1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Motorola Edge 50 Neo, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 154.1 x 71.2 x 8.1 mm | The S21 Ultra is noticeably larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use and pocketing. The Edge 50 Neo is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 171g | The Edge 50 Neo is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.4" | The S21 Ultra offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. The Edge 50 Neo is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1256 x 2760 | S21 Ultra has noticeably sharper and more detailed visuals, better for viewing high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 474 | S21 Ultra offers a slightly sharper display, but the difference might not be noticeable for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; differences are minor and subjective in real-world usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 3000 nits | The Edge 50 Neo is significantly brighter, offering vastly better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | The S21 Ultra's chipset offers slightly better benchmark performance but in practice, both handle daily tasks well. The Edge 50 Neo's chipset is more energy-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 675,000 | The S21 Ultra has a marginal performance advantage, noticeable in more demanding games or heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G615 MC2 | S21 Ultra’s GPU is slightly more powerful, which can lead to better graphics rendering in high-performance gaming and graphically demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images, especially when cropping or printing. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.56" | The S21 Ultra's larger sensor captures more light, improving low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4 & 10.8MP, f/4.9 | 10MP, f/2.0 | The S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens that provides a better optical zoom, whereas the Edge 50 Neo lacks a dedicated lens for portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP | 13MP | Both offer similar ultra-wide shooting capabilities; the difference in resolution is minor. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP | 32MP | The S21 Ultra captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The S21 Ultra offers professional-grade video capture at higher resolutions and frame rates. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 115 | 115 | Both score the same overall, but the S21 Ultra has better photo capabilities while the Edge 50 Neo is better for video. |
| DxoMark Selfie Score | 135 (S21 Ultra only) | Not Tested | The S21 Ultra's selfie camera has higher-rated performance. |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, OIS, Manual Focus, RAW, Night Mode, Quadruple Camera, Laser AF | Laser AF, Triple camera | S21 Ultra has a more advanced and versatile camera system. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4310mAh | S21 Ultra has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 68W | The Edge 50 Neo charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless charging, Reverse Wireless charging | 15W Wireless charging | S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging options including reverse wireless. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 19) | The Edge 50 Neo ships with a more up-to-date Android version and will likely receive more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | The Edge 50 Neo has access to the 6GHz band with WiFi 6E, potentially offering better Wi-Fi performance in compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | S21 Ultra supports newer Bluetooth technology with a wider variety of profiles. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS | S21 Ultra is expected to offer more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | Edge 50 Neo adds the flexibility of eSIM support. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both offer substantial storage options, but the S21 Ultra comes in 128GB. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12 GB | The S21 Ultra has higher RAM options, better for very heavy multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports SD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra offers a more immersive and better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have a standard fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 Ultra's screen is more scratch and shatter-resistant. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The S21 Ultra has additional environmental sensors for advanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Quality: Higher resolution and pixel density provide sharper, more detailed visuals.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher megapixel count on main sensor, telephoto lens, and more advanced features (OIS, manual focus) offer superior photography capabilities and versatility, especially with 8K video recording.
- More Powerful Performance: Higher AnTuTu score, and a slightly better GPU indicate slightly better performance in demanding tasks such as heavy gaming.
- More Robust Audio: Hi-Res Audio and a noise-canceling microphone result in a more immersive audio experience, and clearer voice quality.
- Larger Battery: The higher capacity battery should provide longer use on a single charge.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus on the display provides better scratch and shatter resistance.
- More Connectivity Features: Includes Wi-Fi MiMO, and more Bluetooth profiles.
- Additional Sensors: Includes more environmental sensors (barometer, hall, geomagnetic) for advanced functionality.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra excels in visual quality, camera performance, audio experience, and long-term durability, making it suitable for users who prioritize these areas.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher brightness (3000 nits) provides excellent visibility in direct sunlight.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold for extended periods and easier to pocket.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging provides quick refills when needed.
- Newer OS: Ships with a more recent version of Android, with likely extended software support.
- Wi-Fi 6E Support: Access to the 6GHz band with Wi-Fi 6E, potentially offering better Wi-Fi performance.
- eSIM support: Adds the flexibility of digital carrier switching without physical SIM cards.
Practical Implications: The Edge 50 Neo is a more practical device for everyday use, especially for users who need a bright screen and fast charging, with a focus on more recent connectivity technology.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Larger, heavier, and slower charging speed are significant trade-offs for the superior camera, screen resolution, and audio.
- Edge 50 Neo: Sacrifices screen resolution, camera versatility, battery size, audio quality, and long-term durability for a more compact form and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who need a versatile camera with advanced features, excellent low-light performance, and 8K video recording.
- Media Consumers: Those who value a large, high-resolution display for watching videos, gaming, and enjoying high-quality content.
- Power Users: Users who need a device for heavy multitasking and demanding applications.
- Audio Aficionados: Those who desire Hi-Res audio, and better quality microphones.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photographers or videographers needing high-quality camera features on the go.
- Mobile gamers seeking an immersive experience and top-tier performance.
- Users who frequently watch videos and need a vibrant and detailed display.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Individuals looking for a reliable, lightweight device for daily tasks and social media.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who need a bright screen that is clearly visible in direct sunlight.
- Users Prioritizing Fast Charging: Those who need quick battery top-ups on a regular basis.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a modern device with practical features at a more accessible price.
Specific Use Cases:
- Commuters who need a light and manageable phone for public transport.
- Travelers who need a fast-charging phone with good sunlight visibility for maps and navigation.
- Users who use their phone primarily for social media, browsing, and communication and don't require cutting-edge camera performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is the most important usage scenario for you? (e.g., photography, media consumption, daily communication, heavy gaming, outdoor use)
- How important are display quality and camera versatility to you?
- Is a larger battery or faster charging speed more crucial?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Top-Tier Camera and Display are Essential:
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Its superior camera system and higher resolution display make it ideal for photography enthusiasts and media consumers.
- Scenario 2: Bright Screen, Fast Charging, and Practicality Are Key:
- Recommendation: Choose the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. Its superior outdoor visibility, fast charging, and lighter weight make it a better option for everyday use.
- Scenario 3: Balancing Performance and Features with a Tighter Budget
- Recommendation: The Motorola Edge 50 Neo is more budget friendly while still offering a good overall experience. The S21 Ultra's benefits come at a premium.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Here's why:
While the Motorola Edge 50 Neo offers some compelling advantages, particularly its brighter screen and fast charging, my primary use case revolves around photography and video creation. The S21 Ultra's superior camera system with its versatile lens setup, higher megapixel main camera, 8K video recording capabilities, and advanced features such as OIS, manual focus, and RAW capture make it a significantly better tool for my needs.
Additionally, as a media consumer, I value the higher resolution display of the S21 Ultra for its sharper and more detailed visuals. Although the Edge 50 Neo's display is bright, the lack of the high resolution of the S21 Ultra, make it less appealing for watching high resolution content. The better build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus is also something I value.
The S21 Ultra's larger battery also slightly edges out the Edge 50 Neo, however I do recognize that in my particular usage scenario, the faster charging on the Edge 50 Neo would be a nice to have for days when I do not have time to wait for longer charging times. Despite that, I can always find ways to charge my phone while I'm using it.
The S21 Ultra does have a slightly weaker overall AnTuTu score, and GPU, but for the games I play on my phone (mostly less demanding games), this is negligible.
For me, the trade-offs in size, weight, and charging speed are acceptable given the superior camera capabilities, screen quality, and audio quality that the S21 Ultra offers. The additional features and sensors of the S21 Ultra also contribute to a better overall user experience for my particular use case.
Ultimately, the S21 Ultra fits my needs more closely, making it the clear choice for me despite its older age.
