1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 159.6 x 72 x 7.9 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier; Edge 40 Neo is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 170g | Edge 40 Neo is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.55" | S21 Ultra offers slightly more screen real estate for content consumption, while Edge 40 Neo is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display with crisper details, better for media. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 402 ppi | S21 Ultra's screen is noticeably clearer, reducing pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar quality displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 40 Neo provides slightly smoother animations, though not a massive difference. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1300 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly brighter, improving visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset is generally more powerful for demanding tasks and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 527,666 | S21 Ultra performs noticeably better for gaming and overall snappiness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G610 MC3 | S21 Ultra's GPU is superior for graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | S21 Ultra captures more detail and allows for more cropping. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.55" | S21 Ultra's larger sensor allows for slightly better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | Yes (10.8MP + 10.8MP) | No | S21 Ultra has versatile zoom capabilities. |
| Ultra-wide Camera | 12.2MP | 13MP | Similar wide-angle performance but Edge 40 Neo has slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.4 | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution selfie camera, better for detailed shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra allows for professional-grade video recording, Edge 40 Neo is sufficient for most users. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 115 (photo: 121, video: 100) | 103 (photo: 102, video: 116) | S21 Ultra performs better in photos, while the Edge 40 Neo performs better in video. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 135 (photo: 133, video: 140) | N/A | S21 Ultra performs very well for selfies. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery life for typical use. |
| Charging | 25W | 68W | Edge 40 Neo charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (15W) | No | S21 Ultra offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes (9W) | No | S21 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Edge 40 Neo comes with a more recent Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Edge 40 Neo offers a newer Bluetooth version. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Edge 40 Neo offers the flexibility of using an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 256 GB | S21 Ultra has option for much larger storage capacity. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12 GB | S21 Ultra's higher RAM variants allow for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | S21 Ultra has slightly better audio quality, with Hi-Res Audio. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 Ultra offers significantly better scratch and impact resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | S21 Ultra includes more sensors such as barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, better pixel density, and higher brightness result in a sharper and more vibrant display, especially outdoors.
- More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly higher processing and graphics power for demanding apps and gaming.
- Versatile Camera System: Features a more capable main camera, telephoto lenses, and 8K video recording.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless and reverse wireless charging options for added convenience.
- More RAM options : More RAM for smoother multitasking (upto 16GB vs 12 GB)
- Hi-Res Audio & Noise cancellation microphone: for more immersive audio experience
- Better Build Quality Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus
- Comprehensive sensor suite Includes Barometer for environmental data collection
Motorola Edge 40 Neo Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry around.
- Faster Charging: 68W charging is significantly faster than S21 Ultra’s 25W.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4 for potentially more efficient and stable connections.
- Newer OS Out-of-the-box: Android 13 versus Android 11 on S21 Ultra
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility for digital carrier switching.
- More recent release: Released almost 2.5 years later than the S21 Ultra
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Is heavier, bulkier, and has slower charging speed, but has better performance, cameras and screen.
- Edge 40 Neo: Lacks the high-end features like telephoto lenses and wireless charging but compensates with faster charging and a more compact design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who need a versatile and high-quality camera system with good zoom capabilities and 8K video.
- Media Consumption: Users who prioritize screen quality for watching movies and other visual content.
- Tech enthusiasts: Individuals seeking feature-rich devices that can handle advanced usage scenarios.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo is Ideal For:
- Everyday Users: Those looking for a reliable smartphone for daily tasks, social media, and casual photography.
- Practical Buyers: People who prioritize value, convenience, and a comfortable user experience.
- Users on the Go: Individuals who appreciate faster charging and a lightweight design.
- Users who value the latest software: Those who prefer a more recent version of android out of the box.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21 Ultra: Mobile gaming, professional photography, video content creation, business productivity.
- Edge 40 Neo: Social media browsing, streaming videos, quick photography, everyday communication.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? S21 Ultra is likely to be more expensive, even second hand.
- How important is camera quality and zoom? S21 Ultra provides a much better experience.
- Do you value faster charging and a lightweight design over top-tier performance and display? The Edge 40 Neo offers faster charging, a more lightweight design, and is much more modern.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For High-Performance Demands: Choose the S21 Ultra for its superior processing power and versatile camera system.
- For Value and Convenience: The Edge 40 Neo offers a more compact form, faster charging, a newer Android version and a smoother usage experience.
- For Photography: The S21 Ultra has more versatile and higher quality camera system.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Despite being older, its superior performance, display, and camera system make it the better option for my needs. As a user who often plays games, consumes high-resolution media, and takes a lot of photos, the S21 Ultra provides a much better experience. While the Motorola Edge 40 Neo has faster charging and a more modern build, these advantages are not as important to me as raw performance and camera versatility. The S21 Ultra may be heavier but it will suit my usage more.
