Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Motorola Moto G42
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G42 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 160.4 x 73.5 x 8 mm | The S21 Ultra is noticeably larger and thicker, which may be less comfortable for one-handed use and pocketability compared to the G42. |
| Weight | 227g | 175g | The G42 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. The S21 Ultra is heavy and could cause fatigue with prolonged handling. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown (screen) | The S21 Ultra offers superior screen scratch and damage protection, enhancing durability. The G42's screen protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G42 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.4" | The S21 Ultra's larger screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. The G42 offers a more compact experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The S21 Ultra offers a much sharper display with higher detail, beneficial for text, images, and videos. The G42 is still sharp but less so. |
| PPI | 515 | 411 | The S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in noticeably crisper visuals. The G42's display is still good but less detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. The base experience is similar in quality for most content |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The S21 Ultra offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming due to the higher refresh rate, feeling more fluid. The G42 may appear less smooth, especially if used to higher refresh rates. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The S21 Ultra is significantly brighter and much more usable in direct sunlight. The G42 brightness is unknown, but based on the specs, it won't be as good as the S21 Ultra for outdoor visibility. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G42 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The S21 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The G42 will feel slower, especially with demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 249,000 | The S21 Ultra provides a dramatically faster experience, ideal for power users and gamers. The G42 is adequate for basic usage but far less powerful. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | The S21 Ultra has a vastly superior GPU, ensuring higher frame rates and better graphics in games and demanding applications. The G42 will struggle with graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G42 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | The S21 Ultra captures more detail and performs better in low light due to its larger sensor and higher resolution. The G42 is capable for casual shots but lacks detail and low light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Lens | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | The S21 Ultra's dedicated telephoto lenses allow for optical zoom and improved portrait mode capabilities. The G42 lacks these features. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 16MP, f/2.2, Unknown µm | The S21 Ultra's higher-resolution selfie camera captures more detailed selfies. The G42 is acceptable for casual use. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | The S21 Ultra has another telephoto lens which provides enhanced optical zoom options. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, Unknown µm | The G42 offers a wide angle lens for capturing more in a shot. The S21 Ultra doesn't have a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown µm | The G42 includes a macro lens for extreme close-up shots. The S21 Ultra lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | The S21 Ultra includes a ultrawide lens that can also be used for macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | The S21 Ultra records much higher-quality video with advanced features and resolution options. The G42 records standard 1080p video at 30 fps. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Available | The S21 Ultra has a much higher camera rating, reflecting its superior image quality. The G42 hasn't been tested for DXOMark. |
| Camera Features | Advanced zoom capabilities, OIS, 8K video, RAW, Night Mode | Digital Zoom, Laser AF | The S21 Ultra offers pro-level camera controls, better stabilization, and more modes. The G42 offers simpler photo taking experience. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G42 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both phones should provide similar battery life under similar usage, generally lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | The S21 Ultra charges slightly faster. Both phones use fast charging technologies. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | None | The S21 Ultra offers more charging options. Wireless charging offers convenience, while reverse wireless charging enables device sharing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, higher refresh rate (120Hz), and brighter display provides a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and higher RAM lead to much better performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers greater versatility with telephoto lenses, significantly better image quality, and 8K video.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and more comprehensive connectivity options.
- More storage options: Available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB variants
Motorola Moto G42 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The G42 is easier to handle and carry due to its smaller size and lower weight.
- Lower Cost: Typically much more affordable than the S21 Ultra, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Wider Angle & Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens which aren't present on the S21 Ultra.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Generally more convenient than the fingerprint scanner on the display.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Higher cost and bulkier design are notable drawbacks. It's a premium device with a premium price.
- Moto G42: Sacrifices significant performance, display quality, and camera capabilities in favor of affordability and a lighter design. It’s a budget-oriented device.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who need the best possible performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality photos, versatile zoom capabilities, and advanced video features.
- Media Consumers: Users who want a large, vibrant display for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
- Professional Use: Users needing a capable phone for professional photography or video capture.
Specific Use Cases:
* Editing 4K videos on the go
* Playing graphically demanding games with high refresh rates
* Taking photos in various lighting conditions, including zoom shots
* Frequent multimedia consumption
* Professional photography/videography.
Motorola Moto G42 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability and basic functionality over top-tier performance and features.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for communication, social media, and web browsing.
- Users Prioritizing Comfort: Those who prefer a lighter, more compact phone that is easy to handle.
- Users Who Need a Wide Angle Lens: Those who take wide angle shots and macro shots often.
Specific Use Cases:
* Basic social media usage
* Casual photography
* General web browsing
* Extended reading or e-book usage
* Light multimedia consumption
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 Ultra: Offers top-tier features and performance but at a premium cost.
- G42: Provides good value for budget users, focusing on essential functions at a low price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance? If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and gaming, the S21 Ultra is the clear choice. For basic use, the G42 is sufficient.
- What are your camera priorities? If you want versatile zoom, high resolution and better low light capabilities, the S21 Ultra excels. For simple photos, the G42 is suitable.
- How important is display quality? If you value a large, sharp, smooth and bright display, the S21 Ultra is far superior. For basic display needs, the G42 suffices.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy User/Gamer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its superior performance, display, and gaming capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Motorola Moto G42 for its affordability and lightweight design while still offering core smartphone features.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its advanced camera features and better zoom capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Basic Smartphone Use: The Motorola Moto G42 is adequate for basic tasks, browsing, and social media use.
Final Decision
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is significantly more expensive and heavier than the Motorola Moto G42, the advantages in almost all other areas make it a much better overall phone for my personal use cases. I value a high-quality display, powerful performance for demanding apps and games, and an advanced camera system for photos and videos. The S21 Ultra delivers a premium experience in every aspect that matters to me, while the G42 is a great budget option but lacks the power and premium features. Therefore, if budget is not a limiting factor, the S21 Ultra is the better choice.
