1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 162.6 × 75 × 8 mm | Motorola is taller and thicker, feeling bulkier. OnePlus is more pocketable and sleeker. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 199.5g | OnePlus is slightly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.74" | OnePlus has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1240x2772 | OnePlus has a much sharper display, text and images are much clearer. |
| PPI | 266 | 450 | OnePlus offers significantly sharper visuals with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | OnePlus offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, also better for battery in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus provides smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2200 nits | OnePlus display is much brighter, offers better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | OnePlus has a much faster and more efficient chipset, leading to quicker app launches and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 1,366,982 | OnePlus is significantly faster, able to handle demanding tasks with ease, also more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 732 | OnePlus has a more powerful GPU, offers improved gaming performance and graphics. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" Sony LYT-600, 0.80µm | OnePlus main camera is likely to perform better due to larger sensor and newer tech, despite a slightly smaller aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471, 1.00µm | OnePlus has a higher resolution selfie camera that should take better selfies in most lighting conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355, 1.14µm | OnePlus offers a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography, while Motorola lacks one. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Motorola has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, though software may be able to achieve similar results. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Motorola offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps with EIS | 4K@60fps with EIS | OnePlus captures higher-resolution video with greater detail, also features a 120fps mode |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | OIS, EIS | OnePlus benefits from the addition of Optical image stabilisation. |
| Camera Features | Triple cam, Laser AF, PDAF | Dual cam, OIS, PDAF | OnePlus has OIS which helps produce clearer photos and smoother video |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | OnePlus has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 100W fast charging | OnePlus charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | 10W charger in-box | None | Motorola includes a charger, whereas one isn't mentioned with the OnePlus. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | OnePlus has a much newer operating system with the latest features and security updates. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | OnePlus has faster and more efficient WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.4 | OnePlus has the latest Bluetooth with improved connectivity and codec support for higher-quality audio |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | OnePlus offers more precise and reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | OnePlus supports two SIM cards, ideal for travel or separating work and personal use. |
Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 32 GB or 64 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB | OnePlus offers significantly more storage space for media, apps, and files. |
| RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 8 GB, 12 GB, or 16 GB | OnePlus offers much more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage, so you need to choose your storage option wisely. |
Audio, Security & Sensors
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio | Basic | Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | OnePlus provides better audio quality and clearer calls. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted sensor may be more ergonomically practical. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, Geomagnetic | OnePlus has a more comprehensive set of sensors which can enable more features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated lens for close-up photos, which the OnePlus lacks.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be preferable ergonomically to some.
Practical Implications: Good for users who prioritize macro and portrait photography or who don't have a charger at home already.
OnePlus Nord 4 Advantages
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness for a better viewing experience.
- Much Faster Performance: The significantly faster processor provides better responsiveness, app loading times, and gaming performance.
- Much Larger RAM & Storage: Offers considerably more RAM and storage for better multitasking and file capacity.
- Faster Charging: Much faster charging with 100W capabilities gets you powered up quickly.
- Better Cameras: Main camera likely produces better results and video recording is superior with 4K recording and OIS.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers offer a more immersive audio experience.
- Newer Software: Runs on Android 14 with more modern features and security updates.
- Improved Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards, and has a wider range of location services.
- Wider Range of sensors: Includes Gravity and Geomagnetic sensors
Practical Implications: Ideal for users seeking a premium experience with excellent performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
Significant Trade-offs
- Motorola: Lacks the premium experience in display quality, processing power and camera quality. Older OS and slower charging.
- OnePlus: Lacks a dedicated Macro lens, does not ship with a charger.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, or those with very simple smartphone needs.
- Use Cases:
- Basic everyday tasks: Calls, texts, light browsing.
- Users who take macro photos or portrait photos using a dedicated depth sensor
- Users who appreciate getting a charger included with the phone.
- Those needing a long-lasting battery for basic use cases.
- Price-to-Value: This is a budget device that offers a decent battery life.
OnePlus Nord 4
- Ideal User: Users looking for a premium mid-range experience, demanding users and gamers.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding apps, smooth gaming, and fast performance.
- High-quality video recording and superior photo performance.
- Media consumption with a vibrant, smooth display.
- Multitasking between apps efficiently.
- Users that want a phone that is future-proof and want to avoid the purchase of a new phone soon.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price but offers significantly more powerful performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Here are key questions for potential buyers:
- What is my budget? The Moto G Power is a budget device, while the Nord 4 is a higher-priced mid-ranger.
- How important is performance? The Nord 4 is significantly faster, making it ideal for heavy users and gamers, whereas the G Power is adequate for only basic tasks.
- What kind of display quality do I need? The Nord 4 boasts a superior display compared to the G Power.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Budget. If you only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing, and budget is your primary concern, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Moderate User With Some Media Consumption. If you prioritize a good display and want to take decent pictures, the OnePlus Nord 4 would be the far better choice.
- Scenario 3: Power User/Gamer. If you need a phone for demanding apps, gaming, or multitasking, the OnePlus Nord 4 is the clear winner with its much better performance and better display.
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the OnePlus Nord 4.
While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a lower price point, the OnePlus Nord 4 offers significant improvements in almost every aspect that matter for a great smartphone experience: display, performance, camera quality, charging speed, and future-proofing.
Here's a detailed breakdown of my reasoning:
- Display: The AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate on the Nord 4 is a massive upgrade. For me, having a bright, vibrant screen makes a noticeable difference for everything from browsing to watching videos.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is way more powerful and efficient than the Snapdragon 662. It will make apps load faster, multitasking smoother, and even allow for a much more pleasant gaming experience if desired.
- Camera: The camera system on the Nord 4 is much more versatile with a much better main camera and also adds the use of a wide-angle lens. The 4K video recording with OIS is a big plus for better overall video quality.
- Battery and Charging: The larger battery and especially the 100W fast charging on the Nord 4 are compelling. Being able to charge your phone very quickly is a huge convenience.
- Software & Connectivity: The Nord 4 has a more modern Android version and better WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring it remains more up-to-date and future-proof for a longer duration.
- Longevity: The Nord 4 is the more future-proof choice of these two phones.
While the Moto G Power does come with a charger in the box and a dedicated macro lens, the overall user experience of the Nord 4 is vastly superior. The Nord 4 is a far better investment for a much better, more premium, smartphone experience that I feel is well worth the extra cost.
