1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G52 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 160.1 x 74.5 x 8 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and slightly thicker, may be less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 169g | Moto G52 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper and more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 402 PPI | S21 Ultra's display is significantly clearer and crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; generally similar quality |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much brighter and easier to see in direct sunlight. Note: Brightness for the G52 is likely a missing data point and is not 0 nits in real world use, but the S21 Ultra will be significantly brighter. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful processor, offering superior performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 216,000 | S21 Ultra is much faster for gaming, multitasking, and app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | S21 Ultra captures more detailed and higher-resolution images, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 16MP, f/2.45 | S21 Ultra captures higher-resolution selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra has a second telephoto lens for different zoom levels. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Moto G52 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in the scene. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto G52 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra captures much higher-resolution videos. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 115 | N/A | S21 Ultra's camera performs well based on DxoMark tests. No data for G52. |
| DxoMark Selfie Score | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra's selfie camera is excellent based on DxoMark tests. No data for G52. |
| Camera Features | Extensive (8K video, OIS, etc.) | Basic (HDR, Panorama, etc.) | S21 Ultra has more advanced camera features for a better user experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity; real-world usage will vary. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Moto G52 charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | None | S21 Ultra offers wireless charging and can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 12 | Moto G52 has a slightly newer OS out of the box, but no max. version is provided. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 Ultra offers faster and more stable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | S21 Ultra has a newer and slightly faster Bluetooth version with more features. |
| GPS | Advanced (L1+L5, etc) | Standard (SUPL) | S21 Ultra has more precise location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 64/128/256GB | S21 Ultra offers up to 512 GB of storage. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 4/6GB | S21 Ultra has more RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | S21 Ultra provides richer and more immersive audio experiences with noise cancelling. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G52 offers a more convenient and faster side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra has more robust glass protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | No | S21 Ultra has additional sensors for more advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate providing a much clearer, smoother, and more enjoyable viewing experience, particularly outdoors.
- Much Higher Performance: Significantly more powerful processor and GPU results in much better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers much more versatile camera options (including telephoto lenses and a wide angle + macro), much higher resolution, and advanced video capabilities (8K).
- Premium Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Hi-Res Audio, advanced GPS, and better build quality, offering a more premium experience.
Motorola Moto G52 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Significantly lighter and smaller for easier handling and portability.
- Slightly Faster Charging: Offers slightly faster wired charging capabilities.
- More Recent OS (Out of Box): Ships with a newer version of Android (Android 12, while S21 Ultra starts with 11).
- Dedicated Macro and Wide Angle lenses Moto G52 has these lenses, where the S21 does not have a dedicated lens for it.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Heavier and bulkier, and significantly more expensive, no charger in box.
- Moto G52: Significantly lower performance, basic camera features, and inferior display compared to the S21 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, photography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, and anyone seeking a premium smartphone experience with the best possible performance and features.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming and multitasking
- Professional photography and videography
- Demanding apps and resource-intensive tasks
- Outdoor use requiring a bright display
- Users who appreciate best-in-class performance
- Price-to-value: Very high price, but offers cutting edge technology and features, and excellent camera system.
Motorola Moto G52:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, casual smartphone users, those prioritizing portability and battery life, who do not need top performance.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and social media
- Casual browsing and media consumption
- Users who need a phone with reliable battery life and good ergonomics.
- Users who take occasional photos and prioritize a lower price tag
- Price-to-value: Good price-to-value ratio, offering a solid smartphone experience at a more affordable price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The S21 Ultra is a premium device and is significantly more expensive.
- How important is performance? The S21 Ultra offers far superior performance for demanding tasks.
- How important is the camera? The S21 Ultra has a more versatile and advanced camera system.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If budget is a primary concern, the Motorola Moto G52 is the better option, offering good basic functionality at a more affordable price.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Media Consumption: If you prioritize gaming, multitasking, or want the best possible display quality, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast: If you want a versatile camera system with high-resolution images and advanced video features, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the price is higher, the massive difference in performance, camera capabilities, and display quality are too significant to ignore. As someone who uses their phone for everything from gaming to photography and productivity, the S21 Ultra's advantages make it the better all-around device for my needs.
The Motorola Moto G52, while an adequate phone for basic tasks, simply doesn't measure up in areas that are crucial to my smartphone usage. The S21 Ultra is the superior option for me, despite the added cost and slightly larger form factor.
