1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Motorola Moto G (2023), focusing on practical implications for users:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 164 × 75 × 8.4 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, making the Moto G slightly more compact and potentially easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 189g | Moto G is significantly lighter, improving comfort during prolonged use, especially one-handed. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus Screen, Metal Frame, Glass Back | Unknown Screen Protection, Plastic Frame, Plastic Back | S21 Ultra offers more robust build with superior screen protection, while Moto G’s build is not specified. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger display, offering more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | S21 Ultra's much higher resolution results in significantly sharper text, images, and video, offering better clarity overall. |
| PPI | 515 | 270 | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density leads to noticeably sharper and more detailed visuals compared to the Moto G. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors and better viewing angles, especially in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth visual experience at 120Hz, good for gaming and scrolling, though the S21 Ultra's panel is of higher quality. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has dramatically higher brightness, significantly improving visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ (8 nm) | S21 Ultra's 5nm chip offers much higher processing power and efficiency, handling demanding tasks much better. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 380,000 | S21 Ultra delivers significantly faster performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 Ultra's GPU is significantly more powerful, offering smoother graphics in gaming and other GPU-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 48MP f/1.7, 0.8µm pixels | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images due to higher resolution. Moto G has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance, though this is likely offset by S21 Ultra's superior sensor. |
| Telephoto 1 | 10.8MP f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm pixels | N/A | S21 Ultra provides optical zoom capabilities for better portrait and zoomed photos. Moto G has no telephoto. |
| Telephoto 2 | 10.8MP f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm pixels | N/A | S21 Ultra provides additional optical zoom capabilities. Moto G has no telephoto |
| Wide + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm pixels | N/A | S21 Ultra provides wide-angle photos, and dedicated macro mode. Moto G has no wide angle or macro |
| Macro | N/A | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | Moto G offers basic macro shots for close-up images. S21 Ultra lacks dedicated macro but uses its wide-angle and digital zoom for Macro. |
| Selfie | 44MP f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm pixels | 8MP f/2.0, 1.12µm pixels | S21 Ultra offers a significantly higher resolution, resulting in more detailed selfies. Moto G has a wider aperture selfie. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra can capture significantly higher-quality video, suitable for professional use. Moto G has more basic recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | N/A | S21 Ultra delivers significantly better quality photos and video than the Moto G |
| DxOMark Selfie | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | N/A | S21 Ultra delivers much better quality selfies than the Moto G |
| Camera Features | OIS, 4K/8K video, Quad camera, Laser AF | Dual camera, PDAF | S21 Ultra boasts more advanced camera features for higher quality results, including better stabilization, while Moto G has more basic features. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, implying comparable endurance for daily use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | S21 Ultra charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Wireless | Non-removable | S21 Ultra has Wireless and Reverse charging giving flexibility. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (no further updates specified) | Moto G ships with a newer Android version, while S21 Ultra may get longer software support. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax , MIMO | Wi-Fi 5, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | S21 Ultra supports the latest WiFi standards, providing faster speeds and better stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP, ANT+, APT-x, SBC | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, LE | S21 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version with more audio codecs, improving compatibility with more accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | S21 Ultra provides more precise positioning due to the inclusion of more satellite systems than Moto G. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM, eSIM | Moto G offers eSIM support, allowing for easier switching between carriers. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128 GB | S21 Ultra offers more storage capacity, which is beneficial for users storing large files and apps. |
| RAM | 12 GB / 16GB | 4 GB | S21 Ultra offers significantly more RAM, ensuring smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting storage space. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Sp. | Stereo Speakers, 2 Mics | S21 Ultra offers a richer audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio features. |
Security & Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, considered more convenient and faster than the basic sensor. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra provides more environmental data and has advanced features using Barometer sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, AMOLED technology, and much higher brightness offer a significantly better visual experience, especially in sunlight.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly better performance for demanding tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: The quadruple camera setup, with a main 108MP sensor, telephoto lenses, and wide-angle, along with 8K video recording, greatly surpasses the Moto G.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: The 25W charging and wireless/reverse wireless charging options provide more convenience.
- More RAM & Storage Options: Available with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, the S21 Ultra better caters to heavy users.
- Superior Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for a better audio experience.
- Better build quality: Includes Gorilla Glass Victus for a more robust build.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The Moto G is easier to handle, especially for users with smaller hands.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient than S21 Ultra's basic sensor.
- Newer OS out of the Box: Ships with Android 13.
- eSIM Support: Allows digital switching between carriers.
- Lower Price: Typically more affordable than the S21 Ultra.
Trade-offs: The S21 Ultra offers a significantly better display, performance, and camera, but is heavier and has a higher price. The Moto G is more affordable and has a more convenient fingerprint sensor, but has a much weaker display, performance, and cameras.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those needing high performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, versatile zoom, and video recording capabilities.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who watch lots of videos and appreciate a high-quality display.
- Professionals: Those who require top performance, features, and advanced connectivity.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-resolution images and 8K video.
- Playing graphically intensive games with smooth performance.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Multitasking between demanding applications.
- Enjoying high-fidelity audio while listening to music.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for an affordable phone with basic smartphone functionality.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily browse the web, check email, and use social media.
- Users who Prefer Lighter Phones: Those who prioritize comfort and portability over top-tier specs.
- Users who Prefer a Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor For those that prefer this style of sensor.
Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media use.
- Daily communication via calls and messaging.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- Extended usage due to the lighter form factor.
Price-to-Value Ratio
The S21 Ultra has a much higher initial price, but justifies it with its premium features and capabilities. The Moto G offers much better value for the budget-conscious user.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should ask themselves:
- What is my primary use case? If gaming, professional photography/videography, and intensive multitasking are required, the S21 Ultra is the clear choice. If basic daily use is sufficient, the Moto G will do the job.
- What is my budget? The S21 Ultra commands a premium price, while the Moto G is targeted at the budget-conscious consumer.
- Which features are most important to me? If a high-quality display, top performance, and a versatile camera system are paramount, the S21 Ultra is the better choice. If light weight and a lower price are more critical, the Moto G might be better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High Performance & Pro Camera: If you prioritize performance and camera, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Budget & Basic Use: If you're on a tight budget and need basic features, choose the Motorola Moto G (2023).
- Balanced User: If you prefer something between the two, consider looking for mid-range models.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two devices for my personal use, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Despite its age, the S21 Ultra’s premium features like its vastly superior display, powerful performance, and professional-grade camera system align more with my priorities as someone who values visual quality, performance, and photography. While the Moto G (2023) presents itself as a lighter, more affordable option, it's a trade-off I am not willing to make, due to the performance difference. The user experience on the S21 Ultra would be far more enjoyable for my personal use case.
