1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.9 mm | The S21 Ultra is larger, which may feel less comfortable for some users. The Edge 50 Fusion is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 174.9g | The Edge 50 Fusion is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Screen) | S21 Ultra has a more durable screen, offering better protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Both screens are very similar in size, the difference will be negligible. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The S21 Ultra has a sharper display, resulting in finer details and clearer text. |
| PPI | 515 | 393 | S21 Ultra has a higher pixel density, making text and images look crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; AMOLED slightly better in brightness and blacks while P-OLED is generally more flexible and cost-effective. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience in games and general use. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1600 nits | Edge 50 Fusion has slightly better outdoor visibility, useful in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Both offer good performance for everyday tasks; the Edge 50 Fusion’s Snapdragon chipset is newer and offers a small edge in energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 776,541 | Both have very similar performance in benchmarks; in day to day usage you would not see a large difference. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 710 | Both GPUs offer great gaming and graphics capabilities for their respective classes. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images with a higher-resolution sensor and larger overall sensor size; Edge 50 Fusion has larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 10.8MP (x2) | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for clear images when zooming. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3", 1.12µm | S21 Ultra has a larger sensor for better low-light performance and wider dynamic range; Edge 50 Fusion has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3.14", 0.7µm | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies with a higher-resolution sensor and wider aperture. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra offers higher-resolution video recording, which can be important for professionals, or those who value the highest quality. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Tested | S21 Ultra provides a good benchmark for its camera capabilities. Edge 50 Fusion has no comparable independent scores, making it difficult to compare directly. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, should last most users a full day of use |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 68W fast charging | The Edge 50 Fusion charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless | None | S21 Ultra has wireless and reverse wireless charging, offering greater flexibility. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, dual telephoto lenses for optical zoom, and 8K video recording. This is suitable for photography enthusiasts and those needing versatile zoom and video capabilities.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a noticeably clearer and more detailed viewing experience, especially for text and high-resolution content.
- Wireless Charging: Offers wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities for added convenience.
- More RAM: Up to 16GB, which helps with multitasking and gaming performance, especially for heavy users and professional workflows.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Includes a barometer for environmental data, useful for outdoor activities.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: Slightly more efficient and performant newer chipset, which may help with battery life and handling of newer apps.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 68W charging for quick power-ups.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and carry for longer periods.
- Newer Bluetooth & WiFi: Supports newer connectivity standards.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 14, offering newer features and security updates, with an upgrade path to Android 17, potentially providing more long term value.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra, while having a superior camera and display, is bulkier and heavier than the Edge 50 Fusion.
- The Edge 50 Fusion, while being newer and having faster charging, lacks wireless charging and a versatile zoom camera.
- The S21 Ultra is a 2021 device, while the Edge 50 Fusion is a 2024 device. This has huge impact on software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera quality, zoom capabilities, and versatility. The 8K video and advanced camera features are ideal for those who frequently take photos and videos.
- Power Users: Those who engage in heavy multitasking, gaming, or use demanding apps and require more RAM.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who prioritize display quality and enjoy consuming high-resolution content.
- Users who prioritize wireless charging: Those who like the convenience of wireless charging.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: People looking for a reliable, lightweight phone with good performance for daily use, including social media, browsing, and casual gaming.
- Users Who Value Speed: Those who prioritize fast charging to quickly replenish their phone's battery, with a more modern phone and potentially more long-term software updates.
- Users Who Value Portability: Those who prioritize lightweight and compact devices, that are comfortable to hold and carry around.
- Users who want a modern phone with good software support: The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion offers a newer Android version and the potential for more long term support.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider:
How important is camera quality and versatility to you?
- If camera performance is paramount, especially zoom capabilities and high-resolution video, the S21 Ultra is the better choice. If a good main camera is sufficient, the Edge 50 Fusion is more than adequate.
What is your priority: cutting-edge features or practical daily use?
- If you want features like wireless charging, higher resolution, and advanced sensor suite, choose the S21 Ultra. If you prioritize fast charging, light weight, and newer software the Edge 50 Fusion is more suitable.
How important is software and long-term support to you?
- If you want the latest software version and the potential for longer software support, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is the better choice. If you do not mind being a few Android versions behind the S21 Ultra is an option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Photography/Videography: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is better due to its more advanced camera system and 8K video recording.
- For Daily Use/Commuting: The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is the preferred choice due to its lighter weight, faster charging, and newer software.
- For Gaming: Both devices are suitable for gaming, however the S21 Ultra has more RAM which may be better for more intensive games.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. Here’s why:
While the S21 Ultra has a superior camera system and display, the Edge 50 Fusion offers a more balanced package for my needs in 2024. The newer chipset and faster charging are huge advantages in terms of daily usability. The lighter weight and more compact design also make it much more comfortable for carrying around. The newer software and the potential for longer software support also make the Edge 50 Fusion more future-proof. Although I appreciate the versatility of the S21 Ultra’s camera, the Edge 50 Fusion’s main camera is adequate for my daily needs.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal priorities. If the ultimate camera quality is your main focus, the S21 Ultra might be your pick. However, for a more modern, practical, and balanced everyday experience, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion seems like the better option.
