Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs Motorola Moto G (2022) • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Motorola Moto G 2022, launched in April 2022, are both Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S21 FE aims to deliver a near-flagship experience with a focus on display and camera capabilities, the Moto G 2022 prioritizes extended battery life and essential smartphone functions. Both devices operate on the Android platform, with the Galaxy S21 FE typically receiving more extensive software support.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support play a significant role.

• Release and Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022 and shipped with Android 12, with updates available up to Android 14. Samsung generally provides several years of major OS updates and security patches, suggesting a longer software lifespan. The Motorola Moto G 2022, released in April 2022, also launched with Android 12. However, Motorola's update policy can be less consistent, potentially leading to fewer major OS upgrades compared to Samsung's offering.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 FE features a glass front protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Moto G 2022 has a plastic back and frame with a water-repellent coating, offering some protection against splashes but not full submersion (IP52 rating).
• Expected Lifespan: Users seeking maximum software longevity and robust physical protection may find the Galaxy S21 FE to be a more durable choice over time. The Moto G 2022, while offering some water resistance, may see its software support end sooner.

The performance of these two smartphones varies significantly, impacting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a powerful processor (Snapdragon 888 in the US) that ensures a snappy and fluid user experience. It handles demanding applications, multitasking, and graphic-intensive games with ease, with users reporting no noticeable lag. The Motorola Moto G 2022 uses a MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, which provides decent performance for everyday tasks but can exhibit sluggishness when running more intensive applications or games.
• Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S21 FE offers various internal storage options, including up to 256GB, and comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, contributing to smooth multitasking. It does not support expandable storage. The Moto G 2022 is available with up to 256GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM, and notably includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 1TB, which can be beneficial for users with large media libraries.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE features a 4500 mAh battery, which typically provides a full day of use for most users, with some reporting up to a day and a half with moderate usage. It supports 25W fast wired charging, 15W fast wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. The Moto G 2022 boasts a larger 5000 mAh battery, consistently praised for its excellent, long-lasting performance, often extending to two days on a single charge. However, its charging speed is slower, limited to 10W wired charging, and it lacks wireless charging capabilities.

The visual experience on these devices is shaped by their display technologies and specifications.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a pixel density of 401 PPI. This technology delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. In contrast, the Motorola Moto G 2022 comes with a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel with an HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels) and a lower pixel density of 270 PPI.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 FE offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, providing fluid scrolling and a responsive feel, and its brightness can reach around 700 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Moto G 2022 also features a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals than a standard 60Hz display. However, its overall display quality, including brightness and color reproduction, is often described as mediocre or unimpressive compared to devices with AMOLED screens.
• Viewing Experience: Users prioritizing a sharp, colorful, and highly responsive display for media consumption and general use will find the Galaxy S21 FE's screen to be a significant advantage. The Moto G 2022's display is functional for everyday tasks but may not offer the same level of visual fidelity or outdoor readability.

The camera systems on both phones offer different capabilities for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera Setup: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera system on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This setup is praised for producing impressive photos with good detail and color accuracy across various lighting conditions. The Motorola Moto G 2022 also has a triple-camera array, consisting of a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. While the 50MP main sensor can capture decent images in good lighting, user reviews indicate that colors can appear somewhat washed out, and low-light performance is a notable weakness.
• Front Camera and Video: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S21 FE is equipped with a 32MP front-facing camera. It supports video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second (fps). The Moto G 2022 has a 13MP front camera. Both devices are capable of recording video at 1080p at 30fps, but the Moto G 2022's video quality is generally considered less impressive, with issues noted in focus and color reproduction.
• Audio Experience: The Galaxy S21 FE includes stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience. The Moto G 2022 also supports dual speakers with Dolby Atmos, aiming to provide rich and detailed audio.