1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Motorola Moto G23, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 162.7 × 74.7 × 8.2 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger, thicker, and has a larger overall volume, which impacts hand feel and pocketability. The G23 is more compact and slightly thinner. |
| Weight | 227g | 184.3g | The G23 is noticeably lighter (42.7g difference), making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. The S21 Ultra is heavier, which might feel more premium but less comfortable over long periods. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger display, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. The G23 is more manageable in smaller hands. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | S21 Ultra offers significantly sharper and clearer images with much higher pixel density, making text and images look crisp. The G23's lower resolution will be noticeable to users used to sharper displays, with less detailed images. |
| PPI | 515 | 270 | The S21 Ultra has much higher pixel density, resulting in significantly sharper images and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra has superior display technology, offering deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency. G23's LCD is adequate for general use but lacks the vibrant colours and contrast of AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra has slightly smoother scrolling and animations which make the overall experience seem more fluid. While the 90Hz on the G23 is still smooth, it isn’t as fluid as a 120Hz panel. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it usable in bright sunlight. The Motorola Moto G23 has missing specifications in this area. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | S21 Ultra has a significantly more powerful chipset, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The G23's chipset is more budget-oriented and may struggle with demanding tasks and is less future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 225,154 | S21 Ultra has dramatically better benchmark performance, indicating a much faster overall user experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful GPU, ensuring better graphics performance in games and other demanding applications. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, indicating potentially comparable battery life, although real-world performance varies based on usage and other factors. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | G23 has slightly faster charging, reducing the time spent plugged into a power outlet. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, No charger in-box | None of these advanced features | The S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging options, including wireless and reverse charging. It does lack a charger in the box. The G23 does not have such features. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Lens | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, Unknown sensor size | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detailed images with a higher resolution and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP (x2), f/2.4, f/4.9 | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing users to capture detailed zoomed-in images without significant loss of quality. The G23 does not offer a telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution and pixel size for its ultrawide lens, offering better performance. Motorola has an added wide lens in its camera. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The G23 offers a macro lens, which is missing in the S21 Ultra. This may affect close up picture quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.5 | The S21 Ultra has a much higher resolution front camera, which can take more detailed photos and videos. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra can record much higher quality video, suitable for professional use cases. The G23 is limited to 1080p. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Tested | S21 Ultra has been tested by DxOMark and scored well for mobile and selfie cameras, indicating good image quality. The G23 has not been tested by them. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Quad Camera, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode, Digital zoom, Optical zoom | Digital zoom, Triple camera, RAW, HDR, Face detection | S21 Ultra offers more advanced camera features and versatility. The G23 still provides essential features for everyday usage. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | The G23 has a more recent Android version out of the box. The S21 Ultra is upgradable. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac | The S21 Ultra supports a faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standard, while the G23 supports the older 802.11ac. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | S21 Ultra has a newer version of Bluetooth with slightly better speeds and lower power consumption. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, SUPL, Galileo | The S21 Ultra supports more GPS standards, resulting in potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM functionality, allowing users to have two numbers active on one device. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 64/128 GB | S21 Ultra offers much larger storage options, better for storing large amounts of media and apps. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 4/8 GB | S21 Ultra offers much more RAM, better for multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage, so users are limited to their internal storage space. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The S21 Ultra offers higher quality audio, a dedicated noise cancellation microphone, and Hi-Res audio support for audiophiles, the G23 provides good stereo sound. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The G23 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 Ultra has a robust glass screen protection, which should be more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra includes additional sensors for advanced features and accurate data, while G23 has a standard suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate, and significantly brighter screen offer a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and more RAM provide much faster processing speeds, better multitasking, and smoother gaming.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers optical zoom, higher resolution sensors, 8K video recording, and additional camera features for higher quality photos and videos.
- Premium Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and Hi-Res audio, catering to users who value these premium features.
- Enhanced Audio: Provides a more sophisticated audio experience with Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos and noise-cancelling microphones
- Comprehensive Connectivity: Supports faster Wi-Fi 6 and more accurate GPS.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers significantly better screen protection.
Motorola Moto G23 Advantages:
- More Affordable: The G23 is a budget-friendly phone, offering good value for basic smartphone usage.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for users seeking a lighter and smaller phone.
- Faster Charging: Offers slightly faster charging at 30W.
- Macro Lens: Offers a macro lens for close-up photography, which the S21 Ultra lacks.
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer version of Android out of the box.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient to use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra:
- Significantly more expensive.
- Heavier and bulkier.
- No included charger in the box.
- Moto G23:
- Lower-resolution display with less vibrant colors.
- Significantly less powerful performance.
- Limited camera capabilities and fewer features.
- Lacks many premium features like wireless charging, reverse charging, and high-end audio.
- Missing specifications on screen protection and brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize high-end performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Users who demand top-tier camera quality for photography and videography.
- Users who value a superior display with vibrant colors and high resolution for media consumption.
- Users who need wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and the highest quality audio experience.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming and graphics-intensive applications.
- Extensive media consumption (streaming, browsing, gaming).
- Power users who need a future-proofed, versatile device.
- Price-to-Value: While expensive, it offers high value for users who want a top-of-the-line experience and are willing to pay for it.
Motorola Moto G23:
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users who need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks.
- Users who prioritize a lightweight and compact phone for ease of use.
- Users who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, and browsing.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use cases like social media, messaging, and basic browsing.
- Users seeking a reliable and affordable phone for basic use.
- Users who value the macro camera lens.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for users with a tight budget, providing essential smartphone functionality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If the budget is limited, the Moto G23 is the clear choice. If budget is not a concern, the S21 Ultra offers a lot more in return.
- What are my primary use cases? If gaming, professional photography, and demanding applications are the focus, the S21 Ultra is the best option. If basic tasks and everyday usage are all that is required, the G23 suffices.
- How important are features like display quality, camera capabilities, and high performance? If these are priorities, the S21 Ultra excels in each of these categories. If these features are not as critical, the G23 is a more budget-friendly option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Premium experience with no budget constraints: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its superior display, performance, camera, and premium features.
- Scenario 2: Budget-conscious with basic needs: Choose the Motorola Moto G23 for its affordability, lightweight design, and essential smartphone functions.
- Scenario 3: Mobile photography enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its advanced camera system and impressive video recording capabilities, including optical zoom and OIS.
- Scenario 4: Average user who wants a reliable phone: Choose the Motorola Moto G23 for good value for essential use cases.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it's older and more expensive, its superior display, significantly faster performance, incredibly versatile camera system, and premium features make it a much more capable and enjoyable device for my personal use case. As someone who appreciates a high-quality viewing experience, regularly takes pictures, and frequently uses apps requiring good performance, the S21 Ultra is the better choice. The additional features such as high quality audio, wireless and reverse charging capabilities are also desirable for me.
The Motorola G23 is a great device for anyone on a tight budget and requires basic functionality, but the S21 Ultra, even though it is a few years older, provides a superior, well-rounded experience that justifies its higher price point.
