Galaxy S21+ 5G vs Motorola Moto G62 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the Motorola Moto G62 5G, launched in June 2022, are both smartphones offering 5G connectivity. While the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was positioned as a premium device with advanced features, the Moto G62 5G entered the market as a more accessible option. These devices differ significantly in their build quality, processing power, and camera capabilities, catering to distinct user preferences within the Android ecosystem.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, being an older flagship, has reached the end of its major software and security update cycle, while the Moto G62 5G, a newer mid-range device, also has a limited update window.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, launched with Android 11, received four major Android OS updates, concluding with Android 15. Its security updates ended around February 2026. The Motorola Moto G62 5G, released with Android 12, was confirmed to receive only one major OS update to Android 13, with security updates likely concluding around June 2025.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a more robust construction with Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Moto G62 5G utilizes a glass front with a plastic frame and back, offering splash resistance but without an official IP rating.
• Practical Lifespan: Users of the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G may find its practical lifespan limited by the cessation of security updates, potentially exposing the device to new vulnerabilities over time. The Moto G62 5G also faces similar limitations due to its shorter update commitment, meaning both devices are nearing or have passed their manufacturer-supported software lifecycle.

The performance of these two smartphones reflects their original market positioning, with the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G offering a more powerful experience compared to the Moto G62 5G.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is equipped with a processor that was high-end at its release, enabling smooth handling of demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphic-intensive games. The Moto G62 5G features a processor designed for everyday tasks and moderate usage, which users have reported can sometimes lead to slower app loading and occasional lag, particularly when multitasking or using the camera.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G comes with 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. It offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, though it lacks expandable storage. The Moto G62 5G typically comes with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM and offers 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSDXC card.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G houses a 4800 mAh battery, which provides a full day of moderate use, though heavy users might require more frequent charging. The Moto G62 5G features a larger 5000 mAh battery, generally praised by users for its long-lasting performance, often extending beyond a single day of typical use.

The visual experience on these devices is shaped by their display technologies and specifications, offering different strengths for various viewing preferences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The Motorola Moto G62 5G comes with a 6.5-inch IPS LCD, which provides good color reproduction and viewing angles, though it does not match the contrast levels of an AMOLED panel.
• Resolution and Brightness: Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), ensuring sharp visuals for text and images. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G boasts a peak brightness of 1300 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. In contrast, users have noted that the Moto G62 5G's display can struggle with visibility in harsh sunlight due to lower peak brightness.
• Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G offers an adaptive refresh rate, which can adjust dynamically to conserve battery life. The Moto G62 5G maintains a consistent 120Hz refresh rate.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and the Moto G62 5G are designed for different levels of photographic capability, impacting the quality of captured images and videos.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 64MP telephoto lens offering 3x hybrid optical zoom with OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. This configuration allows for detailed photos across various scenarios and effective zoom capabilities. The Moto G62 5G also has a triple-camera system, with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G generally delivers strong performance in various lighting conditions, producing detailed and color-accurate images, with its telephoto lens providing clear zoomed shots. The Moto G62 5G performs well in good lighting, but user reports suggest that its camera can be slower to process images and may struggle more in low-light environments.
• Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G supports high-resolution video recording up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps, offering advanced video capabilities. The Moto G62 5G records video at 1080p at 30fps. Both phones include stereo speakers, enhancing the media consumption experience. The Moto G62 5G also retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G.