1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Motorola Edge 40 Pro, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 161.2 x 74 x 8.6 mm | The S21 Ultra is slightly larger, which may feel bulkier in hand and pocket. The Edge 40 Pro is more compact and possibly more comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 227g | 199g | The Edge 40 Pro is noticeably lighter (28g), making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | The S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen, ideal for those who prefer a bigger viewing area for media and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | The S21 Ultra's higher resolution will result in noticeably sharper images and text, especially noticeable with small text and detailed images. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 394 ppi | The S21 Ultra's higher pixel density provides a crisper display, leading to a more detailed viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast, vibrant colours, and deep blacks. The difference in real-world use is negligible. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | The Edge 40 Pro's higher refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced games and user interface interactions. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | The S21 Ultra's higher brightness will be more visible in direct sunlight, enhancing readability outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Edge 40 Pro offers significantly better performance in terms of speed and efficiency, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,532,500 | The Edge 40 Pro’s nearly double AnTuTu score indicates a substantial performance advantage, making it significantly faster and more responsive. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | The Adreno 740 GPU in the Edge 40 Pro offers superior gaming performance compared to the Mali-G78 in the S21 Ultra. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP, 1/1.33" sensor | 50MP, 1/1.55" sensor | The S21 Ultra has a higher resolution sensor allowing for more detailed images, however the Edge 40 Pro has larger pixel sizes which improves low light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera(s) | Two 10.8MP, 1/2.65" sensors | 12MP, 1/2.93" sensor | The S21 Ultra offers more zoom flexibility with two telephoto lenses, while the Edge 40 Pro has a single telephoto lens with wider aperture, better for low light scenarios |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12.2MP, 1/2.55" sensor | 50MP, 1/2.76" sensor | The Edge 40 Pro has a higher resolution ultrawide camera for more detailed wide-angle photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, 1/2.65" sensor | 60MP, 1/2.8" sensor | The Edge 40 Pro has a higher resolution sensor for more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both devices can capture high-resolution videos, ensuring professional-quality footage. The higher frame rate on the Edge 40 Pro at 8K means smoother videos. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Main Score: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | Main Score: 130, Photo: 133, Video: 135 | Edge 40 Pro scores significantly higher in video and overall, indicating better video and photo performance than the S21 Ultra. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4600 mAh | The S21 Ultra has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing a longer battery life in daily usage but the difference isn't substantial |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 125W fast charging | The Edge 40 Pro offers much faster charging, which can significantly reduce charging times. This allows for more flexible use and faster turnaround times. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both phones offer the same 15W wireless charging, although the S21 Ultra also offers reverse wireless charging at 9W |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages
- Higher Resolution and Sharper Display: The 1440p screen with 515 ppi provides a clearer and more detailed viewing experience.
- Higher Screen Brightness: 1500 nits provides better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight.
- More Versatile Camera System: Features dual telephoto lenses for greater zoom flexibility and a dedicated macro lens.
- More RAM (Optional): 16GB version available for extreme multitasking.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes additional environmental sensors.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Advantages
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for smoother experience in gaming, apps, and multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 125W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 165Hz provides a smoother and more responsive display.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Supports Bluetooth 5.3 with advanced audio codecs.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry.
- Better Video Performance: Higher video score on DXOMark.
- Newer Software: Comes with newer Android version, and promises more future updates.
- eSIM Support: Offers the convenience of eSIM for digital carrier switching.
- WiFi 7: The newest WiFi standard for increased speed and lower latency.
Trade-offs
- The S21 Ultra trades raw performance for display clarity and camera versatility. It is heavier and less convenient to carry.
- The Edge 40 Pro prioritizes performance and charging speed, but does not have the same screen resolution and brightness capabilities as the S21 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User
- Visual Media Lovers: Users who value a sharp, high-resolution display for watching videos, browsing photos, and reading.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with multiple telephoto lenses and dedicated macro capabilities.
- Power Users: Those who need substantial RAM (16GB option) for heavy multitasking.
- Users Who Use Reverse Wireless Charging Often: People who need the convenience of reverse wireless charging for accessories.
- Outdoor Users: Users who frequently use their phone in direct sunlight and need a bright display.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography with a versatile lens setup and manual controls.
- Extensive mobile gaming sessions requiring smooth frame rates and high-fidelity visuals.
- Viewing high-resolution photos and videos on a large, clear display.
- Frequent use outdoors in bright conditions where higher brightness is important.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Ideal User
- Gamers and Power Users: Those who prioritize the fastest performance and smoothest experience for gaming and demanding apps.
- Users Who Want Fast Charging: Users who need fast and convenient charging to reduce downtime.
- Users who value Smoothness: Those who want smooth and seamless experience when navigating the user interface.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest connectivity features and software.
- Users Who Value Portability: Those who prefer a lighter and more compact phone.
- Video Content Creators: Those who value a device with the best video quality.
Specific Use Cases:
- Intense gaming sessions, leveraging the superior CPU and GPU performance.
- Heavy multitasking between many resource-intensive apps.
- Rapidly recharging the phone in a short time during busy days.
- Enjoying the newest features, connectivity and security updates in the Android ecosystem.
- Creating high-quality video content.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The S21 Ultra was a premium flagship at its launch. However, its price will be considerably lower now and offers a good value for users needing a great display and camera system.
- The Edge 40 Pro is the newer phone and is positioned as a premium device, but provides excellent value for gamers and content creators.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Do you prioritize display quality and camera versatility (S21 Ultra), or raw performance and charging speed (Edge 40 Pro)?
- Is portability and weight a major factor, or are you ok with a slightly bulkier phone?
- Is the newer Android version with more updates, WiFi 7 and eSIM a critical feature for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Content Creation & Media Consumption: If you frequently edit photos, watch high-resolution videos, or need a bright display for outdoor use, the S21 Ultra is better suited. It offers a great display and more versatile camera.
- Scenario 2: Gaming & Multitasking: If you prioritize the smoothest gaming experience and need fast charging for heavy use, the Edge 40 Pro is the better choice. It has newer hardware and significantly better performance.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Usage: If you want a blend of performance and quality in a more modern, lighter device with the latest features, the Edge 40 Pro is better suited for you.
- Scenario 4: Portability: If the weight and size of the phone is a critical factor, the Edge 40 Pro is better suited for you.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a very nice display, the Edge 40 Pro's significantly better performance, notably faster charging, lighter build, and more modern features make it a better choice for my needs. As a heavy user who often plays games and uses resource-intensive apps, the performance boost and faster charging time are very attractive. The display is also more than adequate, and the camera capabilities are impressive. Ultimately, the benefits of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the 125W charging outweigh the S21 Ultra's slightly better display and camera features for my specific use cases. The weight and portability of the Edge 40 Pro is another key factor for me.
