1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | Moto G Power is slightly taller and thicker; A04e is more compact and potentially easier to handle. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 188g | A04e is significantly lighter, which improves comfort for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Negligible difference in size; both provide a large viewing area for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer the same HD+ resolution; adequate for typical use, but not as sharp as higher-resolution displays. |
| PPI | 266 | 270 | Very similar pixel densities, resulting in comparable visual sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy than PLS LCD; Moto G Power will likely have a slightly better display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer standard 60Hz refresh rates; scrolling and animations will be similar on both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have unknown peak brightness; this makes comparison difficult. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Helio P35 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 662 is more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 121,345 | Moto G Power offers significantly better benchmark performance, reflecting a noticeable difference in day-to-day speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 is more capable, resulting in better gaming performance and smoother graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Moto G Power's higher resolution and wider aperture will likely result in more detailed photos, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Moto G Power provides higher resolution and better low-light capabilities for selfies. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth cameras for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Moto G Power allows for close-up macro shots; A04e does not offer a macro camera. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps with EIS, Slow-motion | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-motion | Moto G Power has additional video features including 60fps recording, EIS and slow-motion; A04e video is more basic |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer large batteries that should easily provide a full day of usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | No Fast Charging | Moto G Power charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charger | 10W Charger In-box | No Charger Included | Only Motorola Moto G Power (2021) includes a charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | A04e has a newer version of Android out of the box, which may offer better security, features and app compatibility |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Display | 802.11n | Moto G Power offers faster Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Display; Better for streaming and screen mirroring. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, EDR | 5.0 | Moto G Power has enhanced Bluetooth capabilities (EDR), potentially better audio streaming. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Moto G Power offers more accurate location tracking due to support for more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | A04e enables the use of two SIM cards simultaneously, useful for those with multiple phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64 GB | 32/64/128 GB | A04e offers a 128 GB storage option, providing more space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 3/4 GB | RAM options are similar on both devices, adequate for basic multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic | Moto G Power has a fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking, A04e relies on less convenient security features such as password |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Proximity | Moto G Power has more sensor options including Fingerprint, Compass and Gyroscope for improved features such as navigation |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset offers noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance compared to the Helio P35.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras with wider apertures result in better image quality, especially in low light. Includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to standard charging speeds on the A04e. Comes with a 10W charger in the box.
- More Feature Rich: Motorola Moto G Power offers a more comprehensive suite of features including WiFi Display, enhanced Bluetooth audio streaming, more accurate GPS, fingerprint sensor, as well as additional sensors such as Compass and Gyroscope
- Better Video Recording: Motorola Moto G Power offers 60fps video and EIS stabilization
Samsung Galaxy A04e Advantages:
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, offering potentially better features, security, and app compatibility.
- Lighter Design: The A04e is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Dual SIM: Supports dual SIM cards, useful for users with multiple phone numbers.
- More Storage Options: The A04e offers a 128GB storage option compared to the G Power's maximum of 64GB.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Moto G Power: Sacrifices newer software and a lighter design for better performance, camera, and more features.
- Galaxy A04e: Sacrifices performance, camera quality and features for a lighter design, newer software and dual SIM support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Performance-Focused: Users who prioritize smooth performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and casual gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want better image quality and more camera features, including a macro lens.
- Heavy Users: Users who need a longer-lasting battery and appreciate faster charging times.
- Users wanting additional features: Users who want a fingerprint sensor, gyroscope, enhanced Bluetooth and more accurate GPS
Use Cases for Moto G Power (2021):
- Daily social media use with enhanced camera quality
- Light gaming on the go
- Navigation and location tracking
- Long travel days with less need to frequently charge
Samsung Galaxy A04e Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious: Users who prioritize affordability and value.
- Light Users: Users who primarily use their phones for basic communication and browsing.
- Dual SIM Users: Users who need to manage two phone numbers simultaneously.
- Users wanting a lighter phone: Users who want a lightweight device for everyday carry
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A04e:
- Basic web browsing and communication
- As a secondary phone for work or travel
- Users who are on a tight budget
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Moto G Power: Offers better overall value with significantly better performance and camera features, justifying a potentially higher price point.
- Galaxy A04e: A more affordable option, but the user needs to compromise on performance, camera capabilities and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and camera quality? If these are critical, the Moto G Power is the better choice.
- Do you need dual SIM support and a lighter phone? If yes, the Galaxy A04e may be preferable.
- What is your budget? Consider the trade-offs of performance, camera, and features versus price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent traveler needing long battery life and good photos: Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) for its battery, better camera, and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Budget-conscious user needing basic functionality and dual SIM: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A04e for its affordability and dual SIM support.
- Scenario 3: Everyday user needing smooth performance and decent photo quality: Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) for better performance and camera.
My Choice
Given the provided specifications, I would choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). While the Samsung Galaxy A04e offers a slightly newer Android version and is lighter, the Moto G Power's advantages in performance, camera capabilities, charging speeds, and additional features are more compelling for my typical usage. I value smooth performance and would appreciate the better camera quality, particularly the low-light performance and macro lens. The added benefit of fast charging and a more comprehensive set of features make it the better overall pick, despite being slightly older and heavier. The improved performance from the Snapdragon chipset, better main and selfie cameras, and faster charging are crucial for my needs and daily use case.
