Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Nokia C21 Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Nokia C21 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 164.8 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | Moto G Power is slightly thicker (0.9mm) and has a slightly larger overall volume. Nokia is slimmer, which may be more comfortable for some. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 178g | Nokia C21 Plus is significantly lighter (28.5g), making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.52" | Both phones have similar sized displays. The difference (0.08") is negligible for most users. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same HD+ resolution, suitable for everyday tasks but not ideal for high-definition media. |
| PPI | 266 | 269 | Both have very similar pixel density, meaning similar sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same LCD technology, providing decent viewing angles and color reproduction but not as vibrant as AMOLED screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard 60Hz, meaning similar smoothness in everyday use. Not as smooth as 90Hz or 120Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to determine screen brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | The Snapdragon 662 is significantly more powerful (11nm vs 28nm), translating to better performance in apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 109,200 | Moto G Power has a 63% higher benchmark score, indicating noticeably smoother performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | IMG8322 (PowerVR GE8322) | Adreno 610 in Moto G Power is better suited for gaming and graphics intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 13MP | Moto G Power main camera will capture significantly more detailed images compared to Nokia. |
| Front Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Moto G Power's front camera captures more detailed selfies and better low-light performance due to the wider aperture. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both have same depth cameras. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | Not Present | Moto G Power has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Moto G Power is capable of higher frame rate recording, and it has EIS for stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | Moto G Power has a larger battery, likely to provide longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Moto G Power can charge faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable, 10W charger in-box | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. Moto G Power includes a charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | Nokia C21 Plus ships with newer Android version, potentially longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11b/g/n | Moto G Power supports the newer Wi-Fi 5 standard, providing faster and more reliable connections on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 | Moto G Power offers a newer Bluetooth version, potentially more stable and efficient for audio and accessory connectivity. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Nokia allows use of 2 SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB or 64GB | 32GB or 64GB | Both phones have similar internal storage configurations. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 2GB or 4GB | Both offer similar RAM configurations. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage options, which might limit storage of photos, videos, etc. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally faster and more ergonomic. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity | Moto G Power features a more advanced sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset provides significantly better performance than the Unisoc SC9863A, resulting in smoother app usage and better gaming experience.
- Superior Camera System: A higher resolution main camera (48MP vs 13MP), a better front-facing camera (8MP vs 5MP) and the addition of a macro camera provide more flexibility and better image quality.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery combined with the 15W fast charging likely results in significantly better battery life and faster charging speeds.
- More Advanced Connectivity: It supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for faster and more reliable connections.
- More Advanced Sensor Suite: Gyroscope and compass are present which provides more capability.
- Faster Charging: 15W vs 10W charging.
Nokia C21 Plus Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer: The phone is lighter and slimmer, making it potentially more comfortable to handle and carry.
- Newer Software: It ships with a newer Android version.
- Dual Sim: Dual Sim support is present.
Trade-offs:
- The Nokia C21 Plus sacrifices performance, camera quality, and battery capacity for a lighter and slightly slimmer design.
- Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is thicker and heavier, but offers a large jump in performance, battery, and camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize performance: Users who want a smooth experience while using apps and mobile games.
- Users who value battery life: Ideal for users who need their phone to last a full day on a single charge with heavy use.
- Users who take photos frequently: The better main camera and front camera, plus the macro lens offer more flexibility and produce higher quality images.
- Users who value connectivity: The more modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will deliver a more robust connection experience.
- Users who play games: The better GPU will enhance gaming performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Long travel days without access to a charger.
- Casual mobile gaming.
- Taking frequent photos for social media and sharing with friends.
- Running multiple apps at the same time.
Nokia C21 Plus Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a slim and lightweight design: Ideal for users who find larger and heavier phones uncomfortable.
- Users who need dual SIM functionality
- Users with very basic needs: Suitable for users who only make calls, send text messages, and engage in very basic app usage.
- Users who want the latest software
Specific Use Cases:
- Users who need a very basic phone that is easy to carry.
- Users with 2 sim cards for work or personal usage.
- Users who need long software support
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) offers much higher value due to its superior performance, camera system, battery life, and connectivity.
- The Nokia C21 Plus is only suitable for users that require its specific advantages.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? If you need smooth, lag-free app usage and gaming, the Moto G Power (2021) is the clear winner.
- How important is battery life? If you need all-day battery, the Moto G Power (2021) is the better choice due to its larger battery capacity and more efficient fast charging.
- How important is camera quality? If you want to take good quality photos on a budget, the Moto G Power (2021) offers far more in that department.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the gamer or power user: The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the superior choice due to its stronger processor, GPU, and larger battery.
- For the user who prioritizes a lightweight phone and dual sim: The Nokia C21 Plus is better.
- For the budget-conscious user who needs a well-rounded phone: The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a more value driven option thanks to its balanced performance and camera capabilities.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). While it is slightly thicker and heavier, the gains in performance, camera quality, battery life, and connectivity are significant. The Snapdragon 662 chipset makes a huge difference in everyday use. The improved camera system adds flexibility and will capture better photos. Finally, the larger battery and fast charging will guarantee the phone lasts a whole day, a crucial requirement for me. The Nokia C21 Plus is suitable for a very niche use case.
