1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-05-15 | The Motorola is significantly newer with updated tech. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 161.1 × 72.4 × 8.6 mm | Motorola is slightly smaller and easier to handle, while Samsung is larger, especially for people with smaller hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 197g | Motorola is noticeably lighter for more comfortable extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Minimal size difference, both offer immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1220x2712 | Samsung's display is sharper for finer details in text and images. |
| PPI | 515 | 446 | Samsung provides visibly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both are high-quality OLED variants with vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola's display is slightly smoother for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | Motorola is significantly brighter for better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Motorola has a much newer and faster chipset for significantly improved performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,523,879 | Motorola has nearly double the performance for better multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 735 | Motorola's GPU is more powerful, better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer endurance. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 125W Fast Charging | Motorola charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | Motorola charges wirelessly much faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Samsung has a much higher resolution main sensor, potentially capturing more detail in good lighting |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | Motorola's larger aperture can capture more light, possibly improving low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.3" | Very similar sensor sizes, slight edge to the Motorola. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 2.00 µm | Motorola's larger pixels may offer better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | Yes | No | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto + portrait camera for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 50MP | Motorola's selfie camera has slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.9 | Motorola's wider aperture will likely allow for more light. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.65" | 1/2.76" | Samsung's front sensor is slightly bigger. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 10.8MP | 64MP | Motorola has a higher resolution telephoto. |
| Telephoto Lens Aperture | f/4.9 | f/2.4 | Motorola's wider aperture will perform better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens Sensor Size | 1/2.65" | 1/2" | Motorola's sensor is physically bigger for better dynamic range. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes | Motorola offers a dedicated wide-angle camera for wider field of views. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | Yes | No | Samsung offers a dedicated wide angle + macro lens, allowing you to take photos close up. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Samsung can record in higher resolution. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 115 | 146 | Motorola is ranked higher in overall camera performance, especially in video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Motorola has a newer OS and will likely receive updates for longer |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Motorola's Wi-Fi 7 is faster and more efficient. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Motorola has a newer version for better audio performance. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Motorola supports eSIM for easy carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 512/1024 GB | Motorola has larger storage options, especially at 1TB. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 12/16 GB | Sufficient RAM for multitasking on both phones. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Samsung has slight edge offering Hi-Res Audio and noise cancellation microphone, but Motorola has 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones have similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung offers additional sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Display Resolution: Sharper display for better detail.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life.
- 8K Video Recording: Can capture high-resolution video, useful for professional videography.
- Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Offers dedicated optical zoom and portrait features, enhancing versatility for photography.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated wide angle and macro lens.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers a higher quality audio playback.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Advantages:
- Newer Chipset and Significantly Higher Performance: Offers much faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance.
- Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight.
- Significantly Faster Charging: Significantly less time plugged in for charging.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, receiving longer software support.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for faster and more efficient connections.
- Larger Storage Options: Has the option for 1 TB of storage.
- Better Camera Performance (DxOMark): Demonstrably better overall camera performance, especially in video.
- Wider Aperture on Main and Telephoto: Better low light performance and better dynamic range.
- Wide Angle Lens: Has a dedicated wide angle lens.
- eSIM support: Better for switching between carriers.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung prioritizes a slightly higher resolution display and more versatile camera system (though with lower dxomark scores) at the expense of processing power and faster charging.
- Motorola prioritizes performance, a better camera, a better display in sunlight, and faster charging, sacrificing a dedicated telephoto + portrait camera, and a higher resolution screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value multiple zoom lenses and high-resolution video recording.
- Content Creators: Users who need the ability to record professional-grade video in 8K.
- Users who prefer a sharper display and a slight edge in battery life: Users who prioritize details and less charging times.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Ideal User:
- Power Users: People who need high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need a display that can be easily viewed.
- Frequent Travelers: Users who need faster charging, eSIM compatibility for switching networks, and good camera performance.
- Users who prioritize faster charging and a newer operating system: Those who value speed and software longevity.
- Users who prioritize high camera scores and good low light performance.
- Users who like using the wide angle lens.
Use Cases:
- Samsung S21 Ultra: Professional video production, detailed photography, watching high-resolution content.
- Motorola Edge 50 Ultra: Mobile gaming, fast-paced work, extended use under bright light conditions, long-term usage.
Price-to-Value:
- The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra offers a much more advanced overall package considering its newer technology and performance advantages, but you may be able to find the S21 Ultra for a discounted price, making it better value for price-conscious consumers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Priority: Do you need the fastest performance for gaming and multitasking, or is a slightly older chipset acceptable?
- Camera Needs: Is the versatility of multiple zoom lenses crucial, or is higher overall image quality more important?
- Charging and Screen Visibility: Is faster charging and outdoor screen brightness a priority, or are longer battery life and a higher resolution display more relevant?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
If you need the absolute best display detail and video resolution: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, especially if you're on a budget.
If you prioritize performance and camera quality, fast charging and a brighter screen: Choose the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, especially for gaming and outdoor use.
- If you want a well rounded device with good all around performance but are not looking for the latest device and are budget conscious: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a slightly sharper display and more versatile camera system, the massive performance leap provided by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and the incredibly faster charging speeds of the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, coupled with it's better display for outdoor visibility, make it a far better device for my use cases. The improved camera performance, Wi-Fi 7, and newer software are also very important factors. Overall, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra offers a more modern, responsive, and well-rounded user experience despite sacrificing some specific use cases, making it the better choice for me.
