1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | Similar size, Moto G Power slightly thicker. A04s is marginally easier to hold. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 195g | A04s is lighter; more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Negligible difference; both provide similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1600 | Identical sharpness, suitable for basic use, not ideal for high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 270 PPI | Almost identical; both will look equally sharp or not sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS LCD generally provides better viewing angles and color accuracy than PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | A04s offers smoother scrolling and animations, which could make the phone feel more responsive. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 662 offers superior performance for faster app loading and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 117,300 | The Moto G Power will feel significantly faster and more responsive in everyday use. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 | Adreno 610 generally provides better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A04s has a higher megapixel count but slightly less light gathering capability, may offer more detailed images in good light; Moto G power might perform slightly better in low-light situations. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Moto G Power should capture more detailed selfies with better low-light performance. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar performance for depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar performance for macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G Power has a slightly smoother video capture capability, and additional features such as EIS (electronic image stabilization) |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer long battery life, lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Both offer standard fast charging capabilities; charging times will be similar. |
| Charger In-box | 10W | N/A | Moto G Power includes a charger in-box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, upgradeable to 14 | A04s has a newer OS which means better security, features, and software compatibility. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, EDR, A2DP | 5.0 LE, A2DP | Similar Bluetooth functionality, with the Moto G Power having an additional EDR feature. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A04s supports more satellite systems which can mean better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | A04s has dual SIM support, better for travel or managing multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32 GB/64 GB | 32 GB/64 GB/128 GB | A04s has a higher storage option, better for storing more media and apps. |
| RAM | 3 GB/4 GB | 3 GB/4 GB | Similar RAM for basic multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage. |
| Other | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both feature convenient and secure fingerprint unlock. |
| Audio Quality | Basic | Basic | Similar audio capabilities. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity | Moto G Power has more sensor capabilities for advanced gaming and apps. |
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unknown screen protection, which might be a consideration. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu score and better chipset (Snapdragon 662) means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Better Camera for Selfies: Higher resolution front-facing camera with a wider aperture should provide better selfie quality and low-light performance.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes gyroscope and compass, which enhance gaming and navigation.
- Slightly better Display Technology: IPS LCD generally has better color accuracy.
- In-box charger: Includes a 10W charger in the box.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 12 and is upgradeable to Android 14, providing better security and latest features.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate display offers a better user experience.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows the use of two SIM cards simultaneously.
- More Storage Option: Offers a 128GB variant.
- Lighter Build: Slightly lighter for easier handling.
- Better GPS Support: Supports more satellite systems for location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G Power: Older software, a slightly bulkier design, and lacks dual SIM support.
- Galaxy A04s: Inferior performance, and a lower-resolution front-facing camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is ideal for:
- Performance-focused users: Those who prioritize speed and responsiveness for daily tasks and gaming.
- Users who take a lot of selfies: Its higher-resolution front camera and better aperture makes it better for selfies.
- Users who need navigation: Gyroscope and compass are important for mapping apps and games.
Budget-conscious buyers: Those looking for a solid performance at a lower price point.
Specific use cases: Mobile gaming, frequent multitasking, photography and videography, and navigation apps.
Samsung Galaxy A04s is ideal for:
- Users who want the latest software: Those who prioritize a newer operating system, updates, and security.
- Users who value smooth scrolling: 90Hz refresh rate makes for a more fluid and enjoyable user experience.
- Users needing dual SIM capability: Ideal for travel or managing personal/work numbers.
- Users who need additional storage: The 128GB configuration is helpful for storing a lot of photos, music, and files.
Users who prioritize lighter phones: More comfortable for extended use.
Specific use cases: Social media browsing, streaming videos, travel (dual SIM), and everyday communication.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance vs. Software: Do you prioritize faster processing speeds (Moto G Power) or the latest software and updates (A04s)?
- Display Smoothness vs. Camera: Is a smoother display experience (90Hz A04s) or better selfie quality (Moto G Power) more important?
- Single vs Dual SIM: Do you need dual SIM capabilities (A04s), or is single SIM sufficient (Moto G Power)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you want a smoother phone: Go for the Samsung Galaxy A04s for it's 90Hz display and newer OS.
- If you prioritize speed and performance: Go for the Motorola Moto G Power for it's better chipset and higher Antutu score.
- If you need Dual Sim: Go for the Samsung Galaxy A04s as the Motorola Moto G Power is a single SIM device.
- If you need more storage: Go for the Samsung Galaxy A04s as it has a 128 GB option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). While the Samsung Galaxy A04s offers a newer OS and a smoother display, the performance difference, better camera, and additional sensors on the Moto G Power are more significant for my needs. I prioritize speed and responsiveness in everyday use, and the Moto G Power's Snapdragon 662 chipset provides a tangible performance advantage. I also tend to take a lot of selfies and want a higher quality one, which the Motorola is better at. The older OS is a trade-off I'm willing to make given the substantial performance advantage.
