Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Razr 50 Ultra offers a unique, compact form factor when folded, enhancing portability; S21 Ultra is a traditional slab design. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 171.4 × 74 × 7.1 mm | Razr 50 Ultra is taller and thinner; S21 Ultra is wider and thicker, impacting pocketability and handling. |
| Weight | 227g | 189g | Razr 50 Ultra is significantly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.9" | Razr 50 Ultra has a marginally larger screen, offering a slightly more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2640 | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper display with more detail and clarity for text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 413 | S21 Ultra's higher PPI results in finer detail and sharper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Missing | S21 Ultra provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better color reproduction with AMOLED technology; Display type of Motorola is unspecified. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | Razr 50 Ultra offers smoother animations and transitions, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 3000 nits | Razr 50 Ultra is substantially brighter, making it easier to view the screen in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Razr 50 Ultra's newer Snapdragon chipset provides superior performance, efficiency, and modern features. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,625,000 | Razr 50 Ultra provides noticeably faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance; It is a newer chipset. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 735 | Razr 50 Ultra's Adreno GPU provides significantly better graphics processing for games and demanding applications, reflecting a newer architecture. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images with its higher resolution sensor, allowing for greater cropping flexibility. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.96" | S21 Ultra's larger sensor allows for better light gathering, resulting in improved low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Res. | 10.8MP | 50MP | Razr 50 Ultra offers higher resolution zoom and portrait capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 44MP | 32MP | S21 Ultra captures slightly more detailed selfies with a higher resolution front sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | S21 Ultra provides additional optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide/Macro Lens | Yes | No | S21 Ultra offers a versatile wide-angle and macro shooting option, lacking on the Motorola. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps | 4K@60fps | S21 Ultra can capture higher-resolution 8K video, useful for professional video creation and future-proofing. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has proven camera performance; Motorola Razr score is not available, making comparisons difficult. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | S21 Ultra's larger battery should provide significantly longer battery life under typical usage, but efficiency can play a role. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 45W | Razr 50 Ultra charges faster, reducing downtime and allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W, 9W Reverse Wireless | 15W Wireless | S21 Ultra offers more flexible wireless charging and reverse wireless charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Razr 50 Ultra has a newer OS and is guaranteed to receive more updates, offering access to the latest features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Razr 50 Ultra supports the latest WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Razr 50 Ultra features a slightly newer Bluetooth version, providing minor potential improvements in efficiency and range. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | Razr 50 Ultra offers an eSIM option, providing more flexibility for carrier management. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 256/512GB | Both offer up to 512GB, adequate for most users; S21 Ultra has 128GB option. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 12GB | S21 Ultra offers a 16GB RAM option, providing additional headroom for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage, users must rely on internal storage or cloud services. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Canceling | Dolby Atmos, 3 Microphones | S21 Ultra has more advanced audio features including HI-Res Audio and Noise Canceling; Razr has better voice capture with 3 mics. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Motorola's side-mounted sensor may be faster and easier to access. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer robust screen protection, but real-world durability can vary. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra includes a barometer for enhanced environmental sensing, useful for hikers or those needing atmospheric readings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Resolution & Pixel Density: Offers a sharper, more detailed display for better visual experience.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes additional telephoto and ultrawide/macro lenses, offering more flexibility for diverse photography scenarios.
- Higher Resolution Main Sensor: Captures more detailed images with its 108MP main sensor.
- 8K Video Recording: Enables higher-resolution video capture, suitable for professional videography.
- Larger Battery: Provides potentially longer battery life for all-day use.
- Advanced Audio Features: Features Hi-Res Audio for improved sound quality and a noise-canceling microphone for clearer calls.
- Barometer: Includes a barometer sensor, providing additional environmental data.
- 16 GB RAM Option: Available in a 16GB RAM configuration for demanding tasks.
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Advantages:
- Foldable Form Factor: Offers a unique and compact design, making it more portable and versatile.
- Newer Chipset: Features the more powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset for superior performance.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Provides much better visibility under bright sunlight.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Offers smoother animations and transitions on screen for an enhanced viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: Charges much quicker with 45W fast charging, reducing downtime.
- Newer Operating System: Runs on the latest Android 14 with guaranteed future upgrades, ensuring the latest features and security updates.
- Newer WiFi Standard: Supports WiFi 7, offering better performance on compatible networks.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM, enabling digital carrier switching.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
Trade-offs:
- Razr 50 Ultra: Sacrifices camera versatility and resolution for portability, newer technologies, and performance.
- Galaxy S21 Ultra: The older chipset lags in performance and efficiency and lacks the foldable design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize a versatile camera system, high image quality, and advanced video recording capabilities.
- Content Consumers: Users who value a high-resolution, vibrant display for watching movies and browsing content.
- Power Users: Users who need a device that can handle intense multitasking, gaming, and creative work.
Battery Life Focused Users: Those who prioritize long battery life and are less concerned with the latest hardware.
- Use Cases: Professional photography, detailed editing, prolonged media consumption, graphically intensive gaming, intensive productivity workflows.
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Ideal User:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest technology and enjoy a cutting-edge foldable design.
- Portability Seekers: Users who prioritize compactness and ease of carrying in their daily lives.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a bright display for clear visibility in sunny environments.
Performance Focused Users: Those who prioritize a fast and smooth experience and will benefit from the latest chipset.
- Use Cases: On-the-go professionals, frequent travelers, users who need a pocket-friendly device, casual gaming, everyday multitasking, outdoors.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a foldable design? If yes, the Razr 50 Ultra is the obvious choice.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or performance? If the former, S21 Ultra; if the latter, Razr 50 Ultra.
- How important is long battery life vs. fast charging? If battery is the priority, S21 Ultra; if fast charging is, Razr 50 Ultra.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Photography Lover: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its advanced camera features, telephoto lens, and 8K video recording.
- For the Tech-Forward User: Choose the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra for its foldable design, latest chipset, brighter screen, and modern features.
- For the Everyday User: The Razr 50 Ultra provides a better day-to-day experience, especially if you value speed and portability. However, the S21 Ultra provides a more robust multimedia experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra.
While the Samsung S21 Ultra has a more robust and versatile camera system, its older processor and traditional form factor don't excite me. The Razr 50 Ultra offers a newer chipset, a brighter display, faster charging, and the novelty of the foldable design. While the Razr is not as good in the camera department, its benefits outweigh the older tech and traditional form factor of the S21 Ultra, which make for a more compelling user experience in my opinion. The unique foldable form is a significant plus for portability, and its speed and smooth performance are attractive for daily use. The modern software and faster charging are practical advantages that the S21 Ultra cannot match.
