1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023), focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 162.8 × 73.8 × 9.2 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and wider, while the G Stylus is slightly thicker; may affect one-handed usability and pocketability. |
| Weight | 227g | 202g | The G Stylus is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown (screen) | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. Protection on G Stylus is unknown. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard slabs, not foldable. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra offers much sharper and more detailed images due to significantly higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 515 | 399 | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra provides much better visibility in bright sunlight. G Stylus brightness is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Different chipsets; the S21 Ultra's Exynos generally offers higher performance, but the Snapdragon on the G Stylus is newer. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 565,000 | S21 Ultra provides noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Adreno 710 | S21 Ultra's GPU offers better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55", 1.00µm | S21 Ultra offers higher detail and potentially better low-light performance due to its larger sensor, but the G Stylus has larger pixels for better light capture. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait photography, which is absent on the G Stylus. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 16MP, f/2.5 | S21 Ultra offers significantly higher detail and potentially better low-light selfie performance due to a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens with greater zoom reach compared to the G Stylus which lacks this feature. |
| Wide/Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution wide-angle lens with larger pixels than the G Stylus wide-angle. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra offers higher resolution and advanced video recording features, better suited for pro-level video capture. |
| Slow Motion | 960fps | 240fps | S21 Ultra offers much higher slow-motion recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | Not Available | S21 Ultra's camera has been tested and scored well, while the G Stylus' performance is unknown. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | Not Available | S21 Ultra's selfie camera has been tested and scored well, while the G Stylus' performance is unknown. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, Optical Zoom, Quadruple Camera, Laser AF, RAW | Dual Camera, Ultra Stable Video | S21 Ultra offers more features for photo and video enthusiasts, while the G Stylus offers a dual camera with specific stabilization features. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life under normal usage conditions. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | S21 Ultra charges slightly faster, reducing the time spent plugged into an outlet. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless, Reverse Wireless Charging, No charger in-box | Non-removable | S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging options, while the G Stylus is more basic and does not include a charger. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness offers a significantly better visual experience, especially outdoors and for media consumption.
- Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly more processing power for demanding tasks and smoother multitasking.
- More Versatile Camera System: The multiple lenses (including telephoto), higher resolution sensors, 8K video recording, and advanced features offer greater creative control and better image quality overall.
- Advanced Battery Features: Wireless and reverse wireless charging provide additional flexibility for charging other devices and offer more convenience.
- More RAM: Available in 12 GB and 16 GB options compared to the G Stylus's 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB options, allowing for smoother multitasking and better future-proofing.
Practical Implications: Ideal for users who prioritize premium display quality, high performance, advanced photography, and comprehensive features.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Advantages:
- Lighter Design: The lighter build makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods, enhancing ergonomics.
- Newer Chipset: The newer Snapdragon chipset, although not as powerful as the Exynos, is potentially more efficient, which may lead to improved battery life.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor can be seen as more intuitive by some compared to the basic sensor on the S21 Ultra.
- More Recent Software: Launched with Android 13, it is more up-to-date than the S21 Ultra.
Practical Implications: Ideal for users who prioritize comfort, ease of use, and a more up-to-date software experience, all while being on a budget.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Sacrifices some ergonomic comfort due to its heavier build and may not include a charger in the box.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): Compromises on display quality, processing power, and camera capabilities for a more affordable price and lighter weight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
Ideal Users:
- Power users who perform demanding tasks, multitask frequently, or play high-end mobile games.
- Photography enthusiasts who need the highest quality images and video capabilities.
- Users who frequently consume media and prioritize a high-quality viewing experience.
- Those who value advanced features and are willing to pay more.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming with high graphics settings.
- Multitasking between various apps without performance lag.
- Watching high-resolution videos and HDR content.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a reliable phone with a stylus.
- Users who prioritize comfortable handling and a lighter device.
- Those who want a modern Android software version.
- Users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
Specific Use Cases:
- Casual note-taking and sketching using the integrated stylus.
- Everyday browsing and social media consumption.
- Users who prioritize battery life due to the Snapdragon chip's potential efficiency.
- Users who appreciate a lightweight phone for extended use.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers flagship-level performance and features but comes at a higher price. It provides excellent value for those who need its capabilities and are willing to pay a premium.
- The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) offers solid performance and a stylus at a much more affordable price, making it great value for those who are on a budget.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for potential buyers to consider:
- What is my primary use case for the phone? (e.g., gaming, photography, productivity, casual usage)
- How much do I value display quality and performance? (e.g., are higher resolution and performance needed for your use cases or not?)
- What is my budget? (e.g., are you willing to pay more for a top-tier device or are you looking for a budget-friendly device)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If you need the best performance for demanding applications and games, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better option due to its superior chipset, GPU, and RAM.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: For users who want the best possible camera experience with multiple lenses, high resolution sensors, 8k video and advanced options, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: If you are looking for an affordable phone that is comfortable to hold, with a good display, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) provides great value, especially with its built-in stylus.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User: For those who prioritize a balance between price and features, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) offers an acceptable performance with a modern Android version, though with a slightly less powerful chipset and less advanced camera.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is an older phone, the significantly superior display, performance, and camera system are hard to ignore. I value having a smooth experience, high quality visuals, and better photography options, making the S21 Ultra more suitable for my needs. Although the Moto G Stylus is newer and lighter, the S21 Ultra offers a better overall experience for my personal usage pattern. The superior screen technology, faster processor, and more versatile camera make it worth choosing the older phone, especially with its advanced feature set. The extra weight and slightly older OS are trade-offs I'd be willing to make for those gains.
