1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger and thicker, might feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 227g | 178.8g | Moto G04s is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.56" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 720 x 1612 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper, clearer display with significantly more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 269 | S21 Ultra's display is noticeably sharper and more refined. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra has superior blacks, contrast, vibrant colors, better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits (Unspecified) | S21 Ultra is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | S21 Ultra has a vastly more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 220,000 | S21 Ultra delivers significantly superior overall performance for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| RAM | 12GB or 16GB | 4GB | S21 Ultra allows for far smoother multitasking and handling of demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra captures far more detailed images, with potential for better cropping. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2.76" | S21 Ultra's larger sensor allows for better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom and depth-sensing capabilities for portraits, not available on Moto G04s. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP | None | S21 Ultra features a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP | None | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens for different perspectives. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 5MP | S21 Ultra captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra allows for recording high resolution video up to 8K |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 115 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a much higher tested camera performance. |
| DxOMark Score (Selfie) | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra captures much more detailed selfies with higher tested performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 15W | S21 Ultra charges faster. |
| Charging Features | Reverse, wireless charging | None | S21 Ultra supports reverse wireless charging and standard wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Moto G04s has a more up-to-date operating system. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 Ultra offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | S21 Ultra has more advanced Bluetooth features with wider codec support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage Options | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | S21 Ultra offers higher internal storage options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | S21 Ultra has better audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Moto G04s offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | S21 Ultra has more sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much brighter screen make it significantly better for media consumption and outdoor visibility.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly faster performance, handling demanding tasks and gaming with ease.
- Advanced Camera System: A versatile quad-camera setup with high-resolution sensors, telephoto lenses, and 8K video recording provides far superior image and video quality.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Options: Supports faster charging and both standard and reverse wireless charging, offering more convenience.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards provide better wireless performance and features.
- Higher RAM and Storage Options: More options for RAM and higher maximum storage.
- Better Audio: Enhanced spatial audio, high quality playback, clear calls.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is designed for users who prioritize top-tier performance, advanced photography capabilities, and a premium media experience. The significant performance advantage will make the phone more future-proof and allow for a smoother, faster experience in every task.
Motorola Moto G04s Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter than the S21 Ultra, making it more comfortable to hold and carry.
- More Up-to-Date OS: Ships with Android 14, providing access to the latest Android features.
- More Convenient Fingerprint Sensor: Side mounted fingerprint sensor is often considered more convenient than a screen based one.
- Lower price: This phone is a budget focused phone and will often be significantly cheaper.
Practical Implications: The Moto G04s is a more basic smartphone for users who need a comfortable device for daily tasks, prefer a lighter device and value cost efficiency over high-end features. The newer OS means access to the latest security updates.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Higher price point, larger and heavier design, may be overkill for basic users.
- Moto G04s: Significantly inferior display, performance, camera, and charging capabilities when compared to S21 Ultra. The G04s trades raw power for basic functionality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile photographers, gamers, and those who heavily consume media on their phones. Anyone seeking the best overall performance and features and are not constrained by budget.
- Use Cases: Professional-grade photography and videography, mobile gaming, video editing, multitasking heavy applications, and high-fidelity media consumption.
- Price-to-Value: This device is for the person that doesn't care about value, and wants the most performance possible.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers, users primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks, such as calling, messaging, and social media browsing.
- Use Cases: Daily communications, light social media use, web browsing, basic app usage, and as a secondary phone.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a great value for users on a budget, making it an attractive option for those who do not need cutting edge performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is the primary concern, the Moto G04s is the obvious choice.
- How important are display quality and performance? If these are high priorities, the S21 Ultra is the better option.
- What are your primary use cases? For basic daily tasks, the Moto G04s is sufficient; for heavy use cases, the S21 Ultra is needed.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is limited and you need a basic phone for daily tasks, the Motorola Moto G04s is the practical choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera Enthusiast: If you prioritize top-tier performance, an excellent camera system, and a high-quality display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the best choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use: If you want a decent phone but don't have a huge budget, it would be important to check current pricing on both. The S21 Ultra is much older, and its pricing may have reduced to a point where it is in a similar price bracket as the G04s.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is older, its specifications still hold up remarkably well, especially compared to the Motorola Moto G04s. Here’s why:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with its high resolution and refresh rate provides a much better viewing experience for media consumption, which is very important to me.
- Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a level of performance that still feels fast and smooth, even compared to newer mid-range devices. The performance is very noticeable for heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Camera Quality: As a photography enthusiast, the versatility and quality of the S21 Ultra's camera system, including its optical zoom and 8K video, are far superior to what the Moto G04s offers.
- Overall Experience: The combination of all features provides a premium feel that is unmatched by the Moto G04s.
While the Moto G04s is a good budget option, it compromises significantly on critical aspects like display, performance, and camera quality. For me, these are too important to compromise. Despite being older, the S21 Ultra still offers top-tier performance and features that outweigh the value of having a newer, but inferior, device.
