Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Motorola Moto G73
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G73 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 161.4 × 73.8 × 8.3 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and slightly bulkier, less comfortable for small hands or pockets. G73 is more compact. |
| Weight | 227g | 181g | S21 Ultra feels heavier, noticeable during prolonged use. G73 is significantly lighter and easier to hold. |
| Build | | | S21 Ultra's screen has superior protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus; G73 has unknown screen protection. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G73 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. G73 is more compact |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display, leading to crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 405 | S21 Ultra's display is noticeably sharper and more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra has superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy, ideal for HDR content and better battery life with dark themes. G73 offers accurate color reproduction, but less impressive overall. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience, beneficial for gaming and social media. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in bright sunlight. G73's brightness is not specified, suggesting a less capable outdoor viewing experience. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G73 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra has better raw processing power, faster app loading and multitasking. G73 is a capable mid-range performer but less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 497,466 | S21 Ultra is significantly faster in benchmarks, better for demanding applications and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | IMG BXM-8-256 | S21 Ultra's GPU is more powerful, resulting in smoother graphics in demanding games. |
| RAM | 12GB or 16GB | 8GB | S21 Ultra has more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and running demanding apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G73 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | S21 Ultra captures much more detail in photos, suitable for large prints and cropping. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP (x2) | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for capturing far-away subjects without losing detail, while G73 relies on digital zoom. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12.2MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution Ultrawide lens for wide angle photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.4 | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detail in selfies, useful for social media and video calls. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 Ultra is capable of recording high quality videos, while the G73 is limited to 1080p, less impressive for video enthusiasts. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a tested better mobile camera quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Moto G73 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a similar battery life, lasting a full day of normal use. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | G73 charges slightly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless | None | S21 Ultra offers the convenience of wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, and much higher brightness make it ideal for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Enhanced Performance: A more powerful chipset, significantly higher benchmark scores, and more RAM allow for smoother multitasking and demanding games.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers significantly more versatile photo and video capabilities, with multiple lenses (telephoto, ultrawide) and higher-resolution sensors across all cameras as well as better stabilization and recording quality.
- Wireless Charging: Supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, a convenient feature for users with compatible accessories.
- More RAM: Available with 12GB or 16GB RAM which is a significant advantage for heavy users.
Motorola Moto G73 Advantages
- Lighter and More Compact: It is more comfortable for single-hand use, easier to carry around.
- Faster Wired Charging: Slightly faster 30W charging replenishes the battery quicker.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13, though long-term support is unclear.
- More Location Systems: Supports more satellite systems (QZSS, BeiDou B1, NavIC), potentially more accurate location data.
- Wide Angle lens: dedicated lens for capturing wide angle pictures.
Significant Trade-offs
- Samsung S21 Ultra 5G: Heavier, bulkier, significantly more expensive, no expandable storage.
- Motorola Moto G73: Inferior display, significantly less powerful chipset, basic camera system, no wireless charging, and less RAM.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Power Users: Those who need a fast, powerful device for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos with a versatile camera system and professional level controls.
- Media Consumers: Users who value a top-tier display for watching videos, browsing content, and detailed text.
- Tech Enthusiasts: People who desire the latest features including advanced display technology and wireless charging.
Use Cases: Professional photography, mobile gaming, editing videos and photos, enjoying HDR content, outdoor use in bright sunlight.
Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G73
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a capable smartphone at a lower price.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who need a reliable phone for daily tasks, communication, and some media consumption.
- Users Prioritizing Comfort: People who prefer a lighter, more compact phone that's easy to handle and carry.
Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, making calls and texting, listening to music, some light gaming.
Price-to-Value Ratio
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers flagship performance and features, making it a premium device. The Motorola Moto G73 provides a good value for its price point, focusing on the essential features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra 5G is significantly more expensive.
- How important is camera quality and versatility? If you need the best quality photos, the S21 Ultra 5G is superior.
- What are your performance needs? The S21 Ultra 5G is a better choice for demanding tasks, while the G73 is sufficient for basic usage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Professional photographer on a budget - If you need professional level photos, and video capabilities the S21 Ultra is your only choice.
- Scenario 2: Daily user needing reliable basic features - The Motorola G73 is more than adequate and costs less.
- Scenario 3: Mobile gamer who plays demanding games - The S21 Ultra 5G provides the necessary power for gaming, but you might need to consider the size and weight.
- Scenario 4: Users that care about screen quality and brightness: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the clear winner with better overall screen experience, the 1500 nits brightness is crucial for outdoor usage.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is significantly more expensive, the vast improvements in the display, camera system, and overall performance are worth the investment for my usage. I value a high-quality display for media consumption and appreciate having a versatile camera system that allows me to capture great photos and videos in various situations. The extra RAM and the more powerful chipset would ensure a smooth experience even while multitasking and using demanding applications. However, it’s essential to note that this is my preference, and for users with more modest needs and budget, the Motorola G73 would be a reasonable option.
