Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | The A23 5G is slightly thinner and narrower, which might feel more comfortable in hand; the G Power is thicker with a larger overall volume, which might feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 197g | The A23 5G is lighter, which could be noticeable during extended use or while holding the phone for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both have the same screen size; no significant difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | A23 5G has a much sharper display. Text and images will appear significantly clearer, especially for reading or detailed work. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 400 PPI | A23 5G will offer crisper visuals and more defined images and text. The difference in sharpness is clearly noticeable, especially up close. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | The G Power's IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than the A23 5G's PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The A23 5G will have smoother animations and scrolling, leading to a more responsive feel and better user experience especially for gaming or fast paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness, the screen visibility under direct sunlight will be the same |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | The A23 5G’s chipset is more modern and efficient, delivering much faster processing speeds and better energy management than the G Power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 418,000 | The A23 5G performs significantly better in everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming. Expect a huge boost in overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | A23 5G’s GPU handles graphics more effectively. Expect better frame rates in gaming and better graphic performance in apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm, 1/2.76" | Both have very similar sensors. While the A23 5G has slightly higher resolution, the G Power has a wider aperture allowing for better low light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.0, pixel size unavailable | Both phones should offer similar front-facing camera performance. |
| Wide Angle | None | 5MP, f/2.2 | The A23 5G provides the added flexibility of a wide-angle lens for capturing wider scenes. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size unavailable | Both phones offer depth-sensing portrait cameras for bokeh effects. No major difference here |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size unavailable | Both phones have similar macro lenses for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps, OIS | The G Power has no video stabilization while the A23 5G has OIS, it is also able to capture slow-motion video at 120 fps, which is better than G Power (60fps) |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, PDAF, LAF | Quadruple camera, PDAF, OIS | The A23 5G has optical image stabilization (OIS), which can make for more stable and sharper images and videos. The G Power has triple camera and Laser autofocus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same capacity, expected battery life will depend on use, but should be comparable. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging | The A23 5G charges significantly faster, getting you back to full battery quicker. |
| Features | 10W charger in-box | Bypass Charging | The G Power includes a charger in the box; A23 5G allows you to use the phone while charging without overheating the battery |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | A23 5G offers a more modern OS, with newer features, security updates, and likely longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Hotspot, Display | 802.11ac, Hotspot, Direct | Both have similar Wi-Fi speeds; G Power supports Wi-Fi Display, A23 5G supports Wi-Fi Direct. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.1, A2DP,LE, extensive | The A23 5G has a newer Bluetooth version which may provide a more stable connection to modern bluetooth devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The A23 5G offers slightly better accuracy and location tracking with more satelite support.. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | Not Specified | The G Power is available in 32GB and 64GB internal storage options. The A23 5G does not have specific storage data provided. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | Not Specified | The G Power is available in 3GB and 4GB RAM options. The A23 5G does not have specific RAM data provided. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both have similar basic audio quality, no significant differences. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones have a similar fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The A23 5G has superior screen protection than the G Power which screen is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A23 5G has additional environmental sensors, the G Power has an additional compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: The f/1.7 aperture on the main camera allows more light in, potentially leading to better low-light performance.
- IPS LCD Screen Technology: IPS LCD technology typically offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD.
- Charger in-box: Comes with a 10W charger, which is a plus for those who don't have a compatible charger already.
- Laser Autofocus: Faster autofocus than the A23 5G.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Significantly sharper display (1080p vs 720p), making text and images much clearer and more detailed.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations.
- More Powerful Processor: Significantly faster and more efficient processor (Snapdragon 695 5G) compared to Snapdragon 662.
- Better GPU: Better graphics performance for games and apps, allowing for more fluid experience.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Better image and video stabilization.
- 5G Connectivity: Supports 5G networks for faster download and upload speeds.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android and is expected to receive further updates.
- Faster Charging: Supports 25W fast charging, significantly quicker than the 15W offered on the G Power.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Provides an additional camera for capturing wider scenes.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- More Satelite Support: Greater location accuracy with more satelite support (GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo).
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G Power has a wider aperture main camera lens, which is better for low light performance but a smaller pixel size. However, the A23 5G has a better, sharper main camera that performs better in most conditions.
- The G Power uses IPS LCD Screen technology which is generally better than the A23 5G PLS LCD. However the A23 5G screen is far superior with a much higher resolution and refresh rate which outweighs the G Power's IPS LCD.
- The A23 5G is a more modern phone with newer software, higher screen refresh rate, better processing power and features than the G Power.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, and a decent, no-frills, durable phone.
- Use Cases: Basic web browsing, social media, and video consumption. Ideal for users who might not be comfortable with a large and heavy device.
- Value: It is likely to be priced lower.
- Who will not like it: Users that want high quality gaming and a smooth, modern experience.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Ideal User: Users looking for a modern smartphone experience with a smooth display, better performance, and 5G.
- Use Cases: Daily tasks, gaming, photography, video consumption, and users who want a future-proof device with longer software support. Users who need better GPS.
- Value: Has a better camera, screen and performance making the user experience much better.
- Who will not like it: Users that are looking for a low cost smartphone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and smoothness? If you prioritize a sharp and fluid visual experience, the A23 5G is much better.
- How important is processing power and performance? For multitasking, gaming, and general speed, the A23 5G is far superior.
- How important is a future-proof smartphone? The A23 5G has 5G, a newer OS, and better build, making it a better choice for longevity and future compatibility.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Basic User: If you just need a phone for calls, texts, and basic browsing on a budget, and don't care much about performance, then the Motorola G Power might be suitable.
- Casual Gamer/Media Consumer: The A23 5G is a superior option with its smoother display, better chipset, and better overall performance.
- Photography Enthusiast: The A23 5G offers better overall image quality thanks to OIS, better sensor, and wide angle capabilities, but the G Power has a wider aperture for low light conditions.
- Power User: The A23 5G is a better option with better multitasking and general speed.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. While the Motorola G Power offers good battery life and a budget-friendly option, the A23 5G provides a much better user experience with its superior display (higher resolution and refresh rate), significantly faster performance, 5G connectivity, and a more modern operating system. The A23 5G has optical image stabilization, a better chipset, and a much better GPU which are very important for everyday use. While the camera on the G Power might have a slightly better performance in low light conditions, the A23 5G is superior in all other conditions and has an added wide angle lens. The A23 5G offers a much better all-around experience and is the better choice for most users, especially if you are considering a new phone.
