Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) vs Samsung Galaxy S21+
The Verdict
Motorola's Moto G 5G (2024) delivers exceptional value at $199, offering a large 6.6-inch 120Hz IPS LCD display, capable Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor, and impressive 5000mAh battery with 15W charging. Its 50MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture handles everyday photography well. Samsung's Galaxy S21+ commands a $999 premium with its Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (1300 nits), flagship Snapdragon 888 processor, and versatile triple camera system including 64MP 3x hybrid zoom and 8K video recording. Build quality differs significantly: aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus versus plastic construction. Both offer 120Hz refresh rates and 5G connectivity. For budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable performance and battery endurance, the Moto G 5G excels as an outstanding value proposition. Those requiring professional-grade cameras, superior display technology, and premium materials should invest in the S21+. Recommendation: Choose Moto G 5G for value, S21+ for flagship features.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) if…
- →5G connectivity at an extremely affordable $199
- →120Hz display is smooth for gaming and scrolling
- →5000 mAh battery delivers outstanding two-day endurance
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 Moto G 5G (2024)
Pros
- 5G connectivity at an extremely affordable $199
- 120Hz display is smooth for gaming and scrolling
- 5000 mAh battery delivers outstanding two-day endurance
- Near-stock Android 14 is clean and bloat-free
- IP52 splash resistance adds basic protection
Cons
- IPS LCD display has washed-out colors compared to AMOLED
- Only 15W charging takes over two hours for a full charge
- No ultrawide camera — just main and macro
- 4 GB RAM can feel limiting with multiple apps
- Only one OS update promised
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 Moto G 5G (2024) | Samsung Galaxy S21+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 192 g | 200 g |
| Material | Plastic frame and back | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP52 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.4 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Macro | 2 MP, f/2.4 | — |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | — | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4800 mAh |
| Charging | 15W wired (TurboPower) | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.6 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 550 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 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.
Explore more in phones, see all Motorola products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) or the Samsung Galaxy S21+.