1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | G71 5G is more compact and pocketable; G Power is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 179g | G71 5G is significantly lighter, more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.4" | G Power has a slightly larger screen, but difference is small. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | G71 5G is much sharper, text and images look clearer. |
| PPI | 266 | 411 | G71 5G has much better pixel density for a smoother viewing experience |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | G71 5G has better contrast, colors, and power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard smoothness, no difference. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is the same on both phones. Unknown maximum brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | G71 5G is much faster, apps open quicker, better gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 396,564 | G71 5G has more than double the performance score, meaning it performs significantly better. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | G71 5G has a more capable GPU for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | G71 5G has slightly higher resolution, G Power has a wider aperture. Real-world difference depends on lighting and use case. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.2 | G71 5G has much higher resolution, G Power has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | G71 5G can take wide-angle photos, while G Power cannot. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | G Power has dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro camera for close up photos. Pixel size for the G71 5G's macro lens is not provided. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30/60fps | Both record similar video quality, but the G Power features EIS. |
| Additional Features | Basic camera features | Optical zoom, RAW support | G71 5G has more professional features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery life between the two, though real-world usage impacts this |
| Charging | 15W | 33W | G71 5G charges much faster. |
| In-box Charger | 10W | Not specified | G Power comes with a charger; G71 5G charger information is not given |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | G71 5G has a newer OS and will get future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar WiFi, G71 5G has Dual band & Wi-Fi Direct capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, EDR | 5.0 LE | G Power features EDR. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | G71 5G supports more satellite systems for location. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | G71 5G can use two SIM cards at once. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64GB | 128 GB | G71 5G has significantly more storage. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 6/8GB | G71 5G has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | G71 5G has better audio with stereo support and better microphone configuration. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Rear-mounted | Placement is subjective, both offer biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both have unknown screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | G Power has a compass, G71 5G has a hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly larger screen: Good for users who prefer a bigger display.
- Wider aperture on main and selfie camera: Potentially better low-light performance, though real-world testing would confirm this.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Can provide better depth information for portrait-mode photos.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor: Some may prefer side placement over rear.
- In-box charger: Provides a charger, while the G71 5G charger information is not given.
- Compass: Offers additional navigation features.
Motorola Moto G71 5G Advantages:
- Significantly better display: Higher resolution and AMOLED tech offer a much sharper and more vibrant viewing experience.
- Much Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 695 offers far better performance, smoother for apps and games.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is significantly quicker than 15W.
- More RAM: More RAM for better multitasking, running apps and games more smoothly.
- More Storage: Comes with 128 GB of internal storage compared to the 32 GB and 64 GB options of the Moto G Power.
- Wide-angle camera: Provides more versatility in taking photos.
- Optical zoom and RAW support: Provides more professional camera features.
- Dual SIM support: Ability to use two SIM cards at once.
- Dolby Atmos & 2 Microphones: Enhanced spatial sound and improved voice pickup.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 11 and has future updates.
- Hall Sensor: Useful for certain types of apps and accessories.
- Supports more satellite systems: Better location accuracy.
- Lighter build: More comfortable for extended use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Moto G Power trades a much better display, processing power, and camera features for slightly larger size, side-mounted sensor and a dedicated depth sensor.
- The Moto G71 5G does not have a dedicated depth sensor which might be missed by some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritize affordability over top-tier performance.
- Users with vision impairments: Users that need a larger screen for readability.
- Basic smartphone users: People who mainly use their phones for calls, texts, and basic browsing.
- Users who prefer simple side fingerprint sensors.
Use Cases:
- Long battery life is key.
- Occasional social media, web browsing, and basic app usage.
- Casual photography with an emphasis on portrait photos.
Motorola Moto G71 5G Ideal User:
- Users seeking better performance: For smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Users valuing display quality: For vibrant and clear media consumption.
- Users needing more storage: For storing photos, videos and games.
- Users who take lots of photos: Wide angle is a plus, and better picture quality is desired.
- Users wanting fast charging: Quick top-ups when necessary.
- Users looking for future-proof device: Newer operating system and better performance.
Use Cases:
- Frequent mobile gaming and video streaming.
- Multi-tasking between several applications.
- Regular photography, especially wide-angle shots.
- Users who prefer to watch media in high-definition.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Moto G Power (2021) offers decent value for budget-conscious users needing a basic phone.
- The Moto G71 5G offers superior value for users who are willing to spend a bit more for better display, performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Moto G Power (2021) is likely cheaper, while the G71 5G offers a more premium experience at a higher price.
- How important is display quality and performance? If you prioritize visual experience and smooth operation, the G71 5G is a much better option.
- What are your main use cases? If you need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks, the G Power suffices. If you require better performance, camera features, and speed, the G71 5G is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, browsing, and the odd photo, and price is the primary concern. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Power (2021).
- Scenario 2: You want a smooth user experience, better camera, play some games, and value a sharp display and fast charging. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G71 5G.
- Scenario 3: You need a phone for professional photos and videos, and you would like RAW support. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G71 5G.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G71 5G.
Here's why:
While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) offers a slightly larger screen and a lower price point, the improvements in the Motorola Moto G71 5G are significantly more compelling for my use case. The AMOLED display with its higher resolution and vibrancy is a huge upgrade that makes content consumption far more enjoyable. The performance boost from the Snapdragon 695 is substantial, ensuring a smoother and more responsive user experience, which is essential for both daily tasks and occasional gaming. The faster charging is also a considerable convenience. The inclusion of a wide-angle camera, optical zoom, RAW support, and improved audio features of the G71 5G mean I'd be getting a much more versatile and capable device. While the fingerprint sensor is rear-mounted and it lacks the depth sensor, the advantages of the G71 5G significantly outweigh its drawbacks. For the price point, it is a much more capable and feature-rich phone.
