1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.5 mm | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is slightly shorter, wider but thinner making it more pocketable and ergonomic |
| Weight | 206.5g | 190g | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a slightly larger viewing area |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2412 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has significantly sharper text, images, and videos |
| PPI | 266 | 395 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a noticeably sharper and more detailed display |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers much better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a much more powerful and efficient processor for demanding tasks and games |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 805,721 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a more capable GPU for better gaming and graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm, Samsung GN9 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus may perform better in low light with larger sensor size, larger pixels and the Samsung GN9 sensor while Motorola has a wider aperture |
| Front Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus captures significantly higher resolution selfies with more detail with a Samsung sensor, while Moto has wider aperture |
| Rear Portrait | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Rear Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a dedicated macro lens |
| Rear Wide/Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a versatile wide-angle camera that can also be used for macro shots |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS, Slow-mo: 60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, EIS, Slow-mo: 240fps | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus records significantly higher quality video with slow motion and better image stabilization |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, Triple Cam, DIS, AF, Touch Focus, PDAF, LAF, Continuous Shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face Detect, WB, ISO, Exp Comp, Scene Mode, Self-Timer | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Digital Zoom, Dual Cam, DIS, OIS, AF, Touch Focus, PDAF, Continuous Shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face Detect, WB, ISO, Exp Comp, Scene Mode, Self-Timer, RAW, Night Mode | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers more advanced features like OIS, 4K recording, RAW capture, and Night Mode. Motorola has additional LAF functionality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 50W fast charging | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus charges much faster |
| In-box charger | 10W | None | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) includes a charger in the box, whereas the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus does not |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a much newer Android version with more features and longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus supports faster and more stable Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a newer Bluetooth version with improved performance |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus supports more satellite systems for better accuracy |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus can use two SIM cards simultaneously |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB or 64GB | 256GB | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers significantly more built-in storage |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 12GB | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers much more RAM for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers superior audio quality with stereo speakers and better microphone array |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Basic fingerprint sensor | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) provides more advanced fingerprint sensor implementation |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has more robust screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a Gravity sensor, which is useful for specific applications and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Lower initial cost: Likely significantly cheaper given its older release and lower specs.
- Included Charger: Comes with a charger in the box.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth cameras: Offers dedicated sensors for Macro and portrait mode
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Potentially faster and more ergonomic than the standard fingerprint sensor on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
Practical Implications: A budget-friendly option for users who prioritize basic functionality and affordability over advanced features. Good for those who prefer to have a charger included.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness for an excellent viewing experience.
- Much Faster Performance: A significantly faster processor and more RAM for smoother multitasking, gaming, and app loading.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution sensors with superior image and video quality, especially in low light with OIS and 4K recording.
- Modern Software: Runs on a much newer version of Android with longer software update support.
- Faster Charging: 50W fast charging for quicker refills.
- More Storage and RAM: Significantly more internal storage and RAM for ample space and multitasking.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for improved wireless performance.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio for a superior listening experience.
- Wide/Macro lens: A versatile lens for both wide angle and macro photography
- Better build quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides more robust screen protection
- Gravity sensor: Adds functionality for specific applications.
Practical Implications: A more premium experience with advanced features, offering better performance, display, camera quality and software, suitable for demanding users.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G Power (2021): Significant compromises in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities compared to Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. Slower charging and older software.
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: Likely more expensive and does not include a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a functional phone for basic tasks like calls, texting, browsing, and occasional media consumption. Individuals who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Use Cases:
- A basic phone for students or older adults.
- Secondary phone for emergencies.
- Users who prioritize battery life and do not engage in heavy gaming or multimedia.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a very affordable option with a focus on basic functionality and longevity (thanks to the large battery). The value proposition is focused on low-cost functionality
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, mobile gamers, avid photographers, and users who prioritize a premium mobile experience with smooth performance, advanced features, and high quality media consumption
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Multitasking between several apps.
- Heavy media consumption (videos, music).
- Users who appreciate having the latest technology and software.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a premium experience with a significant jump in performance and features, which is justified for users with the budget. The value proposition is focused on high quality experience and performance
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) will be significantly cheaper, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will likely be much more expensive due to higher-end features.
- What are my primary use cases? Do I need a phone for basic tasks, or do I need a phone for gaming, photography, and media consumption?
- How important are high quality features like display and camera quality to me? If display and camera are important, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a much better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget If you are on a tight budget and simply need a functional smartphone for basic tasks, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) could suffice. However, be prepared for a significantly less premium experience than the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Features: If you want a premium experience, smooth performance, high quality camera, advanced features and the best possible experience, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the superior option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Needs: If you have a slightly bigger budget, but value performance, display and quality, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is again the better choice. The older Motorola phone won't cut it.
What I would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. While I acknowledge that the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) serves a purpose for budget-conscious users, the overall experience of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is far superior. My priorities are:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is crucial for my daily usage, making browsing, watching videos, and general phone use much more enjoyable.
- Performance: I frequently use my phone for multitasking and gaming, which the Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset and 12GB of RAM on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus would handle much better than the Snapdragon 662.
- Camera Quality: I take a lot of pictures and videos, and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's camera is vastly superior in terms of sensor size, features, and video capabilities. I wouldn't want to be limited by the older camera features in the Motorola.
- Software Experience: Having the latest Android version ensures I have the best features, security, and longer software support, which is important to me.
While the lack of an in-box charger is a minor inconvenience and it would be more expensive, the significant improvements across the board in display, performance, camera, and software make the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus the clear choice for my needs.
