Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. OnePlus Nord 2T
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord 2T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm | The Nord 2T is smaller, thinner, and lighter making it easier to handle and pocket. The G Power is bulkier and may feel less comfortable for long periods. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 190g | The Nord 2T is significantly lighter which improves comfort during extended use, the G Power might cause some fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.43" | The G Power has a slightly larger screen, which could be preferred for media consumption, while the Nord 2T is more compact and easier to use one-handed. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Nord 2T's higher resolution results in sharper text and images, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The G Power will appear less crisp. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 409 PPI | The Nord 2T's higher PPI provides much clearer images and text, especially noticeable when reading or viewing detailed content. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Nord 2T's AMOLED screen offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the G Power's LCD. Also, AMOLED is more power-efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Nord 2T has a smoother display with the 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations appear more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, which is not helpful. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Dimensity 1300 (6nm) | The Nord 2T's chip is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 699,576 | The Nord 2T achieves much higher benchmark scores indicating superior overall performance, making it significantly faster in daily use and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G77 MC9 | The Nord 2T's GPU will handle graphically intensive tasks better than the G Power. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sensor | The Nord 2T generally captures superior images due to a larger sensor size and modern processing. The larger pixel size also helps with low-light photography. The G Power has a wider aperture, but the Nord 2T's sensor size results in better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 32MP f/2.4, 1/2.74" Sensor | The Nord 2T's selfie camera produces significantly higher-resolution images with better detail, although the G Power has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP f/2.2 | The Nord 2T offers a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | The G Power has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | The G Power offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | N/A | 2MP f/2.2 | The Nord 2T provides an additional B&W lens for creative shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, EIS | The Nord 2T can shoot 4K video and has higher frame rate options for smoother video with more advanced features, while the G Power offers only FHD recording. The Nord 2T also has better video stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score | N/A | Mobile:114, Photo:119, Video:123 | The Nord 2T has a validated camera performance. |
| Camera Features | LAF, Panorama | 4K Video, OIS, Night Mode | Nord 2T provides better image and video quality while the G Power provides additional focus features and Panorama. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The G Power has a larger battery which likely results in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The Nord 2T charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. The G Power charges much slower. |
| Charger | 10W in-box | N/A | The G Power includes a charger in-box, which is useful in case you don't have one. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | The Nord 2T has a more modern operating system and will receive updates to Android 14. The G Power runs on an older OS with no more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi 6 | The Nord 2T has newer WiFi for faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The Nord 2T supports a newer Bluetooth version for better efficiency and audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | The Nord 2T provides better location accuracy by using more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | The Nord 2T allows two SIM cards to be used simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64 GB | 128/256 GB | The Nord 2T offers significantly more internal storage space. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 8/12 GB | The Nord 2T has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | The Nord 2T has better audio quality with clear calls and immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The G Power provides a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Nord 2T has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have the same comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life, suitable for users who need their phone to last all day.
- Lower Price Point: The G Power is likely to be more affordable which makes it suitable for budget-conscious consumers.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Lens: Useful for niche photography scenarios.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint sensor
OnePlus Nord 2T Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 1300 chip offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and future-proofing.
- Higher Quality Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate makes for a much better visual experience.
- Faster Charging: The 80W fast charging is much faster, which makes it much more practical.
- Better Cameras: The main and selfie cameras have higher resolution, larger sensors, more advanced features, and more versatile shooting options with the additional lenses, leading to better image quality.
- More Modern Software: The phone runs a newer Android version with better support.
- More Storage and RAM: The Nord 2T offers more storage and RAM, which is crucial for the modern usage of phones.
- Better Connectivity The Nord 2T has newer and better connectivity.
- Better Audio Quality The Nord 2T has stereo speakers and a noise cancellation mic.
- Superior screen protection Corning Gorilla Glass 5
- Validated Camera Performance DxoMark score
Trade-offs:
- Motorola: The G Power sacrifices performance, display quality, charging speed, camera quality, and more features for a lower price and longer battery life.
- OnePlus: The Nord 2T sacrifices some battery capacity for superior performance, display, camera, and charging capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritizing affordability and battery life over high-end performance and features.
- Users with Basic Needs: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, and basic web browsing.
- Users Who Need Extended Battery Life: Those who frequently travel or are away from power outlets for extended periods of time.
Use Cases:
- Backup phone: Reliable for basic functions.
- Budget-friendly phone for basic tasks: A good option for seniors or people who need a basic phone.
OnePlus Nord 2T Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a fast and responsive device for gaming and multitasking.
- Photography Lovers: Those seeking a better camera system with more features for higher quality pictures and video.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality and performance for watching videos, playing games, and general daily usage.
- Users who Value Fast Charging: Those who need to quickly charge their phone and get back on the go.
- Users who need more storage: For users that take a lot of pictures and videos.
- Users who need to use two sims: For users that need a work and personal sim.
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Provides smooth gameplay and responsive controls.
- Content Creation: Ideal for taking high-quality photos and videos.
- Everyday Multitasking: Manages multiple applications with ease.
- General Media Consumption: Provides an overall good experience for movies, videos, and web browsing.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a high-performance phone for gaming and demanding tasks, or is a basic experience sufficient?
- Camera Quality: How important is it to have good photos and video quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Long Battery Life Required - Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). This is the better value proposition if you're on a strict budget and need long battery life.
- Scenario 2: Moderate Budget, Better Performance & Features - Choose the OnePlus Nord 2T. It provides far better performance, a better display, significantly faster charging, better cameras, and more features, making it worth the extra money if it fits your budget.
- Scenario 3: Prioritizing Camera Quality and Media Consumption: Choose the OnePlus Nord 2T. Its superior camera system and display will greatly enhance the experience of photography and viewing media.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus Nord 2T. While the Motorola G Power has a bigger battery, its advantages stop there.
The OnePlus Nord 2T is superior in almost every other aspect: faster performance, a much better display, significantly better cameras, much faster charging, more storage, more RAM, better connectivity, better audio quality, and better software. It's better in all ways that matter in daily use. The difference in battery life is not significant enough to outweigh these advantages. Also, the fast charging will mitigate that potential issue.
I personally value performance and camera quality more than battery life and I think the advantages of the Nord 2T will be worth it, even for the extra cost.
