Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Motorola Moto G51 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | Moto G51 is slightly taller and thicker. S21 Ultra is more compact despite larger screen. The difference is noticeable in pocket and hand comfort. |
| Weight | 227g | 208g | Moto G51 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The S21 Ultra feels more substantial but is heavier. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra offers a significantly sharper image, making text and visuals clearer. Difference is very noticeable in high-resolution content and gaming. |
| PPI | 515 | 387 | S21 Ultra has a higher pixel density, resulting in a much crisper and detailed display. The difference is visible to naked eye in fine details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra has superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy making it better for media consumption and HDR content. Better for dark mode due to battery efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations for responsive feel. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is substantially brighter, making it much better for outdoor viewing and direct sunlight. The Moto G51 likely has much lower brightness, not ideal for outdoor use. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful chipset, leading to faster performance, more efficient handling of demanding tasks, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 381,000 | S21 Ultra is significantly faster in all tasks, from launching apps to gaming to multitasking, suitable for demanding user and gamer. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Adreno 619 | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance in gaming and other demanding apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.80µm pixel size, Samsung S5KHM3 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm pixel size, Samsung S5KJN1 | S21 Ultra captures much more detailed images with better low-light performance due to its higher resolution and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm pixel size, Samsung S5K3J1 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and better portrait shots. The Moto G51 lacks dedicated zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm pixel size, Samsung S5KGH1 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size, No sensor model provided | S21 Ultra produces higher-resolution selfies, enabling better cropping and detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm pixel size, Samsung S5K3J1 | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a second telephoto lens for extended optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40 µm pixel size, Sony IMX563 | 8MP, No sensor model provided , 1.12 µm pixel size | S21 Ultra’s Wide-Angle camera captures images with more detail and better low-light capability as it has a larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, No sensor model provided , 1.75 µm pixel size | Moto G51 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 Ultra has superior video recording capabilities, including much higher resolution and frame rates and better stabilization. |
| DXOMARK Score (Mobile) | Main:115, Photo: 121, Video: 100; Selfie: Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | N/A | S21 Ultra has been independently evaluated by DxOMark and has been proven to have great photo and video quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 10W fast charging | S21 Ultra charges much faster, reducing waiting time. Moto G51's slow charging takes much longer. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, wireless charging 15W, reverse wireless charging 9W, no charger in-box | Non-removable | S21 Ultra offers versatile charging options (wireless charging and reverse charging). Moto G51 lacks additional charging features. S21 Ultra doesn't come with charger, increasing cost for users. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, and AMOLED technology lead to a much sharper and more vibrant display.
- High Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly better performance for demanding apps and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers multiple telephoto lenses, superior image quality (due to larger sensors, higher resolution), and 8K video recording.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Capabilities: Supports much faster wired charging, plus wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Better Connectivity: Supports the latest WiFi standards, and newer Bluetooth and GPS standards.
- Premium Audio Quality: Hi-Res audio, noise cancellation and stereo speakers for an immersive experience.
- More Versatile Sensors: Offers additional environmental sensors for advanced features and use cases.
- More Storage Options: Offers more internal storage with options of 256GB or 512 GB, compared to the Moto G51 limited to a maximum of 128 GB.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Advantages
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable and budget-friendly.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, which is absent in S21 Ultra.
Significant Trade-offs
- S21 Ultra: Higher price point, heavier, and no charger in box
- Moto G51: Significantly weaker performance, lower display quality, inferior camera system, and slow charging speeds.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Ideal Users: Power users, photography enthusiasts, gamers, professionals, and anyone who values premium build quality and performance.
- Use Cases:
- High-end gaming with smooth graphics.
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- Heavy multitasking and demanding apps.
- Viewing HDR content with excellent clarity and color.
- Reliable performance for daily use and travel.
- Price-to-Value: Premium price, but excellent value if you utilize the features.
Motorola Moto G51 5G
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users, casual smartphone users, and those who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media browsing and communication.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Everyday use without demanding tasks.
- Users looking for a large screen experience at a more affordable price.
- Users that are focused on battery life over performance.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for users on a tight budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a new phone?
- Performance Needs: Do you need high performance for gaming and demanding apps, or is basic performance sufficient?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need professional-quality camera capabilities, or is a basic camera enough?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer: If you need the best camera, performance, and video quality, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear winner, even if the price is high.
- Scenario 2: Casual User on a Budget: If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks and need to save money, the Motorola Moto G51 5G offers adequate performance and a large display, but expect significant compromises in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: For smooth high-end gaming, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice due to its powerful processor and GPU.
My Choice and Why:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G without hesitation. While it comes with a significantly higher price tag, the performance leap and overall feature set make it well worth the investment. Here's why:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a joy to use, with its sharpness, vivid colors, and high brightness. This is a huge advantage for anyone who consumes a lot of media or spends time outdoors.
- High Performance: As someone who often juggles multiple tasks and appreciates a smooth user experience, the Exynos 2100 is a must-have. The Moto G51 would simply feel sluggish in comparison.
- Professional-Grade Camera: The array of lenses, high resolution sensors, and 8K video capabilities makes the camera system on the S21 Ultra a clear winner for photography.
- Charging and Wireless Convenience: Fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging are convenience features that I would utilize every day.
The Moto G51 is an excellent budget option but would be a compromise for my use case and is not worth it considering the advantages offered by the S21 Ultra. I prioritize performance, camera quality, and overall experience, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G delivers all of that in a way that the Moto G51 simply cannot match.
