1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G 5G and the Motorola Moto G Power (2021), focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | The Moto G 5G is slightly taller and thicker, but the difference is not likely to be very noticeable in daily use. |
| Weight | 212g | 206.5g | Moto G Power is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable for extended use, especially for smaller hands. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Moto G 5G has a marginally larger screen, which is good for media consumption but less convenient for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | The Moto G 5G offers a much sharper and clearer display, which is beneficial for reading and viewing detailed content. |
| PPI | 393 | 266 | Moto G 5G has significantly higher pixel density, leading to crisper text and images. The difference will be noticeable in daily use. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar display quality and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both phones offer standard refresh rates, suitable for general use but not as smooth as 90Hz or 120Hz panels. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | We lack the brightness specifications for both phones. This would have affected their outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Moto G 5G's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 178,220 | Moto G 5G has a much higher benchmark score indicating superior performance in day-to-day tasks and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Moto G 5G's GPU is considerably more powerful, providing a better gaming experience and faster graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm pixel size | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm pixel size | Both have similar main cameras, suggesting comparable daylight image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm pixel size | Moto G 5G has a higher resolution front camera, suitable for more detailed selfies. Moto G Power (2021) has a wider aperture (f/2.0) that lets more light in which might be better for low light scenarios |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | N/A | Moto G 5G includes a wide-angle lens, offering versatility for capturing broader scenes. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | Moto G Power has a dedicated depth sensor, that helps improve portrait mode quality. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | Similar macro capabilities, useful for taking close up shots of small objects. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | Moto G 5G can record higher quality videos thanks to its 4K support. Both feature EIS for smoother video recording. |
| Features | RAW, Night Mode | N/A | Moto G 5G offers more advanced software features like RAW capture for more flexibility in post-processing and Night Mode for enhanced low-light photography. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both devices offer comparable battery life that could last a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 15W fast charging | Moto G 5G charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 10W charger in-box | The Moto G Power comes with a 10W charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 | The same base Android 10 version, but potential for OS upgrades should be taken into consideration. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support dual-band Wi-Fi but Moto G 5G adds Wi-Fi Direct. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Moto G 5G features the latest bluetooth version. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Single SIM | Moto G 5G has dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 32 GB or 64 GB | Moto G 5G offers a higher base storage option (128GB vs 64GB) |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | Moto G 5G has more RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Basic audio features | Moto G 5G has better voice capture through its dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is usually faster and more convenient than a rear-mounted one. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | We lack details about display protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Both phones feature a standard set of sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset offers much better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness compared to the Snapdragon 662.
- Superior Display: The 1080p resolution and higher pixel density make the display noticeably sharper, leading to a better visual experience.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The 16MP front camera captures more detailed selfies.
- 4K Video Recording: Ability to record higher resolution 4K videos, suitable for capturing detailed memories.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Enhanced versatility in photography due to the additional wide-angle lens
- Advanced Camera Software Features: Includes features like RAW and Night mode.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Comes with 6 GB RAM option and 128GB of internal storage.
- Faster Charging: 20W charging reduces charging time.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Version 5.1 for faster pairing
- Dual SIM Support: Offers dual sim capability which is useful for many users
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Potentially Better Low Light Selfies: wider aperture front camera may be beneficial in low light.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Improves quality for portrait mode photos.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally faster and more convenient than the rear-mounted sensor.
- In-box charger: comes with a 10W charger
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Moto G 5G offers superior performance, display, and camera features, but the Moto G Power counters with a dedicated depth camera, side mounted fingerprint reader, and a charger in the box.
- The Moto G 5G has no expandable storage which is a trade-off if you require a large amount of storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: Users who want a phone capable of playing popular games smoothly without spending too much.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who frequently watch videos, browse content, and want a sharper, more detailed display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want more versatile camera features such as the wide angle lens, RAW and night mode.
- Users Requiring Dual SIM: Users who want to manage two SIMs on a single phone
- Users who multitask frequently: The extra RAM makes multitasking easier
Use Cases:
- Playing mobile games with smooth frame rates.
- Streaming high-definition content on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, etc.
- Taking high-quality selfies and group photos.
- Recording 4K videos for vlogging and personal use.
- Using resource-intensive apps like social media platforms and photo editing apps.
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for calls, texting, and basic tasks.
- Price-Sensitive Buyers: Customers who prioritize battery life and basic functionality over high-end features.
- Users who prefer convenient unlock methods: Prefer a side mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users who require basic phone accessories: The included 10W charger.
Use Cases:
- Extended battery life for users who are away from a power source.
- Everyday communication and browsing social media.
- Taking casual photos and videos.
- Users that prefer a budget friendly device with a decent battery.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What are your priorities: performance, display, camera quality, or battery life? If performance and a good display are crucial, the Moto G 5G is the better choice. If battery life and convenience are key, the Moto G Power might suffice.
- How much do you value camera features such as RAW and Night mode, wide-angle shots, 4K video recording, and depth detection? The Moto G 5G has all of these which are not present in the Moto G Power.
- What is your budget? The Moto G 5G likely comes at a higher price point due to its superior performance, display and camera features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I play games often and want the best performance on a budget." Choose the Motorola Moto G 5G.
- Scenario 2: "I mostly use my phone for browsing, calling, texting, and need great battery life." Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021).
- Scenario 3: "I take lots of photos and videos and need high-quality results." Choose the Motorola Moto G 5G.
- Scenario 4: "I prefer a convenient and fast unlock method, and I don't want to purchase a separate charger." Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021).
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Moto G 5G. While the Moto G Power (2021) does offer some advantages like the side-mounted fingerprint sensor, my preference for a better overall user experience, superior performance, and a sharper display outweighs the trade-offs. I also value the extra camera features like wide-angle lens, RAW and night mode capture, and the ability to record in 4k, all of which are provided on the Moto G 5G and absent from the Moto G Power. While the battery life of both phones is similar, the faster charging time of the Moto G 5G is a big plus. I also like having the dual SIM functionality, which is not present in the Moto G Power. Finally, the Moto G 5G offers 6GB of RAM for better multitasking, which is a big plus for me. Therefore, the Moto G 5G provides a more future proof device for my needs.
