1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | The Moto G Stylus is slightly larger, which might be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 227g | 217.5g | The Moto G Stylus 5G is marginally lighter, which could be a small factor during extended use but overall weight is similar. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Screen, Aluminum Frame, Glass Back | Unknown Screen Protection, Plastic Frame, Plastic Back | Samsung has a premium build with more protection; Motorola's build materials are not as high-end |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The S21 Ultra has much sharper and more detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 515 | 387 | The S21 Ultra's higher pixel density means sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The S21 Ultra has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; better viewing experience overall. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The S21 Ultra's screen is noticeably smoother, especially during scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The S21 Ultra is much more usable in direct sunlight. Motorola's brightness is not listed so it's unknown, but a zero rating is either an error or very poor screen brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | The S21 Ultra has a much faster processor, resulting in snappier app launches, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 171,000 | The S21 Ultra is significantly more powerful, better suited for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | The S21 Ultra has a far more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance in games and heavy tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 108MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.7 | The S21 Ultra captures more detail with its higher megapixel count. Both have similar pixel size, Motorola's wider aperture could help in low-light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | None | The S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos and portrait shots. |
| Selfie | 44MP, f/2.2 | 20MP, f/2.0 | The S21 Ultra has a higher-resolution front camera for better selfies. Motorola's wider aperture helps low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | None | The S21 Ultra offers a second telephoto lens, enhancing zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 16MP, f/2.2 | Motorola has a wide-angle camera for capturing broader scenes. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Yes | Moto G Stylus has a time of flight sensor to improve the quality of its photos |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.2 | Motorola has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | The S21 Ultra includes an ultrawide lens that also handles macro shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@60fps | The S21 Ultra captures higher-quality video with 8K and 4K options. |
| DxO Mark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Tested | The S21 Ultra's camera is objectively better, as scored by DxO Mark. Motorola's camera is not tested on DxO mark. |
| Features | 4K, 8K, Optical Zoom, OIS | Digital Zoom, LAF | The S21 Ultra offers more advanced camera features, including optical zoom, OIS and RAW image capture. Motorola offers Laser Autofocus. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | The S21 Ultra has a larger battery, which should result in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 10W | The S21 Ultra charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless | None | The S21 Ultra offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness for a far better viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much more powerful processor and GPU, making it faster and smoother for demanding apps and games.
- Advanced Camera System: Superior camera hardware including multiple telephoto lenses, higher resolution sensors and 8K video capabilities, along with features like Optical zoom and OIS.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Significantly faster wired charging and the inclusion of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Significantly more RAM for improved multitasking and greater internal storage options.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, noise-canceling microphones and stereo speakers for a better audio experience.
- Superior Connectivity: Latest WiFi and Bluetooth standards for faster and more reliable connections.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and metal frame.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Advantages:
- Lower Price: Generally, the Moto G Stylus 5G is significantly more affordable.
- Stylus Functionality: The G Stylus comes with a stylus, a niche feature for note-taking and drawing.
- Wide Angle and Macro lens: The phone has a dedicated wide angle and macro lens.
- Time-of-Flight Sensor: A dedicated Time-of-Flight sensor to help improve the quality of portrait mode photos.
- Laser Autofocus: The Motorola has a laser autofocus system which could help in low light and focus speed.
- Lighter weight: The phone is slightly lighter than the Samsung.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Comes at a significantly higher price point, and is heavier than the Moto G Stylus 5G.
- Moto G Stylus 5G: Compromises on display quality, processing power, and camera capabilities for affordability and a stylus. It lacks high-end features like wireless charging and a premium build.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who demand the best possible performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize top-tier camera quality, versatile zoom capabilities, and advanced video recording options.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who appreciate a superior display for watching videos and consuming content.
- Productivity Professionals: Users who want a smooth, fast experience with good performance.
- Users who value build quality and durability: Prefer the premium materials like the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and aluminum frame and value having a durable device.
Use Cases for S21 Ultra:
- High-end mobile gaming: Running graphics-intensive games smoothly at high frame rates.
- Professional photography and videography: Capturing high-resolution images and videos.
- On-the-go work and multitasking: Seamlessly switching between multiple apps and tasks.
- Content consumption and entertainment: Enjoying high-quality videos and immersive multimedia experiences.
- Mobile Professionals: Needs to have consistent high performance for multiple apps while traveling.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a functional smartphone at a more affordable price.
- Note-Takers & Casual Creators: Users who will take advantage of the included stylus for note-taking, drawing, and other creative tasks.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize basic smartphone functionality and don't require top-tier performance.
- Users needing a phone with a wide angle and macro lens: Wanting to have a macro and wide angle lens without spending top-dollar.
Use Cases for Moto G Stylus 5G:
- Note-taking and sketching: Using the stylus for handwritten notes and basic drawings.
- Casual mobile gaming: Playing less demanding mobile games.
- Social media and browsing: Everyday usage for social apps and web browsing.
- Photo enthusiast on a budget: Want to have multiple different camera lenses without having to pay a premium price.
- Users that need a Time-of-Flight sensor: Want the latest tech without spending top dollar.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra is a high-end flagship that offers top-tier performance, display, and camera capabilities, but at a premium price.
- The Moto G Stylus 5G provides a lower price point with a stylus, wide angle camera and laser autofocus, making it a solid budget option.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these phones is substantial.
- How important is display quality? Do you need a high-resolution, bright, and smooth display?
- What is your typical use case? Do you play demanding games, create professional content, or just need a basic smartphone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the primary concern.
- Recommendation: The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is the better choice due to its lower price point while offering a wide angle and macro lens plus a stylus.
- Scenario 2: Performance and display quality are top priorities.
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better option due to its vastly superior screen quality, processing power, and camera system.
- Scenario 3: A stylus is an essential feature.
- Recommendation: The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is the only option here.
- Scenario 4: Mobile photography with high zoom levels is required.
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better option because it has multiple telephoto lenses.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the Moto G Stylus 5G offers a more budget-friendly option and some unique features like the stylus, my primary focus is on the overall user experience. The S21 Ultra's superior display quality (AMOLED, high resolution, 120Hz refresh rate), significantly better performance (Exynos 2100 and GPU), and the much more versatile camera system (multiple telephoto lenses, 8K video) are much more important to me. Additionally, its faster charging, wireless charging and higher battery capacity will be more useful in my daily usage. Although it comes at a premium price, the benefits far outweigh the cost, especially since it provides a more premium and long-lasting experience. The lack of expandable storage is a compromise I'm willing to make for its other benefits.
