Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs Motorola Moto G (2022) • Unlocked

Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T
Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T
Starting at

Refurbished price:$135.00

Versus $699.99 new

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Motorola Moto G (2022) • Unlocked
Motorola Moto G (2022) • Unlocked
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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Motorola Moto G 2022, launched in April 2022, are both Android smartphones aimed at different segments of the market. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a more premium experience with a focus on display quality and camera capabilities, the Moto G 2022 prioritizes extended battery life and a larger screen for everyday use. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing access to a wide range of applications and services.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it slightly older than the Motorola Moto G 2022, which launched in April 2022. This difference in release dates impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • OS Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades, with its final update anticipated to be Android 16, and security updates until at least January 2027. In contrast, the Motorola Moto G 2022 typically receives one major OS update and around two to three years of security updates, meaning its software support will conclude sooner.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating a relatively straightforward repair process for common issues like screen or battery replacement. The Moto G 2022 is also considered not difficult to repair, with common components being accessible.

Release Year

2022

2022

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance aspects such as storage, battery endurance, and processing power contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, offering ample space and smooth multitasking for demanding applications. The Moto G 2022 typically comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 256GB of internal storage, with some variants offering expandable storage, which can be beneficial for users with large media libraries.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 4500 mAh battery, which users report can last through a full day of moderate to heavy use, though heavy users might require more frequent charging. The Moto G 2022 is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery, often providing extended usage times, with some reviews noting it can last for multiple days on a single charge.
  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G delivers responsive performance, handling demanding apps and multitasking smoothly due to its capable internal components. The Moto G 2022 offers decent performance for everyday tasks, though some users have noted occasional sluggishness with more intensive applications.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, with key differences in technology and visual fidelity.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent clarity with a 2340x1080 pixel resolution. The Moto G 2022 has a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel with a 1600x720 pixel resolution, offering a larger viewing area but with less pixel density and contrast compared to the S21 FE 5G.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's display offers high brightness levels, making it easily viewable outdoors even in bright sunlight, and supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Moto G 2022 also features a 90Hz refresh rate for a smoother visual experience than standard 60Hz displays, though its brightness levels are generally lower than the S21 FE 5G.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

720 x 1600

Audiovisual

Camera systems are a significant differentiator, impacting photo and video quality in various conditions.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP main lens with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for detailed photos with good color reproduction across various scenarios, including zoomed shots. The Moto G 2022 features a triple camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. While the 50MP main sensor can capture adequate photos in good lighting, the utility of the macro and depth sensors is often limited.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G performs well in different lighting conditions, with its main camera producing clear images even in low light when using night mode. It supports video recording up to 4K at 60fps. The Moto G 2022's low-light performance is generally less robust, with more noise in images, and its video recording capabilities are capped at 1080p at 30fps.
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a 32MP front camera that captures detailed and natural-looking shots. The Moto G 2022 has a 13MP front camera that produces decent selfies. Both devices offer stereo speaker output, with the S21 FE 5G providing clear audio for media consumption.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the daily usability and overall experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer, while the Moto G 2022 uses a USB Type-C 2.0 port. The Moto G 2022 retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
  • Sensors and Security: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G incorporates an optical under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Moto G 2022 features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Both devices include standard sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and compasses.
  • Build and Handling: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has an aluminum frame with a plastic back and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protecting the front, offering a balance of durability and a lighter feel at 177g. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Moto G 2022 has a plastic build with a water-repellent coating, weighing 204g.

Weight

7 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.4

6.5

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

AT&T

Unlocked

Users often praise the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its vibrant AMOLED display, capable camera system, and smooth performance, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize multimedia and photography. Some common criticisms include its battery life for very heavy users and its release timing, which placed it close to newer flagship models. The Motorola Moto G 2022 is frequently lauded for its exceptional battery life, which can extend to multiple days, and its inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage. However, users sometimes express concerns about its display resolution, camera performance in challenging conditions, and slower charging speeds.

Users prioritizing a high-quality display, advanced camera features, and a more compact, water-resistant design may find the Galaxy S21 FE 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value extended battery life, a larger screen, and traditional features like a headphone jack, and are less concerned with top-tier camera performance or display resolution, may lean toward the Moto G 2022. Both devices offer a reliable Android experience, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed choice.

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