1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | G51 5G is taller and slightly wider, G Power (2021) is thicker; G51 5G might feel slightly larger in hand. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 208g | Negligible difference in weight; Both will feel similarly substantial in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | G51 5G offers a marginally larger screen; a bit more viewing area for media and browsing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | G51 5G has a much sharper display; clearer text and images, better detail for media consumption. |
| PPI | 266 | 387 | G51 5G provides significantly higher pixel density, resulting in noticeably sharper and more detailed visuals. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar display quality in terms of color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | G51 5G's 120Hz refresh rate provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, however actual typical brightness may be different. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | G51 5G's chipset offers better performance; faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 381,000 | G51 5G provides a significantly faster and smoother experience in everyday use and more demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | G51 5G has a more capable GPU; better graphics performance for gaming and GPU intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | G51 5G has slightly higher resolution but a slightly narrower aperture. Low light performance should be better on the G Power due to wider aperture |
| Front Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.2 | G51 5G captures more detailed selfies, though slightly narrower aperture will impact low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP | G51 5G offers an ultrawide lens; more versatile photography options. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP | No | G Power (2021) has a dedicated depth sensor, though image quality can still vary. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer similar macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60/240fps | G51 5G offers higher frame rate options including slow motion 240fps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life for typical usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | G Power (2021) charges faster; shorter wait times to get back to full power. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion Polymer | Li-Ion | Minimal practical difference to the user, impacts internal cell composition more than day to day usage. |
| In-box Charger | 10W charger in box | Not specified | G Power (2021) comes with an in-box charger, potential cost savings if user does not have a compatible charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | G51 5G offers a newer OS version and potentially better long-term software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar WiFi standards, G51 5G has Wifi Direct and Dual band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | G51 5G has a slightly more modern Bluetooth version, but most users will see little practical difference. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | G51 5G offers more precise location tracking due to support for Beidou. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | G51 5G supports two SIM cards simultaneously, useful for separating work and personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 64GB/128GB | G51 5G offers more storage options; more room for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 4GB/8GB | G51 5G has more RAM, better for multitasking and switching between apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | G51 5G offers enhanced sound quality and better voice clarity for calls and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | side-mounted | Similar fingerprint sensor technology, both allow quick and easy biometric authentication |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | G Power (2021) provides a compass, useful for navigation; both offer standard set of sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones feature some screen protection, but type is not specified. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging allows quicker battery top-ups, reducing downtime.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: f/1.7 aperture on the main camera could result in slightly better low-light performance.
- In-box Charger: Comes with a charger included, saving potential extra purchase costs.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated depth camera, although its impact on final image quality can be varied.
- Compass Sensor: Features a compass sensor.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 480+ 5G offers a significantly faster and smoother user experience with a much higher AnTuTu score.
- Higher Resolution Display: 1080p display offers sharper and more detailed visuals compared to the 720p display on the Moto G Power.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate leads to noticeably smoother scrolling and animations.
- More Versatile Camera: Includes a dedicated wide angle lens.
- Better Selfie Camera: 13MP front camera captures more detailed selfies.
- 5G Connectivity: Supports 5G networks for faster data speeds.
- More RAM/Storage Options: Comes with 4GB/8GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of storage, providing better multitasking and space for media.
- More Modern OS: Android 11 out of the box, with an update to Android 12.
- Better Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos and dual microphones for better audio quality.
- More Precise GPS: Supports more satellite systems (including Beidou) for improved location accuracy.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows using two SIM cards simultaneously.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G Power (2021) has faster charging but a less powerful chipset.
- The Moto G51 5G has a better display and performance but lacks a dedicated depth sensor and ships with slower 10W charger (in-box charger not specified).
- Both phones do not feature expendable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users seeking a basic smartphone with long battery life at a lower price point.
- Light Users: Those who prioritize long battery life, a basic camera, and are not concerned with gaming or demanding tasks.
- Users with Existing Chargers: People who already have a compatible charger, the included charger saves on extra purchase costs, and if not, can save a purchase later down the line.
Use Cases:
- Web browsing, social media, and basic app usage.
- Extended use without frequent charging.
- Casual photography in daylight.
- Phone calls and messaging.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Ideal User:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who want a smoother and faster experience for everyday use and gaming.
- Media Consumers: Users who value higher resolution and a smoother display for watching videos and browsing.
- Photo Enthusiasts: Those who want a more versatile camera with wide-angle capabilities.
- Users Needing More Storage/RAM: Individuals who download many apps or need to multitask frequently.
- Future-Proofing: People who want 5G capability.
Use Cases:
- Smooth multitasking, running demanding apps, and playing graphically intensive games.
- Watching high-resolution videos and streaming content.
- Capturing photos and videos with more versatile lens options.
- Using dual SIM cards for work and personal lines.
- Using a phone for precise navigation due to enhanced satellite support.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Moto G Power (2021) offers an affordable entry point with great battery life at the expense of overall performance, display quality, and features.
- The Moto G51 5G delivers a more premium experience with better performance, a superior display, and a more capable camera system, at a higher cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., basic communication, gaming, photography, media consumption).
- How important is display quality, performance, and camera versatility?
- What's your budget limit?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you prioritize battery life above all else and have a very tight budget, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a reasonable choice, offering a long lasting battery life. However, the device is noticeably less powerful and the display is subpar compared to the G51 5G.
- Scenario 2: If you want a better all-around experience, smooth performance, a high-quality display, and a more versatile camera system, the Motorola Moto G51 5G is the better choice. The device will serve better for gaming and media consumption.
- Scenario 3: If you are a student looking for a device on a tight budget, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) may be adequate for basic note taking and online research. If you plan to do any gaming or streaming, the Motorola Moto G51 5G would be better suited.
- Scenario 4: If you're looking for a device that is a long term purchase, the Motorola Moto G51 5G would be better as it is a more modern phone with more modern software, chipset, and 5G compatibility.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Motorola Moto G51 5G.
Reasoning:
While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has the edge in terms of battery charging speeds, the Motorola Moto G51 5G offers a far more superior overall experience. The significantly better performance (as evidenced by the AnTuTu benchmark), higher resolution and refresh rate screen, versatile camera system with ultrawide lens, 5G support, superior audio, and additional RAM and storage options make it a more future-proof and enjoyable device to use in the long run.
I frequently use my phone for a variety of tasks such as browsing, streaming videos, social media, and occasionally playing games. The G51 5G's smoother performance and higher-quality display are significant upgrades that would directly enhance my daily experience. The inclusion of a wide-angle lens in the camera system also makes the device a more versatile photography tool. Additionally, the dual sim functionality is useful for separating work and personal life.
Even though the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has an included charger, faster charging capabilities are not important enough to me to offset the significant differences in user experience when compared with the G51 5G.
