Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) vs Samsung Galaxy S21
The Verdict
Motorola's Moto G Stylus 5G offers exceptional value at $399, featuring a larger 6.7-inch pOLED display with 120Hz refresh, a 50MP main camera with OIS, and a substantial 5000mAh battery with 15W wireless charging. Samsung's Galaxy S21, priced at $799, compensates with superior processing power via the Snapdragon 888, a more compact 6.2-inch form factor, and a telephoto lens enabling 3x hybrid zoom alongside 8K video recording. However, the S21's older Android 11 software and smaller battery capacity (4000mAh) feel dated compared to the Moto G's modern Android 14 and robust battery life. For budget-conscious users prioritizing display quality, battery longevity, and stylus functionality, the Moto G Stylus 5G delivers remarkable features per dollar. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S21 appeals to those demanding flagship processing and optical zoom capabilities, despite the steeper price premium. The Moto G represents the smarter purchase for most consumers.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) if…
- →Built-in stylus for note-taking and precise screen interaction
- →Vibrant pOLED 120Hz display with 1300-nit peak brightness
- →IP68 dust and water resistance at the $399 price point
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 if…
- →$200 price cut from S20 launched at $799
- →Lightweight and compact at 169 g
- →120Hz AMOLED with adaptive refresh
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
Pros
- Built-in stylus for note-taking and precise screen interaction
- Vibrant pOLED 120Hz display with 1300-nit peak brightness
- IP68 dust and water resistance at the $399 price point
- Wireless charging support is uncommon in this segment
- Large 5000 mAh battery with respectable 30W fast charging
Cons
- Stylus lacks Bluetooth or air gesture features like S Pen
- No telephoto camera for zoom photography
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is mid-range — not ideal for heavy gaming
- Only one OS update and three years of security patches
- Video recording maxes out at 4K@30fps
Samsung Galaxy S21
Pros
- $200 price cut from S20 launched at $799
- Lightweight and compact at 169 g
- 120Hz AMOLED with adaptive refresh
- Snapdragon 888 performance
- Eye-catching Contour Cut camera design
Cons
- Plastic (Glasstic) back panel
- FHD+ only, no QHD option
- No microSD card slot
- Slow 25W charging
- No charger included in the box
Full Specifications
| Spec | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 190 g | 169 g |
| Material | Vegan leather back, plastic frame | Aluminum frame, Glasstic back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 75 x 8.3 mm | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF, OIS | 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 | 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 | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 30W wired (TurboPower) | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W wireless | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Type | pOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | 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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