Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Google Pixel 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-14 | 2024-08-22 | Pixel 9 is significantly newer, benefiting from newer tech |
| Size | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 152.8 × 72 × 8.5 mm | Moto G Power is larger and bulkier, Pixel 9 is more compact |
| Weight | 206.5g | 198g | Pixel 9 is slightly lighter, more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.3" | Moto G Power has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2424 | Pixel 9 has a much sharper display, better for clarity and detail |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 422 PPI | Pixel 9 provides a significantly crisper image |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Pixel 9 has vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 9's display is smoother for scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical. This is a missing spec so cannot compare |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Pixel 9 offers substantially faster processing, AI capabilities, and better performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 1,071,616 | Pixel 9 is far more powerful, faster app loading, better gaming |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Pixel 9 offers much better graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Pixel 9 has slightly higher resolution for photos |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.69 | Pixel 9 has a slightly wider aperture, better low-light performance |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/1.3" | Pixel 9 has a larger sensor, generally better image quality |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.20 µm | Pixel 9's larger pixels capture more light, better low-light shots |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 10.5MP | Pixel 9 has slightly higher resolution for selfies |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | Moto G Power has a slightly wider aperture on its selfie camera |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP | None | Moto G Power has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | None | Moto G Power has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | None | 48MP | Pixel 9 has an ultrawide lens with macro capabilities |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps | Pixel 9 offers much higher resolution and frame rates, better quality videos |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | OIS, EIS | Pixel 9 has better video stabilization, optical and electronic |
| Slow Motion | 60 fps | 240 fps | Pixel 9 allows for much higher quality slow motion footage |
| Camera DXoMark | Not Tested | 154 | Pixel 9 scored 154 in DXOMARK, indicating excellent camera quality, this is not a feature on the Moto G |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Moto G Power has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | Pixel 9 charges faster, less time tethered to a charger |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W Wireless Charging | Pixel 9 supports convenient wireless charging |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | Pixel 9 can charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 14 | Pixel 9 has a much newer OS version, with more features and security |
| Max OS Version | Not specified | 21 | Pixel 9 will get updates, Moto is likely end of life |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Pixel 9 supports Wi-Fi 6, faster speeds and more reliable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Pixel 9 has the newer Bluetooth version, better stability and energy efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSS | Pixel 9 has more accurate and reliable positioning |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Pixel 9 supports two SIM cards and eSIM, more flexibility for travel and personal use |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 128/256 GB | Pixel 9 offers more storage, more room for photos, videos and apps |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 9 has much more RAM for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Pixel 9 offers better call quality and audio for media consumption |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Moto G Power has more of an advanced fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unspecified | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 9 has superior screen protection, more resistance to scratches and damage |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer | Pixel 9 has more sensors, including Barometer |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may provide marginally longer battery life.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Camera: Offers a dedicated macro lens and depth sensor.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More advanced than a basic fingerprint scanner.
Google Pixel 9 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, OLED panel, and 120Hz refresh rate offer a much better visual experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Tensor G4 chipset provides a massive performance advantage, handling demanding tasks with ease.
- Far Superior Camera System: Higher quality main sensor, better video recording capabilities, and advanced image processing.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Offers faster 27W wired charging and convenient 15W wireless charging.
- Dual SIM Support & eSIM: Provides greater flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers.
- Newer Software: Runs on Android 14, with guaranteed future OS updates.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides superior screen protection.
- Enhanced Audio: Features stereo speakers and noise cancellation, for much better audio experiences.
- More RAM & Storage: With up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it handles multitasking and media with ease.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G Power: You gain a larger display and macro/depth cameras, with a larger battery, but at the cost of a significantly worse screen, much slower performance, and low image quality.
- Pixel 9: You lose the dedicated macro/depth cameras and slightly less battery capacity for a huge improvement in processing power, display, camera quality, and software experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for a very affordable phone, not wanting to spend much at all.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: Individuals who prioritize a phone that can last a full day or more on a single charge with limited usage.
- Basic Functionality Users: Users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and browsing.
- Users wanting an aux port. This feature is missing from the Pixel 9
Use Cases for Moto G Power (2021):
- Basic Multimedia: Watching YouTube or other social media videos.
- Casual Gaming: Playing simple games on the go.
- Everyday Tasks: Email, calls, texts, web browsing.
Google Pixel 9 is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a high-quality camera system with advanced features.
- Performance Users: Users who require fast processing for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who value a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing the web.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technology and software updates.
- Travelers: People who need dual SIM functionality and reliable GPS.
Use Cases for Pixel 9:
- High-Quality Photography/Videography: Capturing photos and videos in various conditions.
- Mobile Gaming: Playing graphically demanding games smoothly.
- Video Editing: Editing videos on the go with fast processing.
- Professional Use: Utilizing AI features and multitasking for productivity tasks.
- Multimedia Consumption: Enjoying high-quality movies, and games.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Pixel 9 offers a significantly higher value given its advanced features and performance, justifying the higher price tag compared to the budget-friendly Moto G Power (2021).
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If on a very tight budget, the Moto G Power might be the only option, although this comes with compromises.
- What are my primary use cases? If photography, performance, and a premium display are priorities, the Pixel 9 is the clear choice.
- How important are future software updates? Pixel 9 is guaranteed to receive updates for many years, ensuring long-term use and security.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Tight Budget: If budget is the primary concern, and you primarily need a device for calls, texts and browsing with a large battery, the Moto G Power is acceptable. But you might consider checking the used market for better options
- Scenario 2: Casual User with Moderate Budget: If you want to take good photos, and play some games, the Pixel 9 will provide the best performance and software experience.
- Scenario 3: Power User with Premium Budget: The Pixel 9 is the ideal choice, offering premium performance, a high-quality camera, and the latest software.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Google Pixel 9. The Moto G Power is very outdated at this point, and is only for the very budget conscious. The Pixel 9 offers significant improvements in almost every aspect: performance, display quality, camera capabilities, software, and build quality. While the Moto G Power has a slightly larger battery, the practical experience offered by the Pixel 9 is far superior. The superior quality and longevity are worth the additional cost in the long run. I would gladly sacrifice a small amount of battery life for the increased performance and improved user experience that the Pixel 9 provides.
