Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked vs Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023), launched in June 2023, are both Android smartphones offering 5G connectivity. While the Galaxy S21 5G was positioned as a flagship device at its release, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) serves the mid-range market, notably featuring an integrated stylus. These devices differ significantly in their display technology, camera capabilities, and overall software support, catering to distinct user preferences.

When considering the long-term usability of these smartphones, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

• Release Timeline and Age: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G was released in January 2021, making it an older device compared to the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023), which launched in June 2023. This age difference impacts the remaining period of official software and security updates.
• OS Support Duration: Samsung typically provides several years of Android operating system updates and security patches for its flagship devices, often extending to four OS upgrades and five years of security updates for models like the S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G launched with Android 11 and has received updates to newer Android versions. In contrast, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) launched with Android 13 and is expected to receive fewer major OS updates, with some reports indicating only one year of OS upgrades.
• Repairability and Build: The Galaxy S21 5G features a Gorilla Glass Victus front and an aluminum frame, with a plastic back. It also boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Repairability scores for the S21 5G vary, with some assessments giving it a 7.5 out of 10, noting its modular construction, while others rate it lower at 4 out of 10 due to challenges with battery removal and screen fragility. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) has a water-repellent design and is constructed with a plastic back and frame. Its repairability score is noted as 5 out of 10, indicating moderate ease of repair.

The performance of these two smartphones is influenced by their internal components and how they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a processor designed for flagship performance, enabling smooth operation for a wide range of applications, from everyday browsing to graphically intensive games and video editing. Users can expect rapid app loading and efficient multitasking. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) features a processor that provides solid performance for general use, including web browsing, social media, and light gaming. While capable, it may exhibit some slowdowns with very demanding applications or extensive multitasking compared to higher-tier processors.
• RAM and Storage: The Galaxy S21 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to its ability to manage multiple applications simultaneously without significant lag. It offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, but it does not support expandable storage via a microSD card. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is available with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most daily tasks, though the 6GB variant offers a smoother experience for heavier usage. It provides 128GB or 256GB of internal storage and includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, which can be useful for users who need more space for photos, videos, or apps.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate use, supported by 25W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging capabilities. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) features a larger 5000 mAh battery, often praised by users for its extended battery life, with some reporting up to two days of use on a single charge. It supports 20W wired charging, though it typically ships with a 10W charger.

The visual experience on these devices is shaped by their display technology, resolution, and refresh rates.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. This technology provides a rich viewing experience, particularly for media consumption. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) comes with a larger 6.6-inch IPS LCD panel. While LCDs offer good color reproduction, they typically do not achieve the same level of contrast or true black levels as AMOLED displays.
• Resolution and Brightness: Both devices offer a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), resulting in sharp images and text. The Galaxy S21 5G's AMOLED display generally achieves higher peak brightness, making it more comfortable for outdoor viewing in bright conditions. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)'s LCD screen provides adequate brightness for most indoor and outdoor scenarios, though it may not be as easily viewable under direct sunlight.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both smartphones feature a 120Hz refresh rate. This higher refresh rate contributes to smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel during interactions and gaming on both devices. The Galaxy S21 5G's adaptive refresh rate can adjust based on content, optimizing power consumption.

The camera systems on these phones offer different strengths for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) has a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens that also handles macro photography.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 5G excels in various lighting conditions, offering strong detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy, particularly with its main and telephoto lenses. Its advanced features like 30x Space Zoom and dedicated Night Mode enhance its capabilities in challenging scenarios. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) performs well in good lighting, producing detailed and colorful images with its 50MP main sensor. Its low-light performance is respectable for its category, though it may not match the advanced processing of the S21 5G.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S21 5G is capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, and 4K at 60 frames per second, providing high-quality video capture. Its 10MP front camera delivers clear selfies and supports 4K video recording. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) can record video at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second with its rear camera and 1080p at 30 frames per second with its 16MP front camera.