1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | The Realme 9 Pro is slightly smaller and thinner, making it potentially more comfortable to hold and carry, the difference in volume is noticeable. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 195g | The Realme 9 Pro is noticeably lighter, which can be a significant comfort difference during prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both offer the same screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | The Realme 9 Pro's higher resolution will result in a sharper, more detailed display. Text and images will appear clearer. |
| PPI | 266 | 400 | The Realme 9 Pro's higher pixel density will make the display appear much sharper to the human eye, reducing pixelation, enhancing visual clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same display technology, so there's no difference in color reproduction or viewing angles in this aspect. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Realme 9 Pro's higher refresh rate provides much smoother scrolling and animations. This is especially noticeable in gaming and navigating menus. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness levels. Note: This value seems incorrect - further research is needed to provide a real comparison. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The Realme 9 Pro’s newer chipset results in significantly improved performance, better power efficiency, and 5G connectivity which the Motorola does not have. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 402,916 | The Realme 9 Pro offers significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance, reflected in the higher AnTuTu score. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | The Adreno 619 in the Realme 9 Pro will handle graphics-intensive tasks (like gaming) much more effectively than the Adreno 610 in the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Main Camera Res | 48MP, f/1.7 | 64MP, f/1.79 | Realme 9 Pro's higher resolution results in sharper, more detailed photos. The slightly narrower aperture will slightly affect low-light performance, but the higher resolution often compensates for this. |
| Rear Main Camera Sensor | Unknown | 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | The larger sensor of the Realme 9 Pro is capable of capturing more light resulting in better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range. |
| Front Camera Res | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm pixel size | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471, 1.00 µm pixel size | Realme 9 Pro has a higher resolution front camera that captures more detail. Sensor size also gives it better low light performance and dynamic range compared to Motorola. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Omnivision OV08D10, 1.12 µm pixel size | Realme 9 Pro offers the versatility of capturing wide-angle shots while the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) lacks this capability. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | None | The Motorola G Power includes a depth sensor for better portrait mode, but this is a relatively low resolution sensor. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75 µm pixel size | Both phones offer a basic macro camera of identical resolution, the size difference is likely to have negligible effects on image quality. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | The Motorola G Power offers both 30 and 60 fps in full HD. The Realme 9 Pro has no 60fps option but offers higher slow motion options. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF | 4K Video, Ultra stable video, Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode | The Realme 9 Pro has additional and more advanced features for videography and photography. The Motorola does offer dedicated autofocus features. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Realme 9 Pro charges much faster than the Motorola Moto G Power (2021), reducing charging downtime significantly. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion Polymer | Li-Polymer | Negligible effect on the end user. |
| Charger Included | 10W Charger Included | None | Only the Motorola comes with a charger in box. |
Other
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | The Realme 9 Pro ships with a newer OS, providing access to newer features, better security, and longer software support. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5, Dual Band, Wi-Fi Direct, MIMO | The Realme 9 Pro offers advanced Wi-Fi features such as dual band support, Wi-Fi direct and MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 Apt-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Realme 9 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering improved connection stability and efficiency, along with audio codecs support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Both devices have comprehensive satellite support, the differences have minimal real world impact. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | The Realme 9 Pro offers dual SIM capabilities, which is useful for users with multiple numbers, travel, or work/personal usage. |
| Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 128 GB | The Realme 9 Pro has twice the storage capacity of the higher storage option of the Motorola phone which is important for storing more photos, apps, videos etc. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 6/8 GB | The Realme 9 Pro has significantly more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking and better overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, limiting user flexibility. |
| Audio | Basic Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | The Realme 9 Pro offers higher quality audio features for listening and calls. |
| Security | Side Mounted Fingerprint | Side Mounted Fingerprint | Both phones offer similar security, allowing quick and easy unlocking. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Geomagnetic | The Realme 9 Pro has a geomagnetic sensor while the Motorola has a compass. The differences likely have minimal effect on the user. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages
- In-box charger: It includes a 10W charger in the box, which can be convenient for some users.
- Dedicated Autofocus Features: Features dedicated autofocus features like PDAF and LAF which can be beneficial in photography.
- Lower price: This device is often cheaper than the Realme 9 Pro, which is good for users on a budget.
- Compass sensor: Has a compass sensor which may be useful for some.
Realme 9 Pro Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate offer a significantly better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and higher RAM result in much faster and smoother performance.
- 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 695 chipset enables 5G connectivity for faster downloads and streaming.
- Better Camera: Higher resolution sensors, a wide-angle lens, 4K video recording and better low light photography contribute to a more versatile and advanced camera system.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging reduces charging times substantially.
- More Storage: 128GB of internal storage provides more space for apps, media, and files.
- Dual SIM: Offers dual SIM functionality, allowing the use of two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res audio, noise cancelling microphone, and dual microphones improves listening and call quality.
- Newer Software: The Android 12 OS (upgradable to Android 13) provides a more up-to-date software experience with added features.
- Advanced Bluetooth: The newer Bluetooth 5.1 with apt-x, LDAC, SBC and AAC gives the device a better audio experience.
Trade-offs
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) sacrifices display quality, performance, camera versatility, and charging speed for a lower price and the inclusion of a charger.
- The Realme 9 Pro is more expensive, but it provides a much better overall user experience, specifically in display, performance, charging and software. It is also missing a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for a basic smartphone for calling, texting, and light browsing with a long battery life.
- Users who value affordability above all else: Individuals who prioritize battery life and having a basic device that handles everyday tasks but don't require high-end features.
- Users who dislike buying additional accessories: The included charger is convenient for a user who doesn't want to buy a separate charging brick.
Use Cases
- Long battery life is ideal for travel and extended periods without access to a power source.
- Basic social media use and web browsing.
Realme 9 Pro Ideal User
- Users who value performance and display quality: Individuals who want a smooth, responsive experience for daily use, gaming and media consumption.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system that can capture high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Those who don't want to wait for their phones to charge for long periods.
- Users who require more storage: For individuals who store a lot of media, apps, and other files, the 128 GB of storage will be useful.
Use Cases
- Gaming and streaming with a smoother experience due to the 120Hz display and better performance.
- Capturing higher-quality photos and videos.
- Multitasking with ease due to more RAM.
- Using the device on the go with dual SIM capability and quick charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider
- What is your budget? The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is often more affordable, while the Realme 9 Pro offers significantly more features for a higher cost.
- How important is display quality and performance to you? The Realme 9 Pro has a much better screen and significantly faster performance.
- What are your primary use cases? Basic tasks vs gaming, camera quality, or productivity.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Budget-constrained, basic use: If the budget is the primary concern and the user primarily uses the device for calling, texting, and browsing, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is suitable.
- Performance and multimedia-focused: If the user wants a smooth experience for gaming, media consumption, and higher-quality photos and videos, and has a higher budget, the Realme 9 Pro is a much better choice.
- Photography focused user: The Realme 9 Pro has a significantly better camera setup with more versatile options and features.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Realme 9 Pro. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has its merits in terms of being more affordable and including a charger in the box, the overall user experience of the Realme 9 Pro is superior. The higher refresh rate display, significantly faster performance, better camera, faster charging, larger storage and newer software make it a much better option for everyday use. The added cost is justified by the improvements it offers.
