Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | Stylus 5G is slightly taller and wider, but similar thickness; may feel slightly larger in hand. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 217.5g | Power (2021) is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | Stylus 5G offers a marginally larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Stylus 5G provides a much sharper and clearer image due to higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 387 PPI | Stylus 5G display appears significantly sharper; less pixelation visible. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color accuracy and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard screen smoothness; no advantage for either. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Different processors; Stylus 5G has 5G capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 171,000 | Performance is similar for everyday tasks; minor differences in app loading times. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | Stylus 5G offers slightly better graphics performance, could matter for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 48MP, f/1.7 | Both have similar main cameras for everyday photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 20MP, f/2.0 | Stylus 5G takes higher-resolution selfies with more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 16MP, f/2.2 | Stylus 5G allows for capturing wider scenes and group photos. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Present | Stylus 5G has better depth sensing for portrait mode and AR applications |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Power (2021) has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.2 | Stylus 5G offers a slightly wider aperture, which might improve macro shots in low light. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30/60fps | Similar video recording quality; minor differences in slow motion framerates. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | Power (2021) has larger battery; should provide significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Power (2021) charges faster; less time plugged in. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion Polymer | Li-Ion | Minor differences in battery chemistry with no real impact on user experience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Stylus 5G is newer, has more updated software. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, Dual Band, Wi-Fi Direct | Stylus 5G offers additional WiFi features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both offer similar Bluetooth connectivity. |
| SIM | Single Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Stylus 5G can use two SIM cards simultaneously for business/personal use. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 128GB | Stylus 5G offers significantly more storage for apps and media. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 4GB | Stylus 5G has more RAM, which may improve multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Rear-mounted | Power (2021) has side mounted fingerprint which many find more convenient. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Power (2021) offers Compass; for more advanced sensor based apps |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides exceptional battery life, allowing for multi-day usage with moderate use.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging allows for quicker replenishment of battery compared to 10W
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Many users prefer the ergonomics of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Compass Sensor: Offers more advanced sensor based app options.
- Price: This phone may often be found at a lower price point.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: The 1080x2400 resolution offers a much sharper and clearer visual experience.
- Larger Display: The 6.8" screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Significantly More Internal Storage: The 128GB of storage is great for users who store many apps, photos, videos, and other media.
- Improved Selfie Camera: The 20MP front-facing camera takes higher resolution selfies.
- Wide-Angle Lens and ToF Sensor: The addition of a wide-angle lens and ToF sensor adds more camera versatility for creative photography.
- 5G Support: 5G support for faster internet speeds if available.
- Dual SIM Support: The ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously can be invaluable.
- More Up-to-Date OS: Android 11 (upgradable to 12) is more modern than the Android 10 on the G Power (2021).
- Slightly Better GPU: Adreno 619 GPU is slightly better for gaming.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G Power (2021): Trades display sharpness, camera versatility, and processing power for battery life. It has lower storage and less updated OS.
- Moto G Stylus 5G: Trades battery capacity for better screen, cameras, storage, processing power and 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life above all else, casual smartphone users who need a reliable device for basic tasks, and those who are often away from charging opportunities.
- Use Cases:
- Long trips or travel.
- Heavy users of navigation apps who need a long battery life.
- Individuals who only need a phone for basic communication and media consumption.
- Users who prefer a side mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Excellent for those seeking maximum battery life at a lower price point.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who consume a lot of media, those who take many photos/videos, individuals who need dual SIM functionality, users who value 5G, and gamers who need slightly better graphics.
- Use Cases:
- Frequent content consumption (videos, movies).
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system.
- Travelers or professionals using two SIM cards for work and personal use.
- Users who plan to keep their phone for several years.
- Users who need faster internet speeds.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Good for those who want a more well-rounded smartphone experience with better features, with a focus on higher quality screen and camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
What is more important: battery life or display/camera quality?
- If battery life is paramount, choose the G Power (2021).
- If a sharper display, better camera and 5G are more important, choose the G Stylus 5G.
How important are camera versatility and storage space?
- If you frequently use wide-angle shots and need more storage, choose the G Stylus 5G.
- If you only need a basic camera system and little storage, the G Power (2021) may suffice.
Are the higher price and 5G of the Stylus 5G worth the additional cost?
- If you're on a tight budget, the G Power (2021) offers excellent value.
- If you can afford to spend a bit more and want the most modern phone, the G Stylus 5G offers more features for the price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Traveler: Choose the Moto G Power (2021) for its long battery life and ability to last several days without needing a charge.
- Content Creator: Choose the Moto G Stylus 5G for its better camera system and higher resolution screen.
- Frequent Traveler: Choose the Moto G Stylus 5G for its dual SIM capabilities and 5G connectivity.
- Casual User: The Moto G Power (2021) may be the more practical choice for basic everyday use and longer battery life.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G. While the larger battery of the Moto G Power (2021) is tempting, the significantly better screen, versatile camera with wide-angle lens, larger storage, 5G, and more up-to-date OS of the Stylus 5G make it the better all-around phone. The slightly better performance from the GPU and dual-SIM capabilities also make it a better fit for my needs. Although battery life is important, I am comfortable sacrificing a little battery life for the vastly improved display and more feature-rich experience offered by the Stylus 5G.
