Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge 20
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
Motorola Edge 20
Starting at
£160.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Motorola Edge 20?
Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge 20 comes down to the chipset, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Motorola Edge 20 starts at £160, £11.33 less than the Galaxy S21 5G.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
Main camera
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) on the Motorola Edge 20.
- Screen size: 6.2 inch on the Galaxy S21 5G, 6,7 inch on the Motorola Edge 20.
- Screen type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the Galaxy S21 5G, OLED on the Motorola Edge 20.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge 20 specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and Motorola Edge 20 are both Android phones from 2021 with similar battery capacities and RAM, making them well suited for daily use. The Motorola Edge 20 features a larger 6,7 inch OLED screen with a higher 144 Hz refresh rate, and higher resolution cameras on both front and main lenses. Choose the Galaxy S21 5G if you prefer a compact phone with strong software support and a bright AMOLED screen. The Motorola Edge 20 is ideal if you want a bigger display with an ultra-smooth refresh rate and detailed photography capabilities.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge 20 price
Colour
Storage
- 128GBSold out
Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge 20 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life, software support, and physical design. Both phones share the same battery size but differ on software updates and physical dimensions.
Battery Capacity
Both the Galaxy S21 5G and Motorola Edge 20 have a 4000 mAh battery. This means you can expect similar battery life from either phone under comparable usage conditions.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G is slightly smaller and heavier, measuring 151.7 mm tall and weighing 169 g. The Motorola Edge 20 is taller at 163 mm and lighter at 163 g. This means the Motorola offers a larger device that still stays relatively light in hand.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge 20 performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones have 8 GB of RAM, keeping everyday apps running smoothly, but their chipsets differ.
Processor Differences
The Galaxy S21 5G uses either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, both built on a 5 nm process. These chipsets are designed for high performance and efficiency. The Motorola Edge 20 comes with the Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset on a 6 nm process, suitable for everyday tasks and some demanding apps but with a different architecture from the Galaxy.
Storage Choices
You can find the Galaxy S21 5G in either 128GB or 256GB storage options, giving more flexibility for storing apps, photos, and media. The Motorola Edge 20 is stocked with 128GB of storage, which is ample for most users but without the larger option.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge 20 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. Both phones share the same resolution but differ in size, refresh rate, and screen technology.
Screen Size
The Motorola Edge 20 has a 6,7 inch screen, offering more room for watching videos, gaming, and browsing. The Galaxy S21 5G has a smaller 6.2 inch display, which suits those who prefer a more compact phone that fits comfortably in one hand.
Refresh Rate
The Motorola Edge 20 features a 144 Hz refresh rate, which provides very smooth scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which also offers smooth visuals but at a slightly lower refresh speed.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S21 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The Motorola Edge 20 has an OLED screen, which also delivers strong contrast and rich colours but with a different panel technology.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge 20 camera
Camera capabilities vary significantly between these devices. Both front and main cameras offer different levels of detail and resolution.
Front Camera Resolution
The Motorola Edge 20 has a 32 megapixel front camera, capturing more detailed selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S21 5G offers a 10 megapixel front camera, which still performs well for everyday use but with fewer pixels.
Main Camera Resolution
The Motorola Edge 20 features a 108 megapixel main camera, ideal for capturing highly detailed photos that let you crop or zoom in without losing clarity. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for general photography with good image quality.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge 20 size and design
Other practical details include SIM support, connectors, and carrier compatibility, which can affect daily convenience and usage flexibility.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing you to use two physical SIM cards as well as a digital eSIM. The Motorola Edge 20 supports Dual Physical SIM, which suits users who prefer physical SIM cards only.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G mobile networks, giving you flexibility to choose your carrier and enjoy faster data speeds where available.
Physical Dimensions
The Motorola Edge 20 measures 76 mm in width and 7 mm in depth, while the Galaxy S21 5G measures 71.2 mm wide and 7.9 mm deep. These small differences affect how each phone feels in hand and pocket.
Connector Type
Both devices use a USB Type-C connector for charging and data transfer, providing compatibility with common cables and accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or Motorola Edge 20: which should you buy?
Buy the Motorola Edge 20 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £160, £11.33 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a smoother screen (144 Hz vs 120 Hz)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge 20 FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge 20 comes down to the chipset, screen size and screen type. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) on the Motorola Edge 20. Screen size: 6.2 inch on the Galaxy S21 5G, 6,7 inch on the Motorola Edge 20.
The Motorola Edge 20 is cheaper refurbished, from £160 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
Both have the same battery: 4000 mAh.
The Motorola Edge 20 has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. We don't have published update dates for the Motorola Edge 20.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Motorola Edge 20 in 128GB.
