Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, launched in April 2024, are both Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S21 5G was a flagship device at its release, the Edge 50 Fusion enters the market as a more recent option with a focus on modern features. Key differentiators between these two devices include their release timelines, expected software support, and battery capacities.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates. The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, launched in January 2021, has received its final major Android operating system update, Android 15-based One UI 7.0, in the first half of 2025, with its last security update released in November 2025. This means its software support has concluded. In contrast, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, released in April 2024, launched with Android 14 and is promised three years of Android updates and four years of security updates. This positions the Edge 50 Fusion to receive major Android updates up to Android 17 and security updates until at least 2028.

• Software Longevity: The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion offers a longer period of software and security updates due to its more recent release, providing extended access to new features and security patches.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S21 5G utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the Edge 50 Fusion uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, the availability of parts and service for the older Galaxy S21 5G may become more limited over time compared to the newer Edge 50 Fusion.

The performance of these two smartphones reflects their respective release eras and target segments. The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, as a 2021 flagship, was equipped with a high-end processor for its time, enabling smooth handling of demanding applications and multitasking. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, a 2024 release, features a current-generation processor designed for efficient daily use and moderate gaming.

• Application Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 5G provides a responsive experience for heavy apps and intensive gaming, benefiting from its powerful processor and 8GB of RAM. The Edge 50 Fusion, with its efficient processor and up to 12GB of RAM, handles daily tasks and light gaming smoothly.
• Multitasking Capabilities: Both devices offer ample RAM (8GB for S21 5G, 8GB/12GB for Edge 50 Fusion) to manage multiple applications running simultaneously without significant slowdowns.
• Storage Options: The Galaxy S21 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion offers more varied storage configurations, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.

Both the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion offer vibrant display technologies, but they differ in size, refresh rate, and peak brightness, influencing the overall viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors, with a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels). The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion sports a larger 6.7-inch pOLED display, also with Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), providing a similarly rich visual experience.
• Smoothness and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 5G offers an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations, with a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The Edge 50 Fusion surpasses this with a 144Hz refresh rate for even smoother visuals and a higher peak brightness of 1600 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility.
• Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the Edge 50 Fusion provides a more expansive canvas for media consumption and productivity, while the S21 5G offers a more compact form factor.

The camera systems on the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion approach photography with different strengths, catering to varying user preferences for image capture and video recording.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens offering 3x hybrid optical zoom with OIS. This configuration provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, including zoomed-in shots. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion has a dual-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor with OIS and a 13MP ultrawide lens that also functions for macro photography.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 5G is noted for its sharp images and good performance in various lighting conditions, with its telephoto lens being a highlight for detailed zoomed shots. The Edge 50 Fusion's 50MP main sensor is capable of capturing detailed images, particularly in good lighting, and its ultrawide lens offers macro capabilities.
• Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S21 5G supports video recording up to 8K resolution, offering high-fidelity video capture. The Edge 50 Fusion records video at up to 4K resolution. Both devices feature stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.