Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Moto G Power is taller & thicker, may be less comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 189g | A52 5G is lighter, better for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Negligible difference in size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | A52 5G's screen is much sharper. |
| PPI | 266 | 407 | A52 5G's screen will appear significantly clearer, less pixelated |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A52 5G has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; more power efficient with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A52 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, but that value is likely missing. We cannot compare brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | A52 5G has a faster, more efficient processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 384,853 | A52 5G offers significantly faster app loading and better performance in general. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | A52 5G has better graphics, suitable for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 64MP, f/1.8 | A52 5G captures more detailed images; slightly less capable in low light due to smaller aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.2 | A52 5G captures much higher quality selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | A52 5G has the ability to capture ultrawide shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A52 5G has slightly higher quality depth sensing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A52 5G has slightly higher quality macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | A52 5G records higher resolution videos with more detail. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS, Ultra Stable Video | A52 5G offers superior stabilization for smoother videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Moto G Power has larger battery, potential for longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | A52 5G charges faster despite smaller battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | A52 5G has a newer OS version and support for future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | A52 5G offers more flexible Wi-Fi options. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE, HID, ANT+ | A52 5G supports broader range of Bluetooth device connectivity. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | A52 5G can operate with two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 128/256 GB | A52 5G has more built in storage. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 6/8 GB | A52 5G has more RAM, smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | A52 5G offers enhanced audio experience with surround sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint | Moto G Power has a more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A52 5G has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | A52 5G has more advanced sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh battery potentially offers longer battery life.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient placement for some users.
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution (1080x2400), higher refresh rate (120Hz), and better color reproduction.
- Better Performance: Significantly faster processor, better GPU and more RAM, better for multitasking and gaming.
- Enhanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus a dedicated wide angle lens, and better video capabilities including 4k.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging.
- Newer Software: Runs Android 11 (upgradable to 14).
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos for better audio quality.
- Dual SIM Support: Ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously
- Better Build: Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G Power sacrifices display quality, performance, and camera features for a larger battery and lower price point.
- The Galaxy A52 5G offers superior features and build quality at a likely higher price, while the battery capacity is slightly smaller.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for a reliable smartphone with a long battery life.
- Users focused on battery life: Those who prioritize extended use without frequent charging.
- Basic Users: People who primarily use their phones for calls, texts, and basic browsing.
Specific Use Cases for Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Extended periods away from power outlets (e.g., hiking trips, camping).
- Users who do not require heavy gaming or video processing.
- As a secondary phone due to its extended battery life.
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is ideal for:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who frequently watch videos, play games, and consume media.
- Social Media Users: Those who want higher quality photos and videos for sharing.
- Users seeking better performance: Those who need a fast, responsive phone for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Users seeking newer tech: Users who prioritize software updates and modern features.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- High quality photo and video capture.
- Gaming, media consumption, and social media.
- Everyday usage requiring fast and smooth operation.
- Users who value high quality displays and premium features
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Moto G Power is likely more affordable, making it suitable for budget conscious users. The Galaxy A52 5G likely costs more.
- What do you prioritize: battery life or display/performance? The Moto G Power prioritizes battery, while the A52 5G prioritizes display and performance.
- How important is camera quality to you? The A52 5G has a significantly better camera system.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget & Battery: If your primary concern is budget and needing a phone with long battery life, the Moto G Power is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Performance: If you prioritize a high-quality display, performance for gaming/multitasking, and advanced features, the Galaxy A52 5G is the better choice, even with a slightly lower battery capacity.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Usage: If you are looking for a balance of features and do not require the most extreme battery life, the Galaxy A52 5G is the stronger all-around performer.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G.
While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a larger battery and is likely more affordable, the significant advantages of the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G in display quality, overall performance, camera quality, and software features outweigh the battery life advantage of the Motorola. The better display alone is a major factor since it's how I interact with the device the most. The Snapdragon 750G 5G provides far better app loading and multi-tasking. Additionally the faster charging of the A52 5G partially mitigates the battery capacity advantage of the Moto G Power. The wide-angle lens is important to me, and its high-resolution selfie camera also makes it a more versatile choice for me. Considering my needs as a tech enthusiast who values a premium user experience, the Galaxy A52 5G better fits my use case despite the likely higher price point.
