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Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Motorola Edge (2026)

The Motorola edge (2026) is the better pick for most shoppers. It has a sharper, brighter 6.3-inch AMOLED at 460 ppi and 5200 nits peak, a bigger 5000 mAh battery with 60W wired charging, 8GB of RAM, and IP69/IP68 plus MIL-STD 810H durability. The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (listed here as the S21 FE 5G) counters with a lighter 6.4-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X, wireless charging, Wi-Fi 6 and a long track record of owner reviews. Buy the Samsung for the familiar One UI software and proven resale support; buy the Motorola for battery life, charging speed, screen brightness and ruggedness.

  • Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G if you want One UI, wireless charging and a well-reviewed phone with years of owner feedback behind it.
  • Choose the Motorola edge (2026) if battery life, fast wired charging, a brighter screen and water and drop resistance matter more to you.

Prices

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: $161.34 at Buybackstore.com (last seen Oct 29)
  • Motorola Edge (2026): $240.00 at Verizon (checked today)
  • Difference: the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is $78.66 cheaper than the Motorola Edge (2026) at the latest prices (Oct 29 and Nov 9)
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G SM-G991BZADTUR smartphone

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G SM-G991BZADTUR smartphone

4.2(9,900 ratings)
$161.34at Buybackstore.comObserved Oct 29, 2026, 2:03 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Buybackstore.com
Pros
  • 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel
  • Wireless charging
  • Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
  • Dual SIM support
  • Large base of owner ratings
Cons
  • 6GB RAM is the lower of the two
  • 4500 mAh battery is smaller
  • No IP or MIL-STD durability rating listed
  • Battery life described only as average
Motorola
Motorola edge (2026)

Motorola Edge (2026)

Motorola edge (2026)

$240.00at VerizonObserved Nov 9, 2026, 11:53 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Verizon

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • 5000 mAh battery with 60W wired charging
  • 460 ppi Super HD+ AMOLED at 5200 nits peak
  • 8GB LPDDR5X RAM
  • IP69/IP68 and MIL-STD 810H protection
  • Light at 160.5 g
Cons
  • No NFC listed
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi versions not specified
  • Motorola's update record is shorter than Samsung's
  • Dimensity 7450 is a mid-range chip, not a flagship

What separates them

Samsung Galaxy S21 5GMotorola Edge (2026)
Display6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 403 ppi, 120Hz6.3-inch Extreme AMOLED, Super HD+ 2640 x 1216, 460 ppi, 120Hz
Peak brightnessSamsung says it stays readable in bright sunlight, no figure given5200 nits peak
Battery and charging4500 mAh, wireless charging, no fast wired figure given5000 mAh, 60W TurboPower wired, 15W wireless
Memory6GB RAM, 128GB storage8GB LPDDR5X RAM, 128GB storage
DurabilityNo IP or MIL-STD rating listedIP69/IP68 underwater protection, MIL-STD 810H
WeightNot listed160.5 g
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, 5G, dual SIM5G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, exact versions not listed
Software and supportAndroid with Samsung One UI, long update historyAndroid with Motorola's lighter interface

Price history

$240.00$117.00
Oct 29Nov 9
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: lowest $117.00 on Oct 29; $189.99 on Nov 9.
  • Motorola Edge (2026): lowest $240.00 on Nov 7 at Verizon; $240.00 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Cellfeee

    $189.99Free shippingObserved Nov 9, 2026, 6:42 PM
    Visit Walmart
  • Cellification.comNew

    In stock

    $220.99Free shippingObserved Nov 9, 2026, 6:42 PM
    Visit Cellification.com
  • ElectronicsForce.comNew

    In stock

    $228.99Free shippingObserved Nov 9, 2026, 6:42 PM
    Visit ElectronicsForce.com
  • Buybackstore.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $161.34Observed Oct 29, 2026, 2:03 PM
    Visit Buybackstore.com
All 9 stores and price history →

Motorola Edge (2026)

  • VerizonNew

    In stock

    $240.00Free shippingObserved Nov 9, 2026, 11:53 AM
    Visit Verizon

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecSamsung Galaxy S21 5GMotorola Edge (2026)
Display Size6.4 in6.3" Extreme AMOLED
Display ResolutionFHD+Super HD+ (2640 x 1216) 460ppi
Battery Capacity4500 mAh5000mAh
Touch ScreenYes—
Display Pixel Density403 ppi—
Display TechnologyDynamic AMOLED 2X—
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X—
Display Aspect Ratio20:9—
Display BrightnessDelivers brightness even in bright sunlight—
Display Refresh Rate120Hz—
Display HighlightsTouch screen—
Battery LifeAverage battery life—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSamsung Galaxy S21 5GMotorola Edge (2026)
Battery Charging TechnologyWireless charging—
Battery Standby TimeUp to 12 days—
Battery Talk TimeUp to 2220 min (LTE)—
Removable BatteryNo—
Ports And InterfacesUSB Type-C—
SIM SupportDual SIM, NanoSIM, Single SIM—
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6—
Wireless InterfaceNFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi—
Broadband Generation5G—

What reviewers say

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

  • 4.2 / 59,900 ratings

Owners rate it 4.2 out of 5 across about 9,900 ratings. Most praise the screen, size and value; complaints center on battery life and storage.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners call the 120Hz AMOLED screen bright and smooth, even outdoors.
  • BatteryCriticisedMany say the 4,500 mAh battery barely lasts a full day with heavy use.
  • SizePraisedBuyers like the compact 6.4-inch body that fits one hand.
  • StorageCriticisedReviewers complain that 128 GB with no microSD slot fills up fast.

Questions and answers

Which has the better screen?
The Motorola edge (2026) is sharper at 460 ppi versus 403 ppi and far brighter at 5200 nits peak. Both run at 120Hz, so scrolling feels similar.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Motorola has the larger 5000 mAh battery and 60W wired charging, so it should run longer and refill faster. The Samsung's 4500 mAh is described only as average battery life.
Is the Motorola edge (2026) more durable?
Yes on paper. It carries IP69/IP68 underwater protection and MIL-STD 810H, while the Samsung lists no IP or MIL-STD rating.
Which is better for photography?
Neither listing gives camera details, so compare the actual camera specs before deciding. The Samsung has a longer record of owner reviews to check.
Is the Motorola worth stepping up to over the Samsung?
If you want more RAM, a bigger battery, faster charging and a brighter screen, yes. If you rely on NFC payments or prefer One UI, the Samsung is the safer choice.
Does the Motorola support contactless payments?
NFC is not listed for the Motorola edge (2026), while the Samsung lists NFC. Check the Motorola's full spec sheet if tap-to-pay matters to you.

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More comparisons

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best unlocked Motorola smartphones
Data Transmission
5G
—
GPS TypeGPS, Galileo, Glonass—
Bluetooth5.0—
BrandSamsung—
Mobile OSAndroid—
Model nameSamsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G—
Screen size6.4 in—
HD capacity128 GB—
Ram memory6 GB—
Wireless5G—
Service providerUnlocked—
Cellular service planNo Plan-Unlocked Device—
ColorGray—
Proc. brandSamsung—
DisplayAMOLED—
Resolution2340 x 1080—
Device typeUnlocked Cell Phones—
Processor speed2.84 GHz—
Assembled product weight6.2 oz—