1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-10-03 | Moto G72 is significantly newer, likely to have longer software support |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, may be less comfortable for smaller hands or prolonged use; G72 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 166g | G72 is much lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and carry. S21 Ultra is heavier and might feel burdensome. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. G72 is slightly more compact. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper display, with noticeably more detail. G72 has a standard FHD+ display. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 402 PPI | S21 Ultra's higher PPI results in crisper text and images, less pixelation. G72 is not as sharp, but still good. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, negligible difference in day-to-day use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations, with no practical difference for fluidity. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see the screen in direct sunlight. The Moto G72's brightness is not listed. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful chipset, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. G72 handles everyday tasks well, but might struggle with intensive use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 415,300 | S21 Ultra offers much better overall performance, suitable for demanding users and gamers. G72 is slower, more suitable for typical usage |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 Ultra has a more capable GPU, allowing for smoother graphics rendering in games and other demanding applications. G72's GPU is less powerful. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 108MP | 108MP | Both phones have high-resolution main cameras. Sensor details are not fully available for G72. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | G72 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low-light conditions; not a drastic difference. |
| Telephoto Camera | Yes (2 lenses) | No | S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto lenses for optical zoom, crucial for capturing distant subjects with clarity. G72 lacks this capability. |
| Wide Angle Camera | Yes | Yes | S21 Ultra offers an additional ultrawide camera for capturing expansive scenes. G72 also has a wide-angle lens camera |
| Macro Camera | No | Yes | G72 has a macro camera, useful for close-up photography. S21 Ultra does not have a dedicated macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP | 16MP | S21 Ultra has a significantly higher resolution selfie camera, resulting in more detailed selfies. G72 is adequate for selfies. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@60fps | S21 Ultra supports higher resolution and framerate video recording, ideal for content creators and those wanting the best quality. G72 is adequate for general video use. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | S21 Ultra likely has more effective video stabilization, resulting in smoother footage. G72 video might show more shake. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra is a premium camera phone, with good scores for both front and back. G72's camera is untested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, indicating similar battery life. Real-world usage depends on screen brightness, CPU usage, and other factors. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | G72 charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. S21 Ultra is slower. |
| Battery Features | Reverse/Wireless Charging | None | S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging features (wireless and reverse) for convenience. G72 has simpler charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | G72 has a newer version of Android but no details on future updates, S21 Ultra is upgradable to Android 15 which is significantly better. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 Ultra has a newer Wi-Fi standard, leading to faster speeds and better performance. G72 has older Wi-Fi generation. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | S21 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version, which might offer slightly better power efficiency and connections. G72 is older. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | SUPL | S21 Ultra offers more precise GPS with dual-band support. G72 is less accurate. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | S21 Ultra offers a higher storage option, suitable for storing more media. G72 is limited to 256 GB. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | S21 Ultra has more RAM, beneficial for heavy multitasking and gaming. G72 is adequate for standard use. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic | None | S21 Ultra has a slight edge in audio features offering enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has significantly better screen protection, more resistant to scratches and cracks. G72 screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors Suite | Barometer | Magnetometer | S21 Ultra has a barometer, useful for altitude tracking. G72 has a magnetometer for compass and orientation functionality. Both have a range of other sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness make the display significantly better for viewing content, especially in bright sunlight.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers much better performance for gaming, demanding apps, and smoother multitasking.
- Better Camera System: Features optical zoom, higher-resolution front camera, and better video recording capabilities. Additionally, has OIS and various camera features.
- Advanced Features: Offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and more robust GPS capabilities.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers significantly better scratch and shatter resistance.
- More RAM and storage options: Has better storage options and more RAM
- More Premium Audio: Has hi-res audio and noise cancellation.
- Better Bluetooth and Wifi: Has newer bluetooth and wifi technology.
Motorola Moto G72 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry due to its significantly lighter weight and smaller dimensions.
- Faster Charging: Charges slightly faster with 33W charging.
- Wider aperture in main camera: Has a slightly wider aperture in its main camera.
- Macro Camera: Offers a dedicated macro camera.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with a newer Android version, although future updates are uncertain.
- Cheaper price: The Moto G72 is likely to be much cheaper than a second-hand S21 Ultra 5G.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra prioritizes performance, display quality, and camera capabilities but is larger, heavier, and has slower charging.
- The Moto G72 is lighter, more compact, has faster charging, and a macro camera, but has a weaker chipset, inferior display, and less versatile cameras.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need a top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best possible image quality, optical zoom, and versatile video recording capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who watch a lot of videos or enjoy visual content and need a high-quality, bright display.
Professional Users: Users who require advanced features like more accurate GPS and higher-quality audio recording capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Heavy multitasking with numerous apps.
- Outdoor use under bright sunlight.
- Travelers needing accurate GPS.
Motorola Moto G72 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a more affordable phone that provides all basic features without breaking the bank.
- Users who prioritize comfort: Those seeking a lightweight and comfortable phone for daily use.
- Casual Users: People who mainly use their phone for browsing, social media, and general tasks and don't have heavy performance demands.
Users looking for macro photography: The macro camera can be useful for creative close-up photography.
Use Cases:
- General everyday use (browsing, social media).
- Basic photography and casual video recording.
- Comfortable phone for calls and texting.
- Users looking for fast-charging capabilities.
- Close-up macro photography enthusiasts.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra 5G is likely to be much more expensive, even on the second-hand market.
- How important are camera quality and performance? If you need top-tier camera versatility and high performance, the S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
- What's your priority: portability or screen quality? If a light and comfortable phone is important, the G72 is better. If a premium display is preferred, the S21 Ultra is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Content Creator: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its 8K video, versatile camera system, and superior display.
- Scenario 2: Casual Everyday User: Choose the Motorola Moto G72 for its lightweight design, affordability, and basic everyday functionalities.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its high-performance chipset and GPU, better display, and high refresh rate.
- Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast on a Budget: Choose the Motorola Moto G72 for its good main camera and the additional macro camera, but understand that camera features and quality is very limited.
Final Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Reasoning:
Despite being an older device, the S21 Ultra 5G excels in areas that matter most to me: performance, display quality, and camera versatility. The significantly brighter, higher-resolution display will offer a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors, and the more powerful chipset is far more capable for heavy use and gaming. The camera system, with its optical zoom, higher-resolution selfie camera, and advanced video capabilities makes it far more versatile for both daily photos and more advanced photography. The additional features such as wireless charging and a higher refresh rate make it a better all-round experience. Although I prefer the lighter form factor of the Moto G72, I am willing to accept a heavier design for the premium features that the S21 Ultra offers. I would prioritize the premium display and camera over a newer Android version and a faster charging speed. The Moto G72 is an adequate device at its price point, but for my needs, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the superior choice overall.
