Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Honor X7b
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Honor X7b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 166.7 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | Honor X7b is slightly taller and thinner, making it feel more modern and potentially more comfortable to hold. The Moto G Power is thicker. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 199g | Honor X7b is slightly lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | Honor X7b offers a slightly larger viewing area, making it better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Honor X7b's higher resolution results in a much sharper and clearer display, making text and images appear crisper. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 389 | The higher PPI on the Honor X7b translates to sharper visuals, reducing pixelation and improving clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both phones have similar LCD screen technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The 90Hz refresh rate of the Honor X7b makes scrolling and animations feel smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness which is not stated so we cannot compare this feature. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Honor X7b’s newer chipset offers better performance and improved power efficiency due to its smaller fabrication process (6nm vs 11nm). |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 249,150 | Honor X7b has noticeably better performance according to the benchmark score, leading to smoother app usage and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Both phones use the same GPU, although with different configurations, but performance may differ. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5330mAh | Honor X7b has slightly more capacity, likely leading to slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 35W | Honor X7b charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Charger Included | 10W Charger | Not specified | The Moto G Power (2021) includes a 10W charger in the box. The Honor X7b does not specify if a charger is included. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7 | 108MP f/1.8 | Honor X7b's higher resolution primary sensor will likely capture more detailed photos. Motorola has a slightly wider aperture which should mean better low-light performance |
| Front Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | Both have similar front-facing cameras |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 5MP f/2.2 | Honor X7b offers a wide-angle lens for capturing wider scenes, while the Moto G Power lacks this capability. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both phones have similar depth cameras for portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both phones have similar macro cameras for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Motorola Moto G Power offers 60fps recording with video stabilization while the Honor X7b offers slow motion video at 30 fps. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Honor X7b comes with a newer Android version, providing access to newer features and security updates. It also offers Android 14 upgrade while Moto G Power has no upgrade stated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Honor X7b supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and better network performance, while Moto G Power only support Wi-Fi 5. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Honor X7b has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Honor X7b supports Beidou for better positioning, while Moto G Power supports SUPL, offering minor differences in overall positioning |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Honor X7b supports dual SIM, which is useful for users with two phone numbers. Moto G Power only supports one SIM card |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64GB | 128/256GB | Honor X7b offers much more internal storage, which can store more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 6/8GB | Honor X7b has significantly more RAM, making it better for multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Stereo Speakers | Honor X7b offers better audio experience due to its stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have the same biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity, Gravity | Both phones have similar sensor suites. Honor X7b has additional gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly wider camera aperture: The f/1.7 aperture of the main camera might offer marginal improvements in low-light performance.
- 10W Charger Included: Comes with a charger in the box, which might be convenient for some users.
Practical Implications:
- The slightly wider aperture may lead to slightly better low-light photos.
- The included charger saves the buyer from needing to purchase one separately.
Honor X7b Advantages:
- Higher resolution display: Sharper images and text make for a better viewing experience.
- Smoother 90Hz refresh rate: Makes the user interface and animations feel more fluid.
- Newer, more powerful chipset: Better performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Larger battery and faster charging: Longer battery life and less time waiting for the phone to charge.
- Higher resolution main camera and additional wide-angle lens: More versatile camera setup for different shooting scenarios.
- More RAM and storage: Better multitasking and more room for media and apps.
- Newer Android version: Access to more recent features and security updates.
- Dual SIM capability: Useful for users with multiple phone numbers.
- Stereo speakers: Enhanced audio experience for media consumption.
- Wi-Fi 6 support: Faster and more reliable Wi-Fi speeds.
Practical Implications:
- The sharper display will make consuming media much more enjoyable.
- The faster refresh rate will make the UI experience more pleasant.
- The newer processor will lead to faster load times and better overall performance.
- The faster charging and larger battery will be less annoying when out and about and needing power.
- The wider camera will allow to take better landscape and group photos.
- The extra RAM and storage will allow for more background apps and more content stored.
- The newer software will mean better security updates.
- The stereo speakers will be better for content consumption on the device.
- The Wi-Fi 6 standard allows for future proofing and faster connection speeds.
Trade-offs:
- The main trade-off is that the Honor X7b may be more expensive than the Moto G Power (2021) due to better specs and features.
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) might offer a slightly better camera in low light due to the aperture, but the Honor X7b offers significantly more resolution and the extra wide angle lens is very useful.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone with decent battery life.
- Users who prioritize affordability and a simple user experience.
- Users who don't need high-end performance or camera capabilities.
- Users who need long lasting battery life but are okay with slow charging
Use Cases:
- Basic communication (calls, texts, email).
- Casual web browsing and social media.
- Occasional photos and videos.
- Long battery life for everyday usage.
Honor X7b Ideal User:
- Users looking for a feature-rich phone with good performance at a mid-range price point.
- Users who consume a lot of media and want a high-quality display.
- Users who want a versatile camera system.
- Users who play games and require a smooth, responsive device.
- Users who need fast charging and want good battery life.
- Users who want a more modern software experience and dual SIM capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Regular media consumption (videos, movies, streaming).
- Mobile gaming.
- Photography and videography in various scenarios.
- Multitasking between different apps.
- Long day usage and fast charging for busy lifestyles.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a lower initial cost.
- The Honor X7b offers much more in terms of features and performance, which might justify its higher cost for some users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If you are very budget-conscious, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the more affordable option. But, the Honor X7b offers a much better phone experience.
- What will you use your phone for the most? If you mostly use your phone for basic tasks, the Moto G Power (2021) will be adequate. If you are doing more intensive tasks such as social media, browsing and gaming the Honor X7b is a better option.
- What is more important to you, camera quality or battery life? The Motorola has a better low-light aperture lens, but the Honor offers more versatile lenses with higher resolutions. The Honor also provides faster charging and slightly larger battery.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Basic User, Limited Budget:
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- Reasoning: Provides essential smartphone features at a lower cost.
Scenario 2: Moderate User, Balanced Performance:
- Recommendation: Honor X7b
- Reasoning: Offers a balance of performance, display quality, camera, and battery life, making it suitable for users with diverse needs.
Scenario 3: Performance User, Feature Rich:
- Recommendation: Honor X7b
- Reasoning: Provides an overall better experience, including faster processor, sharper display, more cameras, and a more modern software experience.
What I would choose and why
I would choose the Honor X7b. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is more affordable, the Honor X7b offers a significantly better user experience across the board. The improved display with higher resolution and refresh rate, coupled with the more powerful chipset, larger storage and RAM, and faster charging makes it a much more compelling device.
The additional wide-angle camera lens provides more versatility, and while the Moto G Power's main lens might be slightly better in low light, the 108MP main sensor of the X7b will produce much more detail, along with more options to choose the right lens. Additionally, the Honor X7b has a more modern OS version, longer potential software support and a better experience, which for me outweighs the price difference, especially when considering the long term use of the phone. The stereo speakers for me is a great plus point.
