Motorola Edge 40 vs Samsung Galaxy S21+
The Verdict
Motorola Edge 40 delivers impressive value at half the Galaxy S21+ price point with a superior 144Hz pOLED display and faster 68W charging. Its 50MP main camera with f/1.4 aperture and OIS handles low-light photography admirably, while the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 provides solid everyday performance. Samsung's Galaxy S21+ commands premium pricing yet offers measurable advantages: the Snapdragon 888 remains more powerful, 8K video recording is available, and the 3x telephoto lens adds versatility the Motorola lacks. Both share identical RAM and 4400-4800mAh batteries, though Samsung's larger 4800mAh edges ahead slightly. Display-wise, Motorola's 144Hz refresh rate beats Samsung's 120Hz, though Samsung's AMOLED panel maintains superior color accuracy. For budget-conscious buyers seeking modern features, the Edge 40 represents exceptional value. However, those prioritizing camera zoom capabilities and raw processing power should invest in the Galaxy S21+ despite its steeper cost. Motorola Edge 40 is the smarter choice for most users.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Motorola Edge 40 if…
- →Ultra-slim at 7.49 mm and light at 167 g with IP68 protection
- →144Hz pOLED display is exceptionally smooth
- →f/1.4 main camera aperture captures excellent low-light photos
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21+ if…
- →Large 4800 mAh battery with great endurance
- →120Hz AMOLED display
- →Gorilla Glass Victus durability
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Motorola Edge 40
Pros
- Ultra-slim at 7.49 mm and light at 167 g with IP68 protection
- 144Hz pOLED display is exceptionally smooth
- f/1.4 main camera aperture captures excellent low-light photos
- 68W fast charging with wireless charging at this price
- Vegan leather option provides a unique, grippy texture
Cons
- Dimensity 8020 is a mid-range chip — not flagship performance
- Only one OS update promised by Motorola
- 4400 mAh battery is modest for heavy users
- No telephoto camera for zoom shots
- 256 GB single storage option with no expansion
Samsung Galaxy S21+
Pros
- Large 4800 mAh battery with great endurance
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- Gorilla Glass Victus durability
- Good triple camera system
- Flat display is easier to use with screen protectors
Cons
- FHD+ only, no QHD option
- Plastic back on some regions (Glasstic)
- Slow 25W charging
- No microSD card slot (removed in S21 series)
- No charger in the box
Full Specifications
| Spec | Motorola Edge 40 | Samsung Galaxy S21+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 200 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, vegan leather or glass back | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 158.4 x 72 x 7.49 mm | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.4, OIS, PDAF | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 32 MP, f/2.4 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP, f/2.2, macro mode | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4400 mAh | 4800 mAh |
| Charging | 68W wired (TurboPower) | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W wireless | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.55 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | pOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 8020 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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