1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly shorter and thicker; G35 is taller and thinner. |
| Weight | 227g | 188g | G35 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Material | (Not specified) | (Not specified) | Unknown if build material influences feel or durability |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.72" | Negligible difference in screen size for most users. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra offers significantly sharper visuals with higher detail. |
| PPI | 515 | 392 | S21 Ultra has much crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra's AMOLED has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, resulting in a more vibrant display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | S21 Ultra is much easier to view in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful for demanding tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 423,297 | S21 Ultra offers noticeably faster performance for gaming and app usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP4 | S21 Ultra's GPU is much more capable for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| RAM | 12 GB or 16 GB | 4 GB or 8 GB | S21 Ultra has more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and app switching. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2.76" | S21 Ultra captures more light, leading to better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | Yes (x2) | No | S21 Ultra has a significant advantage for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle Camera | Yes | Yes | Both feature Wide angle camera, however G35 is an additional sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 16MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | S21 Ultra allows more light, resulting in brighter selfies, especially in low light. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra offers superior video quality, including 8K. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100), Selfie: 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | Not available | S21 Ultra is a significantly better camera performer based on DXOMark ratings. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode, etc. | Basic Camera features, Digital Image stabilization. | S21 Ultra offers more advanced features for more creative photography. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | S21 Ultra charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | No | S21 Ultra offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness offer a significantly better viewing experience.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and more RAM allow for smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- More Versatile Camera System: Features two telephoto lenses, a higher-resolution main sensor, and advanced features such as OIS and RAW support, offering a more professional photography experience.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 25W charging and 15W wireless charging provide more convenience and less downtime.
- Premium Audio: Hi-Res audio support. Noise cancellation microphone
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra 5G excels in tasks like demanding gaming, professional photography, and video editing where performance is paramount. It has a more vibrant display and is better in bright sunlight.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: Easier to hold and carry for longer periods.
- More recent Operating System: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Lower Price Point: Offers good performance and features at a more budget-friendly cost.
- Wide Angle Lens: Offers an additional wide angle sensor.
Practical Implications: The Moto G35 is a more affordable option that still offers a solid user experience for everyday tasks. Its lighter build and more recent OS may appeal to some.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra 5G: Higher price, heavier weight, older operating system, does not have eSIM.
- Moto G35: Lower performance, less vibrant display, less versatile camera system, and no wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users who demand top-tier performance, photographers who need the best possible camera capabilities, and media consumers who value a vibrant display.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Viewing high-resolution content (movies, TV shows).
- Heavy multitasking and app switching.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Price-to-value: The S21 Ultra 5G has a high price, but provides a range of premium features that may justify this.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday use, and prefer a light and thin device with a recent operating system.
- Use Cases:
- Casual browsing and social media.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- Everyday photography and videography.
- Extended use in areas where the user may need to move around a lot.
- Price-to-value: The Moto G35 provides a good balance between price and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra 5G is a premium phone and costs more than the Moto G35.
- How important is performance and camera quality? If these are key factors, the S21 Ultra 5G is a clear winner.
- How important is a light phone with an up-to-date operating system? The Moto G35 is lighter, thinner and has the latest android version.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional photographer/videographer:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Reasoning: Superior camera capabilities with more versatile lenses, RAW support, and higher video quality.
- Scenario 2: Budget-conscious buyer for everyday use:
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G35.
- Reasoning: More affordable, still performs well for everyday tasks, light, thin and has the most up-to-date operating system.
- Scenario 3: Power user who enjoys mobile gaming:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Reasoning: Much better performance with a superior chipset and more RAM, and a more vivid display.
- Scenario 4: Someone who spends a lot of time outdoors:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Reasoning: The S21 Ultra's display is significantly brighter, providing improved viewing experience in bright sunlight.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is older and more expensive, its superior performance, display, camera system, and overall feature set justify the extra cost. I value the high-resolution display and the advanced camera capabilities, particularly the versatile lens system, more than the advantages of the Moto G35. I do not value the weight of the phone as much as I value the quality of the device overall, and I am willing to give up the latest operating system for the other features. I prioritize the functionality and the performance of the device above the other factors.
