1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | G04s is more compact, making it easier to handle and pocket. The Power is noticeably thicker and bulkier. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 178.8g | G04s is significantly lighter, improving comfort during extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.56" | Negligible difference, both offer a similar large viewing area for media and general use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Similar sharpness; differences unnoticeable in daily usage. Both are HD+ resolution displays. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 269 PPI | Very similar; both displays appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Identical screen quality and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | G04s provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations; noticeable in UI and compatible apps. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness which means both could struggle in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | G04s has slightly better performance as indicated by the benchmark scores. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 220,000 | G04s offers a slightly faster overall experience. Expect a bit snappier app launches and overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Both are entry-level GPUs, suitable for light gaming. The G04s's GPU is slightly more powerful. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm, 1/2.76" | G04s has a slightly higher resolution sensor with larger pixels that should gather slightly more light for images. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 5MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | G Power provides sharper selfies with more details, and wider aperture means slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | G Power offers depth information for portrait mode; this feature is missing on G04s. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | G Power offers dedicated macro lens for closeup photography; this feature is missing on G04s |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Both record in 1080p, G04s offers electronic stabilization. G Power has 60 fps option. |
| Features | Triple camera | Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS) | G Power offers versatility with a dedicated macro and depth lens, while G04s focuses on image quality |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Identical battery size; expect similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Both support 15W fast charging, which is considered relatively slow for modern fast-charging standards. |
| Charger in-box | 10W | No Charger included | G Power comes with a charger, G04s requires user to provide one (unless bundled in). |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | G04s offers a significantly newer version of Android, with better features, security, and optimizations. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer modern standards, but G04s has Wi-Fi direct and dual band support |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Basic Bluetooth capabilities; G Power has Enhanced Data Rate, which might improve data speeds. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | G04s has more satellite support for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | G04s supports two SIM cards, useful for managing multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64 GB | 64/128/256 GB | G04s offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 4 GB | G04s standardizes on 4GB, sufficient for most daily tasks. G Power can have either 3GB or 4GB depending on the variant. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos | G04s offers enhanced spatial audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer similar basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The G04s offers improved screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | G Power has a compass that the G04s does not. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution (8MP vs 5MP) and wider aperture (f/2.0 vs f/2.2) for better self-portraits, especially in low-light conditions.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Cameras: Offers greater photographic versatility with dedicated macro and depth sensors for close-up shots and portrait mode.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box, which adds convenience and saves additional cost.
- Compass: Additional compass sensor that the G04s lacks.
Motorola Moto G04s Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Significantly smaller and lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and carry.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience compared to the 60Hz of the G Power.
- Improved Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates better performance in benchmarks and daily usage.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14, offering newer features, improved security, and potentially better efficiency.
- Optical Stabilization (OIS): Improves image quality and video stabilization, resulting in sharper and less shaky videos.
- Dual SIM Support: Supports two SIM cards simultaneously, allowing users to manage two phone numbers.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio for a richer listening experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Features Gorilla Glass 3 for better scratch and drop resistance.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 256GB of storage which is more than the G Power.
Significant Trade-offs:
- G Power: Sacrifices size, weight, performance, display smoothness, and OS version for slightly better selfie capabilities, included charger, macro, and depth cameras, as well as an additional compass.
- G04s: Trades the versatility of the G Power's extra cameras and an included charger for a more modern experience, better display and performance, enhanced audio, better screen protection and a lighter more portable build.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Ideal User: Individuals who prioritize versatile camera options, need an included charger, and don't mind a larger and heavier phone. Users who are not concerned about having the latest software.
- Use Cases:
- Users who frequently take selfies and portraits.
- Users who enjoy macro photography for close-up details.
- Users who want a phone with all the essential elements in the box.
- Users who need a compass sensor.
- Price-to-Value: May offer good value for those seeking camera versatility at a lower price point, but consider the older software and bulk.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal User: Individuals who prioritize a smooth user experience, better performance, a more compact build, the latest Android OS, dual-SIM functionality, enhanced audio, and better screen protection.
- Use Cases:
- Users who value a fluid display for everyday use, including social media and browsing.
- Users who want a more portable device with better performance for casual gaming and apps.
- Users who prefer a modern Android experience with the latest features.
- Users who need dual SIM capability for managing multiple phone numbers.
- Users who often stream content on their phone and want enhanced audio.
- Users who want a durable screen.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a great value for those seeking a more modern smartphone at an entry-level price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Camera Priority: Do you need the versatility of macro and depth cameras, or do you prefer slightly higher image quality with an optically stabilized main camera and the latest features?
- Performance vs Portability: Is having a compact, lighter phone with a smoother display and better performance more important than having additional cameras, or is it fine to have a bulkier, older, but versatile phone?
- Android OS: Is it important to have the latest version of Android with its security features, efficiency and enhancements?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Photographer: If you are on a budget and the camera's versatility is key, the Moto G Power (2021) may still be suitable if you can find it at a very low price, but it is important to note that the picture quality won't be as good, the performance will be slightly lower, and it is not as comfortable to use.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User: If you value smoothness, portability, performance and up-to-date features, the Motorola Moto G04s is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Multitasker: If you need dual SIM functionality for work and personal use, the G04s is the only option, though bear in mind its shortcomings.
- Scenario 4: Durability Focused: If you are prone to dropping your phone, the Gorilla Glass 3 on the G04s is superior to unknown protection on the G Power.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Moto G04s. The reasons are as follows:
- Daily Experience: The smoother 90Hz display and the lighter, more compact design would significantly improve my daily user experience. The additional performance would make app loading, multitasking, and general usage snappier and more enjoyable.
- Future Proofing: The newer Android 14 operating system will mean that the G04s will have software support for much longer and benefit from the latest OS improvements.
- Improved screen protection: The Gorilla Glass screen of the G04s offers peace of mind, protecting my phone from accidental scratches and damage that is not offered on the G Power.
- The camera is better in practice: While the G Power seems to be more versatile on paper with its extra depth and macro lenses, the G04s' main camera will offer slightly superior image quality and video stabilization and features like optical stabilization. In reality, the extra camera lenses tend to be low quality and rarely used.
- Improved Sound: The addition of Dolby Atmos sound will result in an enhanced multimedia experience, especially when streaming content.
- More Storage Options: 256GB of storage is far more than is offered by the G Power.
While the G Power's included charger and extra lenses are tempting, in practice, I value the modern design, better performance, and improved software of the G04s more. The extra lenses, while versatile, are likely to be of lower quality, whereas a better main camera and software experience is something I would use daily. While the lack of an included charger is a minor inconvenience, it is a worthwhile trade-off.
