Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Moto G Power (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Motorola Moto G Power (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm | 2022 is slightly taller & wider, but both are similarly sized. Minimal impact on portability. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 203g | Both are relatively heavy, but similar. Negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | 2021 has a marginally larger screen, but practically almost identical viewing experience |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Identical sharpness for both; may appear slightly less sharp compared to 1080p displays |
| PPI | 266 | 270 | Negligible difference in pixel density. Both look equally sharp, unlikely to be perceptible for the average user. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Same color reproduction and viewing angles. No difference in display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | 2022 provides smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid visual experience, especially noticeable in daily usage. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not available, which will affect visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Helio G37 (12 nm) | 2021's Snapdragon performs slightly better in benchmarks, indicating marginally faster processing, app loading etc. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 159,800 | 2021 has a higher score indicating marginally better performance during heavy usage such as gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE832 | 2021's GPU is generally more capable for gaming and graphic intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | 2022 has slightly higher resolution, but 2021 has wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Same selfie camera quality. |
| Depth | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar portrait mode performance. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro camera performance. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | 2021 provides 60fps recording for smoother footage. 2022 does not support 60fps. Both have Electronic Image Stabilization |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 60 fps | No, 30 fps | 2021 has better slow-motion capabilities |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life expected. Both can easily last a full day of typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 10W fast charging | 2021 charges faster, saving time spent plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | 2022 ships with a newer OS version, may get further updates. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 64GB/128GB | 2022 has a higher base storage option. 2022 Offers more storage overall, essential for media hoarders |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 4GB | 2022 comes standard with 4GB RAM which improves multitasking compared to the 3 GB option of 2021. |
| Expandable | No | No | Limited storage unless you go for the higher storage option. Not ideal for users with a large media library. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE with EDR | 5.0 LE | Similar Bluetooth performance, but 2021 has slightly better Bluetooth EDR support. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Similar GPS capabilities. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | 2 microphones | 2022 may provide slightly improved audio quality, especially in voice recording due to extra mic |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Similar and reliable biometric security |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | 2022 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors, useful for specific app functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset offers marginally better performance, especially noticeable in gaming and more demanding applications.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging vs 10W of the 2022 version, which results in shorter charging times.
- Wider Main Camera Aperture: f/1.7 aperture may perform better in low-light photography compared to the f/1.8 on the 2022 model.
- 60 FPS Video Recording: Offers a smoother video experience, and better slow motion recording
- Bluetooth EDR support: Better connection with some bluetooth devices.
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) Advantages:
- 90Hz Display: Smoother display with a higher refresh rate, providing a more fluid user interface.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 11, potentially receiving more software support and updates.
- Higher Base Storage: 64GB base storage option, and a 128GB version (while 2021 has 32GB/64GB), more convenient for media storage.
- Better Audio Quality: The extra microphone may improve voice capture and call quality.
- Barometer: Included environmental sensor may be important for some niche use cases.
Trade-offs:
- The 2021 model offers better performance and faster charging, but has a 60hz display and ships with Android 10.
- The 2022 model has a smoother display, newer OS, more storage, and better audio, but is slightly less powerful and charges slower.
- Both phones are made of plastic.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: Those seeking slightly better gaming performance on a budget.
- Users Who Value Charging Speed: Individuals who want to minimize the time they have to charge their phone.
- Those who value a better main camera
- Users that need 60fps or slow motion
Use Cases:
- Playing mobile games with slightly higher graphics demands.
- Quickly charging the phone before heading out.
- Better low light photography, better general picture taking experience.
- Shooting smoother 60fps video.
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and streaming.
- Users Who Value Display Smoothness: Those who prefer a more fluid user interface and smoother scrolling.
- Users Needing More Storage: People who need more space for their photos, videos, and apps.
- Users that need better audio
- Users who value updated software
Use Cases:
- Browsing social media and websites with a smoother experience.
- Storing large amounts of photos, videos, or music directly on the phone.
- Better voice quality during calls, or for voice recording.
- Users interested in barometer features in apps.
Price-to-Value:
- Both phones are budget-friendly. The 2022 may cost slightly more due to newer features and higher storage options.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance or display smoothness? (2021 = performance, 2022 = display smoothness)
- How important is faster charging? (2021 = Faster Charging)
- How much storage do you need? (2022 = 64GB/128GB, 2021 = 32GB/64GB)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Gaming Focus): If you play games or use demanding apps frequently, the 2021 is better due to its slightly better chipset and GPU.
Scenario 2 (Everyday Use): If you primarily use your phone for social media, streaming, and light tasks, and want a smoother visual experience, the 2022's 90Hz display is preferred.
Scenario 3 (Storage Needs): If you need a lot of storage for apps and media, choose the 2022 which has an option for 128 GB.
Scenario 4 (Budget Conscious): If you are only concerned with value and are on a strict budget, the 2021 may be a slightly cheaper option.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2022). While the 2021 model offers slightly better performance in benchmarks and faster charging, the 2022 model's 90Hz display provides a significantly improved user experience in everyday use. The smoothness is very noticeable when navigating the UI, scrolling through social media, and web browsing, making it a more enjoyable device for typical phone tasks. Also, the higher storage capacity (64 GB base) is very useful. Although the 2022 has a slightly less performant chip, for normal day to day usage the performance difference is negligible, it offers a more complete, and enjoyable experience for me.
