Samsung Galaxy S21 Vs Moto G Stylus: Which Budget Phone Is Right For You?

In today’s competitive smartphone market, choosing the right device can be a daunting task. With numerous options available, it’s essential to compare and contrast the features, specifications, and capabilities of different models to make an informed decision. In this comprehensive analysis, we will pit two popular smartphones against each other: the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Moto G Stylus. We will delve into their key aspects, including design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and special features, to help you determine which one is the better choice for your needs.

Design and Build: A Tale of Two Aesthetics

The Samsung Galaxy S21 exudes a sleek and sophisticated design with its sleek contours and premium materials. Its glass front, aluminum frame, and matte finish give it a luxurious feel. On the other hand, the Moto G Stylus embraces a more rugged and practical approach. Its plastic body and textured back ensure durability and a comfortable grip. Both smartphones feature IP68 water and dust resistance, providing peace of mind against accidental spills or exposure to the elements.

Display: A Clash of Resolutions and Refresh Rates

The Samsung Galaxy S21 boasts a stunning 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a blazing-fast 120Hz refresh rate. This combination delivers sharp visuals, vivid colors, and incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. The Moto G Stylus, while not as impressive, still offers a respectable 6.8-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2460 x 1080 pixels and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While it may not match the Galaxy S21’s smoothness, it provides ample clarity and color accuracy for everyday use.

Performance: Powerhouse vs Value Champion

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, one of the most potent mobile processors on the market. This powerhouse chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM, ensures lightning-fast performance, seamless multitasking, and effortless gaming. The Moto G Stylus, on the other hand, relies on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 processor, a mid-range chipset that delivers solid performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. With 4GB of RAM, it provides a smooth experience for basic operations but may struggle with demanding applications or multitasking.

Camera: Capturing Moments with Versatility

The Samsung Galaxy S21 boasts a versatile triple-lens rear camera system, comprising a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This setup allows for capturing stunning photos and videos with excellent detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance. The Moto G Stylus features a quad-lens rear camera system, consisting of a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. While it offers a wider range of shooting modes, its image quality may not match the Galaxy S21’s due to its lower-resolution sensors and lack of optical zoom.

Battery Life: Endurance and Fast Charging

The Samsung Galaxy S21 houses a 4,000mAh battery, providing ample endurance for a full day of moderate usage. It supports 25W fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish its power when needed. The Moto G Stylus packs a larger 5,000mAh battery, ensuring exceptional battery life that can easily last for a day and a half or even longer with conservative use. It supports 10W fast charging, which is slower than the Galaxy S21’s but still convenient for topping up the battery.

Special Features: Stylus vs Wireless Charging

The Moto G Stylus’s defining feature is its integrated stylus, which opens up a world of possibilities for note-taking, sketching, and precise control in various apps. The Samsung Galaxy S21, on the other hand, lacks a stylus but compensates with support for wireless charging, allowing you to conveniently charge your device without the need for cables.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 and Moto G Stylus are both compelling smartphones, but their strengths and weaknesses cater to different user preferences and budgets. If you prioritize a sleek design, top-notch performance, a versatile camera system, and wireless charging, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is the clear winner. However, if you value affordability, long battery life, and the convenience of a built-in stylus, the Moto G Stylus is an excellent choice.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Aspects

Software and Updates

The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs on Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI 3.1 on top, providing a user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and access to a wide range of apps and services. The Moto G Stylus comes with Android 11 and Motorola’s My UX skin, which offers a clean and bloat-free experience. Both devices are expected to receive Android 12 updates in the future.

Storage and Expandability

The Samsung Galaxy S21 comes in 128GB and 256GB storage options, while the Moto G Stylus offers 128GB and 256GB variants as well. Neither device supports expandable storage, so choosing the appropriate storage capacity is crucial.

Connectivity and Security

Both the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Moto G Stylus offer comprehensive connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. For security, the Galaxy S21 features an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock, while the Moto G Stylus has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.

What You Need to Know

Q1. Which smartphone has a better processor?

A1. The Samsung Galaxy S21 features the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, while the Moto G Stylus is equipped with the mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 chipset.

Q2. Does the Moto G Stylus support 5G connectivity?

A2. Yes, the Moto G Stylus supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster data speeds and improved network performance.

Q3. Can I expand the storage capacity of the Samsung Galaxy S21?

A3. No, the Samsung Galaxy S21 does not support expandable storage, so you must choose the appropriate storage option when purchasing the device.