1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm | The S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, making the Moto G Stylus slightly more pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 190g | The Moto G Stylus is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in size, both are large displays suitable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | The S21 Ultra's higher resolution provides a much sharper and more detailed image, especially for text and images. |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | The S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in a noticeably clearer and crisper display, reducing pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, with AMOLED having a slight edge in overall quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | The S21 Ultra is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The S21 Ultra's chipset is older but more powerful. The Moto G Stylus has a more modern and efficient mid-range processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 514,000 | The S21 Ultra offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks, such as gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 710 | The S21 Ultra's GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | The S21 Ultra has a higher resolution sensor, but the Moto G Stylus has larger pixels on the sensor. S21 Ultra has larger sensor size. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | None | The S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities and better portrait shots, not available on the Moto G Stylus. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.45 | The S21 Ultra's front camera has better resolution and a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | None | S21 Ultra has a second telephoto lens to zoom in further |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Both have comparable wide-angle, with Moto G Stylus slightly higher resolution. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The S21 Ultra allows for higher resolution video recording and more advanced features. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | Not tested | The S21 Ultra has well-regarded camera performance and is a better choice for photography and videography. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | Not tested | S21 Ultra has high performing selfie camara. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, generally lasting a full day for typical usage. |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 30W wired, 15W wireless | The Moto G Stylus charges slightly faster, and both have the same wireless charging speed. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | Wireless charging | The S21 Ultra offers the added benefit of reverse wireless charging, letting it wirelessly charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, PPI, and brightness offer a much better viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and outdoor visibility.
- More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly better performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers versatile camera capabilities with a greater number of lenses, higher resolution sensors, 8K video, optical zoom and superior image quality.
- Wireless charging + Reverse Wireless Charging: Greater charging options with reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio experience.
- Barometer: Allows for more accurate environmental readings.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: More comfortable to hold for extended periods of time and easier to pocket.
- Faster Wired Charging: Charges slightly quicker than the S21 Ultra.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, potentially providing more current features and a longer update lifespan.
- Newer WiFi standard: Offers faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks, access to 6GHz band, reduced interference
- eSIM: Offers the ability to digitally switch carriers
- NavIC System: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung S21 Ultra, though older, has a significant performance advantage, but the Moto G Stylus benefits from more modern software and connectivity features.
- The S21 Ultra provides a much more premium display and camera experience, but the Moto G Stylus is lighter and more convenient for daily use and has a newer version of Android.
- The S21 Ultra is bulkier and heavier, which may be a drawback for users who value portability.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is Ideal For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who frequently watch videos, browse photos, and play graphically intensive games will appreciate the superior display quality.
- Photography and Videography Buffs: Users who need versatile camera capabilities with advanced features, optical zoom, and 8K video will benefit from the S21 Ultra.
- Power Users: Users who multitask heavily and require the fastest performance for demanding applications.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the high-end features and performance that a flagship device offers, especially those who value audio and wireless charging capabilities.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is Ideal For:
- Everyday Users: Those looking for a reliable smartphone for daily tasks, such as browsing, social media, and communication.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who want a balance of features and affordability.
- Users Who Value Portability: Those who prefer a lighter, more compact phone that is easy to carry and use one-handed.
- Users who need a stylus: Those who enjoy using a stylus, not offered on the S21 Ultra.
- Users who want up to date software: Those who want the latest version of Android out of the box.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21 Ultra: Mobile gaming, professional photography and video editing, outdoor use in bright conditions, immersive media consumption, long-term use.
- Moto G Stylus: Casual gaming, note-taking with a stylus, daily social media, phone calls, commuting, quick access to up-to-date software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Media, photography, gaming, everyday use)
- How important is screen quality and performance? (Do you prioritize visuals and speed?)
- What is your preferred budget and do you value modern features? (Are you comfortable with an older flagship or do you prefer newer tech, features, and software?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the best possible display, camera, and performance: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Its superior screen, versatile cameras, and powerful processor make it the better choice if these are a priority.
- For a lightweight device with updated software: Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). It is easier to handle, has a newer version of Android and has a stylus.
- For most users who want a balance of features and value: Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), particularly if you prefer a lighter, more portable device with the latest software, or if a stylus is important to you.
What I Would Choose and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
While the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) offers a more recent software experience and a lighter design, my priority for a smartphone is a superior display and camera system. The S21 Ultra's screen is significantly sharper, brighter, and more vibrant, making it much better for media consumption, and its camera system is far more capable, versatile, and feature-rich. As a user who often consumes media and values photography, these are non-negotiable aspects. The performance boost with the S21 Ultra, while older, is still very noticeable and makes a big difference in daily use. While it's bulkier and has an older operating system, the overall experience, for my use case, is much better.
