1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) and the OnePlus Nord N20 SE, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 163.8 × 75 × 8 mm | OnePlus is slightly smaller and noticeably thinner, better for pocket and one-hand use. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 187g | OnePlus is lighter, feels less bulky during long usage. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.56" | Very similar screen sizes, almost no noticeable difference in daily usage. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Visually indistinguishable, both are standard HD+ resolutions for this price range. |
| PPI | 266 | 269 | Virtually identical pixel density. Sharpness of text and images will be similar. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles, no noticeable difference there. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rates, no difference in smoothness or fluidity for daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is not stated, we have to rely on reviews to get an understanding. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | MediaTek Helio G35 (12 nm) | The OnePlus chip, though also budget, scores higher on benchmark and will feel slightly smoother for everyday task. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 221,000 | OnePlus will have slightly faster app loading times, smoother scrolling and operation, more responsive in multitasking scenarios. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 | Slight difference in graphics processing; generally, Adreno has an advantage in raw graphical prowess and will handle games slightly better, but the difference is minor in this case. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7, 0.80µm pixel size | 50MP f/1.8, 0.64µm pixel size | OnePlus takes higher resolution pictures; Motorola has a wider aperture which could help with low-light (but not always). The smaller pixel size on the N20SE could result in higher noise in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0, 1.12µm pixel size | 8MP f/2.0, 1.12µm pixel size | Similar quality for selfies, comparable sharpness and light capturing. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | 2MP f/2.4, unknown pixel size | Same functionality for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | None | Motorola can take very close up pictures. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Motorola offers 60fps video for smoother footage and EIS for stability. OnePlus is capped at 30 fps and has less sophisticated stabilization. |
| Slow-Motion | Yes, 60 fps | No, 30fps | Motorola offers better slow-motion video capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | OnePlus charges significantly faster, reducing waiting times and getting more use out of the phone. |
| Features | 10W Charger In-Box | Non-Removable | Motorola has an inbox charger whereas this is not specified for OnePlus, OnePlus has no removable battery. |
Other
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | OnePlus has a newer operating system, likely offering a better user experience, enhanced security, and access to more recent features. |
| Storage | 32GB/64GB | 64GB/128GB | OnePlus has double the storage in its base configuration (64GB vs 32GB), a significant upgrade for storing files, media, and apps. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 4GB | 4GB RAM is the minimum today for decent multitasking, the N20 SE has this at base. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Hotspot, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | OnePlus has additional features for WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus offers a more modern Bluetooth version with support for higher-fidelity codecs. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | OnePlus allows you to use two SIM cards at the same time. |
| Audio | Basic audio | Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus has better audio output with better call quality. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Moto has the extra compass, the Oneplus has gravity and geomagnetic. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both are non expandable. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly wider main camera aperture: Potentially better low-light performance, though not guaranteed and will be offset by other factors.
- Macro lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, a feature missing on the OnePlus.
- 60 fps video: Ability to record videos at 60fps for smoother footage.
- Slow-motion video: Better slow-motion capabilities with 60fps recording.
- Compass: Built-in compass sensor.
- Included charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box.
OnePlus Nord N20 SE Advantages:
- Significantly faster processor: Smoother performance in everyday tasks and multitasking, faster loading times.
- Lighter and thinner design: More comfortable in hand and pocketable.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 33W charging compared to 15W, less waiting time.
- Newer Operating System: Android 12 provides newer features and better security.
- More base storage: 64GB base storage vs. 32GB in the base Motorola, more space for apps, media, and files.
- Better audio: Has Stereo speakers and Noise cancellation microphone.
- Dual SIM Support: Ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 offers better connection and audio codec support.
- Advanced GPS: Supports more satellite systems (Beidou, QZSS).
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Offers a macro lens and slightly wider aperture main camera, but is thicker, heavier, with slower charging and is less performant.
- OnePlus: Sacrifices the macro camera and slightly wider aperture for superior overall performance, design, charging speed, and a more modern software experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious users: Who prioritize a very low price tag and a dedicated macro lens.
- Users who want a headphone jack: Not mentioned, but this is commonly included in this price range and could be a decisive factor for some users.
Use Cases:
- Occasional photography: Especially those that enjoy taking macro photos.
- Basic tasks: Suitable for simple tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming with low graphic demand.
OnePlus Nord N20 SE is Ideal For:
- Users Seeking Smooth Performance: Who prioritize a more responsive phone for everyday tasks and multitasking, as well as faster charging.
- Multimedia consumers: Who appreciate good audio with stereo speakers.
- Users needing Dual SIM: Users who need two lines on one phone.
Use Cases:
- Daily driver: Suitable for general usage, social media, moderate gaming, and content consumption.
- Users who want to capture photos and videos: More modern and performant phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The OnePlus Nord N20 SE appears to offer a better price-to-value ratio, with its enhanced performance, faster charging, better audio and more modern experience being worth the likely small increase in price. The Moto G Power is older, and this shows in the performance and OS.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Is camera versatility (macro lens) or overall performance more important? The Moto has a macro camera but the N20SE is a more performant phone.
- Is fast charging a priority? OnePlus offers much faster 33W charging.
- Is having the latest software features a must? OnePlus has Android 12 (newer) vs Android 10 on the Motorola.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the absolute priority and you love to take macro shots. The Motorola is an option, if you are able to put up with its slow charging and poor performance.
- Scenario 2: You need a reliable and responsive phone for daily use. The OnePlus N20 SE is the better choice due to its faster performance, faster charging, and more modern Android version.
- Scenario 3: You're very into taking pictures. The N20SE offers better performance which helps with image processing, although the Moto offers a macro lens.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the OnePlus Nord N20 SE.
Here's why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 662 in the Motorola is significantly slower compared to the Helio G35 in the OnePlus. This difference translates to a much smoother, more responsive user experience, especially for multitasking, loading apps, and general use. The AnTuTu benchmark is a great way to demonstrate the performance difference.
- Charging Speed: 33W fast charging is a significant advantage over 15W. It dramatically reduces the time spent plugged into a charger, which is crucial for busy users.
- Modern OS: Android 12 offers better features, security, and overall user experience over the older Android 10.
- Dual SIM: Having the option to use two SIM cards is very convenient for many users, including those with two mobile numbers.
- Stereo Speakers and Noise Cancellation Mic: These features show a better audio experience for the OnePlus.
- Overall Value: The OnePlus provides a more balanced, modern package that, in my opinion, justifies a small price increase over the Motorola.
While the Motorola has a macro lens and a slightly wider aperture, the performance gains, faster charging, and more modern software of the OnePlus provide more benefits for the average user. The trade-off for the macro lens and very slightly better low light performance is worth it.
