Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy A05
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy A05 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm, 206.5g | 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm, 195g | A05 is slightly taller and wider but thinner and lighter. May feel more comfortable in hand for some users, but the difference is marginal. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | A05 has a slightly larger screen, providing a marginally more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1600 | Both have the same HD+ resolution; both will have similar visual clarity, not the sharpest compared to Full HD screens but fine for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 262 PPI | Practically the same visual clarity; not a noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | Motorola's IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to Samsung's PLS LCD, resulting in slightly superior visuals. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both will have similar smoothness for everyday tasks; standard refresh rate for budget phones. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, however, without the actual brightness values, it is difficult to gauge performance in bright sunlight conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | A05 with the Helio G85 will offer faster app loading times and smoother UI performance over the Snapdragon 662, especially during intense usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 225,154 | A05 has a 26% higher benchmark score, indicating better overall performance for gaming and multitasking, offering a noticeable difference in speed. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | A05's GPU is expected to deliver slightly better graphics performance for gaming; the difference will be most noticeable in demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a full day of battery life under average usage; no major difference expected. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A05 charges significantly faster, reducing charging times substantially. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion Polymer | Li-Ion | Minor difference in battery tech. Practical effect is negligible, but Polymer is often considered a slightly safer and more flexible battery construction. |
| Included Charger | 10W Charger | None | Motorola comes with a charger in the box while the Samsung does not |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A05 has slightly higher resolution, but the wider aperture on the Moto G Power allows for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Similar performance; both are adequate for video calls and social media selfies. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar quality for depth effects; basic performance expected. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G Power allows capturing close-up photos, a feature absent from the Samsung. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps w/EIS, Slow-mo 60fps | 1080p@30/60fps, Slow-mo 30fps | Both are capable for basic video recordings; Motorola offers smoother slow-motion video capture at 60 fps. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, PDAF, LAF, EIS | Dual Camera, | Motorola has advanced features, including more autofocus options, and image stabilization for better photos |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | A05 runs on a newer Android version, which means better security, newer features and app compatibility. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Hotspot, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11ac, Dual Band, Wi-Fi Direct, Hotspot, Wi-Fi Display | A05 offers more advanced options such as dual-band support and Wi-Fi Direct for direct device connections for file transfers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP, EDR | 5.3 LE, A2DP | A05 has a newer Bluetooth version for slightly better power efficiency and stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A05 supports more satellite systems (Beidou) for more accurate location tracking; Motorola includes SUPL for quicker location lock-on. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | A05 is more convenient for users with two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB or 64GB | 64GB or 128 GB | A05 offers double the storage capacity for more apps, photos, and videos; Motorola offers a less storage capacity, limiting the amount of files kept. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 4GB or 6GB | A05 with more RAM supports better multitasking, allowing users to switch between applications more smoothly. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, limiting the storage capacity of both devices. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones will offer the same audio quality experience through speakers or headphones |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | Motorola offers a convenient fingerprint sensor, while the Samsung offers the basic options such as PIN and password |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | Motorola's sensor suite allows for better gaming and augmented reality experiences; the absence of a gyroscope in the A05 limits its AR and gaming use. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | The screen protection for both devices is unknown and impossible to compare |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: IPS LCD offers better color reproduction and viewing angles compared to the PLS LCD on the Samsung.
- Macro Camera: Dedicated macro lens allows for close-up photography.
- Advanced Camera Features: Has PDAF, LAF and EIS for better picture taking quality
- Fingerprint Sensor: A physical fingerprint sensor offers faster and more secure unlocking than basic security options.
- Gyroscope and Compass: Better for gaming, navigation, and AR experiences.
- In-Box Charger: Includes a 10W charger in the box.
- Better Low Light Main Camera: The wider f/1.7 aperture allows more light into the camera sensor, performing better in the dark
Samsung Galaxy A05 Advantages:
- Faster Performance: The Helio G85 chipset and higher AnTuTu score provide better overall performance for multitasking and gaming.
- More RAM and Storage: Larger RAM (6GB) and storage (128GB) capacity offer better multitasking and storing more files and data,
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Newer Software: Android 13 offers newer features, better security and app compatibility.
- Dual SIM Support: Dual SIM Dual Standby allows using two SIMs simultaneously.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 provides better power efficiency and more reliable connection to peripherals
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems (Beidou) for more accurate location tracking.
- Slightly Larger Screen: A 6.7 inch display offers an improvement to the Moto G Power's 6.6 inch display
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G Power has a better display, macro lens, and fingerprint sensor but older software and slower performance.
- The Samsung A05 has faster performance, more RAM and storage, but lacks a macro lens and has a basic fingerprint security, as well as a lower quality display screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize display quality, especially those who consume a lot of videos.
- Users who need a macro camera for close-up photography.
- Users who want the added security of a physical fingerprint sensor.
- Users who want a basic phone with extra sensors for certain games or experiences.
- Users who prefer not to buy a separate charger since it's included in-box.
Use cases:
- Casual media consumption (videos, browsing).
- Users who need to capture close up pictures.
- Basic gaming, AR experiences, and navigation.
- Users who prefer physical fingerprint sensors over face unlock
Samsung Galaxy A05 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize faster performance and more storage for gaming and multitasking.
- Users who need faster charging speeds.
- Users who want the latest Android software features and security updates.
- Users with two phone numbers who need Dual SIM functionality.
- Users who need to download many apps, and need more storage.
Use cases:
- Moderate to heavy app usage and multitasking.
- Faster charging and all day battery life
- Users that have two phone numbers they need on the go.
- Users who play games and want the best performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance vs. Display: Do you prioritize raw performance and speed, or do you value a more immersive and higher-quality display?
- Storage Needs: How much storage do you need for apps, photos, and videos?
- Features and Security: Do you need a macro camera, a fingerprint sensor, or the latest software version?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler with Two Phone Numbers - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A05. The dual-SIM support, better GPS, faster charging, and newer software make it a better companion.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User Who Values Media Consumption - Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). The IPS LCD display, and macro camera offer great value for a lower price.
- Scenario 3: Gaming and Multitasking User - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A05. Its superior performance, more RAM, and better GPU will provide a better gaming and multitasking experience.
Final Decision
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A05. While I appreciate the display quality and extra sensors of the Moto G Power, the faster performance, larger storage, newer software, faster charging, and dual-SIM support of the A05 are more practical for my daily needs. The convenience of having dual-SIM, more storage, and faster charging outweighs the slightly better display and a macro lens. Additionally, I find that the performance difference provided by the G85 chip and the additional RAM will make a bigger difference for my overall experience compared to a slightly better screen quality. Finally, the in-box charger of the Moto G Power is a nice addition, however, the lack of one is not a dealbreaker for me, as I usually have one readily available, and I prefer the much faster charging speed that the A05 offers.
