Galaxy S21+ 5G vs Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, launched in April 2024, represent different generations and market segments within the smartphone landscape. While both offer a large display and 5G connectivity, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was a flagship device at its launch, focusing on premium features, whereas the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is a more recent mid-range offering emphasizing a high refresh rate display and a large battery. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing a familiar user experience.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release dates play a significant role in expected software support and overall practical lifespan.

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was released in January 2021, making it an older device compared to the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, which launched in April 2024. This age difference directly impacts the remaining software update cycles for each phone.
• Software Support: The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, being a newer device, is expected to receive Android updates for a longer period, potentially extending its usable life for users who prioritize the latest software features and security patches. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has already received several major Android updates and is nearing the end of its guaranteed software support window.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a good level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus for its front and back, offering robust scratch and drop protection. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion uses Gorilla Glass 5, which provides a good level of protection, though some user reports suggest the screen can be fragile under certain impact conditions.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications and gaming.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, with its processor from an earlier flagship generation, handles demanding applications and multitasking effectively, providing a smooth experience for most users. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, featuring a more recent but mid-tier processor, provides smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming, though it may show some limitations with graphically intensive games or heavy multitasking.
• RAM and Storage: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion offers configurations with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage options up to 512GB, providing more flexibility for users with extensive storage needs.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is equipped with a 4800 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for most users, with some reporting it can last up to two days with lighter usage. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion features a larger 5000 mAh battery, with users reporting excellent battery life, often lasting well over a day and sometimes into a second day of moderate use.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion also has a 6.7-inch pOLED display with a similar Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), known for its rich color reproduction.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G offers an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, contributing to smooth scrolling and a responsive feel. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion surpasses this with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing an even smoother visual experience, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content and navigation.
• Brightness: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion's display offers a peak brightness of 1600 nits, which can provide slightly better outdoor visibility.

For many users, the camera system is a key differentiator, and both phones approach photography with different strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a versatile triple camera setup, including a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom. This configuration allows for a range of photographic options, from wide landscapes to zoomed-in shots. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion has a dual-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 13MP ultrawide lens.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is known for producing vibrant and detailed images with good dynamic range, performing well in various lighting conditions, including low light. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion's 50MP main camera also delivers sharp and clear photos, performing well in most lighting conditions, with its OIS contributing to stable results.
• Video Recording: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is capable of recording video up to 8K resolution, offering high detail capture, and includes features like video stabilization. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion supports 4K video recording at 30fps.
• Front Camera: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 10MP front camera. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion features a higher resolution 32MP front camera, which can produce detailed selfies.