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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a more budget-friendly option than the Motorola Edge (2021). The Galaxy S21+ boasts a glass body and OLED screen, which generally means better display quality, and an under-display fingerprint sensor for a sleek appearance. It also supports 8K video recording and HDR10+ for high-quality video capture. On the other hand, if you prioritize battery life, the Motorola Edge (2021) has a slightly longer battery life. Additionally, the Edge offers a higher refresh rate for smoother visual experiences and a higher maximum brightness for better outdoor visibility. Both phones have similar camera capabilities, but if you are looking for a more vivid screen and premium build, you may lean towards the Galaxy S21+. However, if you value longer battery life and a smoother refresh rate and are willing to overlook the plastic back and LCD screen, the Motorola Edge (2021) could be the better choice for you. Both run on Android, so the user experience in terms of the operating system will be quite similar. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Motorola Edge (2021)
- The Motorola Edge (2021) has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S21+.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21+
- Good for taking photos
- Fair for recording videos
- Very good display quality
- Good performance
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
5.2
7.2
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has good overall camera quality, while the Motorola Edge (2021) has poor overall camera quality.
The Motorola Edge (2021) has a lower selfie quality and subpar performance in capturing photos and videos concerning dynamic range, low-light scenarios, and versatility, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S21+ excels in these aspects, offering a superior selfie experience and enhanced photo and video capabilities overall.
Photo Quality
5.3
7.0
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes good photos, while the Motorola Edge (2021) takes poor photos.
The Motorola Edge (2021) takes poor photos, largely because of its inferior software for photo processing and lower selfie photo quality compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21+. The Samsung Galaxy S21+, on the other hand, offers a better camera experience with advanced photo software and higher quality selfies.
Video Quality
4.7
6.6
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes only fair videos, while the Motorola Edge (2021) takes poor videos.
The Motorola Edge (2021) records videos with lower resolution and framerate, offers a less satisfactory video software experience, and has poorer video stabilization, which collectively lead to videos that are not as smooth or visually appealing compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21+. Furthermore, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ delivers superior video dynamic range and low light performance, as well as better microphone quality, enhancing the overall video and audio recording quality significantly.
Battery
8.7 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Motorola Edge (2021) has 8.7 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$600
$340
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
The Motorola Edge (2021) has a price of $600 and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ costs $340.
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Key similarities
Screen Size
The Motorola Edge (2021) has a screen size of 6.8 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is 6.7 inches.
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How the Motorola Edge (2021) and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Motorola Edge (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S21+ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$600 | $340 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Motorola | Samsung | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 2, 2021 | January 29, 2021 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2460 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | Yes | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 395 | 394 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | LCD | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | SD778G | SD888 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 5.3/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 5.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 4.7/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 108 megapixels | 12 megapixels + OIS | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8.7 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4800 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | No | Yes | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 0 W | 15 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | No | Yes (4.5 watts) | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 6.65" x 2.98" | 6.36" x 2.98" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 7.05 oz | 7.05 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Plastic | Glass | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | No | Yes | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6e | 6 | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6)2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Side | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | No | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Nebula Blue | Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink, Phantom Gold, Phantom Red | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | Yes | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
Motorola Edge (2021)
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Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Guide
Philip Michaels | October 2021
"If you've overlooked Motorola's higher-end phones in the past, the Motorola Edge 5G UW does a very good job at trying to regain your attention. Improvements to the main camera impress. I'm also impressed by how quickly the phone recharges. It's the affordability that ultimately wins the day for the Motorola Edge. this phone offers enough premium features to put it at the forefront of midrange options."
Samsung Galaxy S21+
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Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Guide
Jordan Palmer | May 2022
"All told, Samsung nailed it with the Galaxy S21 Plus. It has most of the strengths of the smaller S21 in a bigger package. It’s got a lot going for it. If you’re coming from an older device, like the Galaxy S10 series, this is a solid upgrade."
Get a great deal on the Motorola Edge (2021) or the Samsung Galaxy S21+
About Motorola
Motorola, a well-known name in the smartphone world, has a long-standing legacy in the industry, with a history dating back to the early days of mobile phones. The brand is mostly known for striking a balance between affordability and functionality, as well as providing a clean and straightforward interface with their software skin on top of Android. While they have traditionally been prominent in the budget and midrange categories, Motorola has also occasionally ventured into the high-end category for smartphones.
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
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