Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Motorola Edge 40
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 40 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-05-04 | Motorola Edge 40 is significantly newer, potentially offering better software support and newer technology. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 158.4 × 72 × 7.6 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, Edge 40 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 167g | Edge 40 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.55" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can be better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra's display is significantly sharper, resulting in crisper text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 515 | 402 | S21 Ultra has higher pixel density, leading to noticeably finer details and sharper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer excellent contrast and color reproduction. Differences are subtle and may not be noticeable to most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 40 has a slightly smoother display during scrolling and animation, potentially leading to a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | S21 Ultra offers superior outdoor visibility, making it much easier to use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm) | Both offer similar performance for daily tasks, but may differ in specific gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 762,526 | Both phones offer nearly identical performance levels |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Both provide adequate performance for gaming, although differences might exist in graphically intensive titles. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | S21 Ultra is likely to offer longer battery life, providing better endurance for users with higher usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W | 68W | Edge 40 offers significantly faster charging, allowing for quicker top-ups and reduced downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless | 15W Wireless | S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging options including reverse wireless charging, useful for charging other devices wirelessly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP f/1.4, 1/1.55" | S21 Ultra has higher resolution and a larger sensor. The Edge 40 has a slightly wider aperture, better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 10.8MP f/2.4, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra offers an additional telephoto camera for portrait shots and zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 32MP f/2.4 | S21 Ultra provides higher resolution selfies with slightly better low-light capabilities. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP f/4.9, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens with significant optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 13MP f/2.2 | Both offer similar performance for capturing wide-angle shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra has superior video recording capability, better suited for professional users. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not tested | S21 Ultra has a tested camera performance. Edge 40 has not been reviewed. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera, 8K Video, Optical Zoom | Dual Camera | S21 Ultra boasts more versatile camera features such as 8k video and more optical zoom |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 13 (up to 15) | Edge 40 ships with a newer OS version and likely a more polished software experience. Both will receive updates up to Android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support Wi-Fi 6, but S21 Ultra has MIMO for faster speeds and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE (Extensive features) | 5.2 LE (LDAC, AAC, LHDC) | Both have similar Bluetooth version, but S21 Ultra has more features, while Motorola edge has better audio codecs. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS, Galileo (E1+E5a) | Dual-band GPS, BeiDou (B1) | Both have dual-band GPS. S21 Ultra includes Galileo (E1+E5a). Motorola edge has BeiDou (B1). |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Edge 40 offers the flexibility of an eSIM, while the S21 Ultra offers two physical SIM slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256GB | S21 Ultra offers more storage variants, catering to users with different storage needs. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8 GB | S21 Ultra's greater RAM capacity may offer better performance in multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers the option to expand the storage with an external microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Cancelling | Dolby Atmos, 3 Microphones | S21 Ultra has more features, including better audio quality and noise cancellation. Edge 40 features 3 Microphones for a clearer sound during calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Basic | Both provide basic biometric security using a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra offers more robust screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | None | S21 Ultra offers more sensor types suitable for different applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness for sharper visuals and better outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera System: More versatile camera setup with additional telephoto lenses, higher resolution main sensor, and 8K video capabilities.
- Larger Battery: Offers better battery life for longer usage on a single charge.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Offers up to 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB storage option for heavy users and media hoarders.
- Robust Build Quality: Better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus and more sensors.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is ideal for users who prioritize top-tier display quality, versatile camera capabilities, and need reliable battery life and a more robust build.
Motorola Edge 40 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact Design: More comfortable for one-handed use and pocketable.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging speeds for reduced downtime.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android and is likely to receive longer software support.
- Wider Aperture: Slightly better low-light performance on the main camera due to a wider aperture.
Practical Implications: The Edge 40 is ideal for users who value a lightweight design, fast charging, and the latest software with great everyday usability and good performance.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra is heavier and bulkier than the Edge 40, and the Edge 40 has a less versatile camera system and a smaller screen compared to the S21 Ultra.
- The S21 Ultra is an older device and its technology may be considered slightly outdated compared to the Edge 40.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a high level of versatility and quality in their photos and videos with pro level capabilities.
- Power Users: Users who require a lot of RAM, storage, and need the best display quality and battery life for intensive tasks and gaming.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who need to use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Users with complex sensor needs: Individuals who need a complete sensor package.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography
- Long gaming sessions
- Editing videos on the go
- Extended use without frequent charging
- Usage in bright environments
- Demanding sensor-based tasks
Motorola Edge 40 Ideal User:
- Everyday User: Users who need a balance of performance, features, and ease of handling.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Those who want good value for money with modern features and fast charging.
- Users Who Prefer Lighter Devices: People who prefer a lightweight, compact phone.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media browsing
- Light gaming
- Quick battery top-ups
- Users who value a lighter, modern phone
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra typically commands a higher price, reflecting its premium features and specifications. However, it may now be available at a discounted price due to its age.
- The Edge 40 is positioned as a more budget-friendly option, offering excellent value for its features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and outdoor visibility? (If crucial, S21 Ultra is better)
- Is a lightweight and pocketable design a priority? (If yes, Edge 40 wins)
- Do I need a versatile camera system with 8K recording and optical zoom? (If yes, S21 Ultra is the clear choice)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Photography Professional: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its superior camera system with 8K recording, optical zoom, and a versatile array of lenses.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User on a Budget: Choose the Motorola Edge 40 for its solid all-around performance, faster charging, and lighter design at a more accessible price point.
- Scenario 3: Frequent Traveler Needing Long Battery Life: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for better battery life and versatility.
- Scenario 4: User Prioritizing the Newest Software: Choose the Motorola Edge 40 for its newer version of Android and likely longer software support.
- Scenario 5: User with demanding sensor needs: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its complete sensor package.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Despite its age, its strengths align more closely with my priorities, which are:
- Superior Display: The sharpest display makes a big difference in daily use, whether it is for reading, watching videos, or browsing the web.
- Versatile Camera System: I value the flexibility offered by the telephoto and portrait lenses, not to mention the professional level video recording. The additional cameras in the S21 Ultra, would be incredibly useful for a variety of shots.
- Battery Life: Although both phones offer good battery capacity, I tend to prefer phones with more capacity.
- More Sensors: The extra sensor support could be useful for specific gaming and other sensor-based applications.
While the Motorola Edge 40 has many desirable qualities, like a lighter design and faster charging, the S21 Ultra’s premium display and superior camera system make it a better fit for my needs. Additionally, the S21 Ultra's robust build quality and versatile charging options are also appealing. The S21 Ultra is a more capable, well-rounded device that better meets my needs, making it my choice.
