Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Nothing Phone (2a)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-14 | 2024-03-12 | Nothing Phone (2a) is significantly newer, benefiting from advancements in technology and software. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.6 mm | Nothing Phone (2a) is more compact (shorter and thinner), likely feeling more comfortable in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 190g | Nothing Phone (2a) is lighter, making it easier to hold and use for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2a) offers a slightly larger screen, providing a bit more viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Nothing Phone (2a) has a much sharper display with significantly more detail visible. |
| PPI | 266 | 394 | Nothing Phone (2a) has a much sharper image with higher pixel density; text and images will look much crisper on the Nothing Phone. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Nothing Phone (2a) offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors. It also enables better battery life with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (2a) provides much smoother scrolling, animations and potentially a more responsive feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) is drastically more visible in bright sunlight, making outdoor use much easier. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm) | Nothing Phone (2a)'s chipset is significantly more powerful and energy-efficient, offering much faster performance and better battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 688,952 | Nothing Phone (2a) has drastically better performance in daily tasks and demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Nothing Phone (2a) offers a much more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance for games and media. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life, depending on usage and software optimization. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Nothing Phone (2a) charges much faster, getting you back to a full charge more quickly. |
| Charger | 10W charger included | No charger in box | Motorola Moto G Power includes a charger in the box, while you'll need to purchase one separately for the Nothing Phone (2a). |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.88 | Nothing Phone (2a) has a slightly higher resolution with a slightly smaller aperture and larger sensor, likely resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 32MP f/2.2 | Nothing Phone (2a) has a much higher resolution for significantly more detailed selfies. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide/Macro | None | 50MP f/2.2 | Nothing Phone (2a) has a dedicated Wide angle + Macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps with EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS | Nothing Phone (2a) offers higher resolution video and better video stabilization capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Nothing Phone (2a) has a much more modern OS with access to the latest features, security updates, and improvements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Nothing Phone (2a) supports faster and more stable Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi 6. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) uses a newer version, offering more reliable connections and improved audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (2a) is expected to have superior location accuracy due to broader satellite support. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Nothing Phone (2a) can use two SIM cards simultaneously, useful for travel or separating work and personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 128/256 GB | Nothing Phone (2a) offers significantly more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 8/12 GB | Nothing Phone (2a) has more RAM for smoother multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Nothing Phone (2a) provides superior audio experience with higher quality playback, better audio separation and improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Motorola's side mounted fingerprint sensor might be more convenient for some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) has a more durable screen with Gorilla Glass protection against scratches and impacts. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Included Charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box, offering immediate use without additional purchase.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Offers dedicated macro and depth sensors, which may appeal to users who enjoy these features.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users might find this more convenient than a basic fingerprint sensor.
Nothing Phone (2a) Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: Much faster processor and GPU resulting in drastically better performance for apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, brighter screen, vibrant AMOLED panel, and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a far better visual experience.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and front-facing cameras, superior video capabilities (4K), and wide-angle lens with macro capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging for much quicker battery top-ups.
- Modern Software: Runs on the latest Android version with future updates available.
- More Storage and RAM: Significantly more internal storage and RAM for better multitasking and storage for media and apps.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers, and 3 microphones for a better audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and newer Bluetooth versions.
- Dual SIM Support: Ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Includes more sensors for better location accuracy and advanced features.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers more protection than the Motorola.
Trade-offs:
- Nothing Phone (2a) lacks a charger in the box: This means an additional purchase is needed.
- Motorola Moto G Power has dedicated macro and depth lenses while the Nothing Phone (2a) combines macro functionality with its ultrawide lens, which may or may not be preferable to some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is ideal for:
- Users on a very tight budget who need a functional phone with a large battery and a basic camera.
- Those who prefer the convenience of a charger included in the box.
- Users who want a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots and a dedicated macro lens.
- Individuals who prefer a more standard fingerprint sensor.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic browsing, social media, and calling.
- Users prioritize battery life over performance and advanced features.
- Individuals who only need a secondary phone or are very budget-conscious.
Nothing Phone (2a) is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Those who enjoy mobile gaming, photography and videography.
- Users who want a more modern smartphone experience with better software and fast charging.
- Users who value overall performance and a modern user experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Heavy multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- High-quality photography and video recording.
- Users who enjoy streaming and content consumption with excellent visuals.
- Those who need a phone for professional use with Dual SIM capability.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) provides basic functionality at a lower initial price point, but the dated technology may limit its usability in the long run.
- The Nothing Phone (2a) offers significantly better value for the money, providing substantially superior performance, display, camera, and features for its price, even accounting for the need to buy a separate charger.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If you're on a very strict budget, the Motorola might be more attractive initially, but it has significant compromises.
- How important is performance and display quality? If you value smooth performance and high-quality visuals, the Nothing Phone (2a) is the clear winner.
- What are your primary use cases for the phone? If you only need basic functionality, the Motorola may suffice, but if you use demanding apps, games, or cameras heavily, the Nothing Phone (2a) is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User with Limited Budget - If budget is the absolute priority and you only need a phone for basic tasks, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is acceptable.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Display Priority - If you prioritize a smooth user experience, great visuals, and better gaming performance, the Nothing Phone (2a) is the better option, even with the added cost of the charger.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography Focus - If you plan to take a lot of pictures and videos, the Nothing Phone (2a) offers a superior camera system, better video recording capabilities, and additional features such as OIS and Night Mode.
- Scenario 4: Mobile Gaming and Multitasking - If you are into mobile gaming, the better chip, more ram and smoother screen on the Nothing Phone (2a) will drastically enhance your experience.
My Choice and Explanation
I would choose the Nothing Phone (2a).
Here's why:
While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) might initially seem appealing due to its lower price and included charger, the performance and display of the Nothing Phone (2a) are so drastically superior that it justifies the additional investment (including purchasing a charger). The Nothing Phone (2a)'s chipset, RAM, storage, display, camera, and connectivity are on another level. The smooth user experience, combined with the ability to play games, take good photos and videos, make it the obvious choice.
The user experience of using a device with a low-resolution, 60Hz display is not very good and its only advantage is that it includes the charger. In the long run, the Nothing Phone (2a) delivers far more value due to its more modern technology and much better experience in pretty much every scenario. The lack of expandable storage is a trade-off, but the higher storage options of the Nothing Phone (2a) should be adequate for most users.
