Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Motorola Moto G13

Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£122.00

Versus £759.00 new

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Motorola Moto G13
Motorola Moto G13
Starting at

Refurbished price:£99.00

Versus £166.76 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in early 2022, and the Motorola Moto G13, launched in early 2023, are both Android smartphones designed to cater to different user needs. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a more premium experience with advanced display and camera capabilities, the Moto G13 focuses on delivering essential smartphone functions with a strong emphasis on battery longevity. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they target distinct segments of the market.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan and software support differ significantly between these two devices, reflecting their respective market positions.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, typically receives four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its release, meaning it is expected to receive its final major Android OS update (Android 16) around late 2025. In contrast, the Moto G13, released in January 2023, generally receives one major OS update (Android 14 has been rolled out) and two to three years of security patches.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus on its display and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering robust protection against daily wear and tear. The Moto G13 has a plastic build and an IP52 rating, indicating splash resistance but less protection against dust and immersion.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software longevity and greater physical durability will find the Galaxy S21 FE 5G better suited for a longer practical lifespan. The Moto G13 is designed for users who may upgrade more frequently or have less demanding durability needs.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance capabilities vary between the two devices, impacting how smoothly they handle different tasks and applications.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor designed for demanding applications and multitasking, allowing for smooth navigation, responsive app loading, and capable handling of graphically intensive games. The Moto G13 features a processor that capably handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming, providing a consistent experience for essential smartphone functions.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With higher RAM options (6GB or 8GB), the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers more headroom for keeping multiple applications open simultaneously without significant slowdowns, contributing to a fluid user experience. The Moto G13 typically comes with 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for general use and switching between a few applications, though it may show limitations with very heavy multitasking.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer internal storage options, with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G available in 128GB and 256GB variants, while the Moto G13 comes in 64GB and 128GB configurations, with the added benefit of expandable storage via a microSD card.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these devices differs considerably due to their display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast, making content visually striking with its Full HD+ resolution. The Moto G13 has a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel with an HD+ resolution, offering good colors and viewing angles but not matching the contrast or sharpness of an AMOLED screen.
  • Smoothness and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, providing exceptionally smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. It also achieves higher peak brightness, making it easier to view content clearly in bright outdoor conditions. The Moto G13 offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which is smoother than standard 60Hz displays, but its brightness levels are more suited for indoor use or moderate outdoor lighting.
  • Screen Protection: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering enhanced resistance against scratches and drops. The Moto G13 uses Panda Glass for screen protection and features a water-repellent design.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

720 x 1600

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Moto G13 are designed for different levels of photographic capability and versatility.

  • Rear Camera Versatility: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, allowing for a wide range of shots from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in subjects. The Moto G13 has a 50MP main sensor, complemented by 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensors, offering good detail in well-lit conditions but lacking the optical zoom and ultrawide capabilities of the S21 FE 5G.
  • Low-Light Performance and Video: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally performs better in challenging lighting conditions, capturing more detail and less noise thanks to its larger sensors and advanced image processing. It supports 4K video recording at 60fps. The Moto G13's low-light performance is more modest, with images showing more noise and less detail in dim environments, and it records video up to 1080p at 30fps.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front camera, suitable for high-quality selfies and video calls, and includes stereo speakers for media consumption. The Moto G13 features an 8MP front camera, which is adequate for casual selfies and video calls, and also offers stereo speakers.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity Options: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports 5G networks, offering faster download and upload speeds where available, along with Wi-Fi 6 for improved wireless performance. The Moto G13 is a 4G device, suitable for current network speeds, and supports Wi-Fi 5. Both include Bluetooth for wireless accessories.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and features an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Moto G13 also uses a USB-C port and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature absent on the S21 FE 5G. Its fingerprint sensor is conveniently located on the side.
  • Build Materials and Handling: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G combines a metal frame with a plastic back, offering a premium feel and good durability, weighing 177g. The Moto G13 features an all-plastic construction, which contributes to its lighter weight (183g) and can be more forgiving against minor drops.

Weight

177 g

183 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.5

Mobile network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy S21 FE 5G often highlights its excellent display, capable camera system, and strong overall performance. Some users have noted that its battery life, while generally decent, might require a mid-day top-up for heavy users, and some reports mention heating issues, particularly with the Exynos variant. The Moto G13 is frequently praised for its long battery life, clean Android experience, and the inclusion of a headphone jack, making it a solid choice for essential smartphone functions. Criticisms sometimes point to its lower-resolution display and less powerful camera performance in challenging conditions.

Users prioritizing a vibrant, high-refresh-rate display, a versatile camera system with optical zoom, and robust performance for demanding applications will find the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G well-suited to their needs. Its longer software support also appeals to those seeking extended device longevity. Conversely, users who prioritize extended battery life, a clean software experience, and the convenience of a headphone jack for everyday tasks may lean toward the Motorola Moto G13. It serves as a practical option for those who value core smartphone functionality and a more budget-conscious approach.

Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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