significantly better performance for demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Significantly higher main sensor resolution, larger sensor size, dual telephoto lenses and 8K video recording. Delivers superior photo quality and more versatile shooting capabilities.
- Larger Battery: Bigger battery, translating to longer usage times before needing a recharge.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio, noise cancellation microphone, all contributing to a superior audio experience.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi standard and Bluetooth version for faster, more reliable connections.
- Additional Features: Faster wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, barometer, and robust build quality using Gorilla Glass Victus.
Motorola Edge 30 Neo Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Significantly lighter and smaller size makes it more comfortable for single-handed use and carrying.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired charging.
- Wireless Charging: Only Motorola Edge 30 Neo supports 5W wireless charging.
- Newer Software Version: Ships with a newer version of Android (12 vs 11 for the S21 Ultra).
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Heavier and bulkier than the Edge 30 Neo, more expensive, slower wired charging.
- Edge 30 Neo: Significantly less powerful, inferior display quality, lower camera quality, smaller battery, missing some advanced connectivity and build features, like a specified screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for heavy multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality images, versatile zoom capabilities, and 8K video recording.
- Media Consumers: People who frequently watch videos, browse photos, and need a vibrant and sharp display.
- Outdoor Users: Users who require a display that is easily visible in bright sunlight.
- Users who prefer additional features: Individuals who value wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and high build quality.
Motorola Edge 30 Neo Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: People who prioritize a lightweight, compact, and comfortable phone for everyday use.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a good balance of features and price.
- Users who need fast charging: Individuals who prefer quick top-ups of their battery.
- Users who prefer a lighter device: Those who value a light phone for extended use.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Professional photography, high-end mobile gaming, video editing, outdoor navigation, and consuming high-resolution content.
- Motorola Edge 30 Neo: Daily social media browsing, casual gaming, media consumption, and general productivity tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is a premium device, while the Edge 30 Neo is more budget-friendly.
- How important is performance and camera quality? The S21 Ultra provides a much higher performance and camera quality.
- Do you prioritize a compact and lightweight design or a larger immersive display? The Edge 30 Neo is smaller and lighter, while the S21 Ultra has a larger, superior display.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I need the best possible camera and performance for demanding tasks." Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Its superior camera system, powerful processor, and high-resolution display make it the best choice for photography, gaming, and other demanding tasks.
- Scenario 2: "I want a comfortable, lightweight phone that's good for everyday use and is budget-friendly." Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Neo. It provides a good balance of features for daily usage, with a light and comfortable design.
- Scenario 3: "I want a phone with very long battery life and excellent brightness." Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, the higher capacity and brighter display make it better for these scenarios.
- Scenario 4: "I need fast charging and a lighter phone that is not very expensive" Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Neo, which gives you fast charging at a lower price point.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is older, its superior performance, significantly better camera system, and excellent display make it a more suitable option for my usage, which involves heavy multitasking, gaming and photography. Although the Motorola Edge 30 Neo has a fast charging and lighter design, the trade-offs in performance, display quality, and camera capability are too significant for my preference. The additional features like faster wireless charging, additional sensors and the build quality of the S21 Ultra further justify my choice despite its older age and higher cost.
