Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | The A52s 5G is more compact and thinner, making it easier to handle and pocket. The Moto G Power is taller and thicker, feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 189g | The A52s 5G is significantly lighter, improving comfort during prolonged use. The Moto G Power, while having a larger battery, is noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Both have similar screen sizes; the 0.1" difference is negligible for most users. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | The A52s 5G has a much sharper, clearer display with significantly more pixels, which is noticeable when viewing images, text and video. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 405 | The A52s 5G provides a noticeably sharper viewing experience, especially when reading small text or viewing detailed images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The A52s 5G's AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency when using dark mode. The Moto G Power has a standard LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The A52s 5G has a much smoother scrolling experience, with more fluid animations. The Moto G Power's 60Hz can feel less responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 800 nits | The A52s 5G's much higher brightness makes it significantly easier to use outdoors in sunlight. The Moto G Power's brightness is unknown but is likely to be much lower. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | The A52s 5G's chipset offers significantly faster performance in apps, multitasking, and gaming. The Moto G Power is considerably slower. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 570,752 | The A52s 5G delivers much faster performance overall, loading apps quicker, providing smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 642L | The A52s 5G has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better gaming and graphics performance than the Moto G Power. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 64MP | The A52s 5G captures more detailed photos than the Moto G Power thanks to a higher resolution. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | The Moto G Power's slightly wider aperture may allow it to capture a bit more light in very dark scenarios. However, the difference is minimal and the A52s has a far better sensor. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Unknown | 1/1.7" Sony IMX682 Exmor RS | The A52s 5G utilizes a superior sensor, capturing better images with improved low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 32MP | The A52s 5G offers much higher resolution selfies, resulting in more detail and clarity. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | No | 12MP | The A52s 5G can capture a wider field of view, beneficial for group photos and landscapes. The Moto G Power lacks this feature. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP | 5MP | The A52s 5G can produce better bokeh effects in portrait mode, with slightly more accurate background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 5MP | The A52s 5G captures more detailed close-up photos than the Moto G Power. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (EIS) | The A52s 5G records much higher resolution videos with 4K option. Both phones offer video stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The Moto G Power has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The A52s 5G charges much faster, reducing the time you need to be plugged in. |
| Charger in Box | 10W | No | The Moto G Power includes a charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | The A52s 5G offers a newer version of Android with more recent features and a longer update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The A52s 5G supports faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 | The A52s 5G supports more Bluetooth profiles, leading to wider compatibility with wireless devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The A52s 5G supports a broader range of satellite systems, which may result in improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | The A52s 5G can operate two SIM cards simultaneously, making it suitable for separating work and personal use or international travel. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64GB | 128/256GB | The A52s 5G offers much more storage capacity, which is ideal for users with many photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 6/8GB | The A52s 5G has more RAM, which improves multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos | The A52s 5G offers an enhanced audio experience, particularly for those who listen with headphones or external speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Moto G Power has an ergonomic side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The A52s 5G offers better scratch resistance and durability for the screen. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual; Hall, Geomagnetic | The A52s 5G offers a broader range of sensors for a better experience with advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery is larger on paper, offering potentially longer usage times between charges.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users prefer a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for ergonomics.
- Included Charger: Comes with a charger in the box, which is not standard for many phones now.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen, higher resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate result in a much more vibrant, sharp, and smoother viewing experience, particularly for media consumption.
- Much Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset is significantly faster, making the phone more responsive for demanding apps and games.
- Better Camera System: The higher-resolution main and selfie cameras, a wide-angle lens, and overall superior sensor technology capture much better photos and videos with more detail.
- Faster Charging: The 25W fast charging means less time waiting for the battery to replenish, a significant convenience.
- Dual SIM Support: Enables users to use two SIM cards simultaneously, beneficial for travel or managing work and personal lines.
- Future-Proofed Software: The newer Android version with update support means it will receive the latest features and security patches.
- Better Build Quality: Offers screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5
- Better Audio: Offers a superior experience with Dolby Atmos
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Moto G Power prioritizes battery life at the expense of display, performance and camera quality.
- The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G sacrifices a bit of battery capacity and includes no charger in the box for significantly improved overall performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize battery life above all else and need a device that lasts all day.
- Users with basic needs: Those who use their phones for basic tasks like calling, texting, and occasional web browsing.
- Users who prefer a side mounted fingerprint sensor
Use Cases:
- Long commutes or travel: Where charging opportunities are limited.
- Basic social media and communication: Suitable for casual users.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Ideal User:
- Users who value display and performance: Those who frequently watch videos, play games, and multitask.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want to capture better photos and videos with multiple lenses.
- Users who need a future-proofed phone: Those who want a device with good performance, a superior screen and access to new software for longer.
Use Cases:
- Streaming video content: Movies, TV shows, and online videos will look much better due to the display quality.
- Mobile gaming: The superior chipset and faster refresh rate will deliver a smoother gaming experience.
- Photography and videography: The versatile camera system is much better for capturing both photos and videos with higher quality.
- Frequent app users: Will notice the smoother performance and faster app load times.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G Power offers good value for users on a tight budget who require long battery life and less intensive usage.
- The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G, despite a higher price, offers a far better overall experience with a superior display, significantly faster performance, a better camera, and more advanced features for a much better user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary usage? Do you mostly use your phone for basic tasks and need extended battery life, or do you play games, watch videos and value a superior user experience?
- How much do you value display quality and camera performance? Is a sharp and vibrant screen and a versatile camera important to you, or are you okay with a basic display?
- How critical is fast charging and future software updates? Do you need a phone that charges quickly and want access to the latest features and security updates?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you prioritize battery life and basic functionality: The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a suitable choice if budget and very basic phone functions are a priority.
- If you value superior display, performance, and camera quality: The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the clear choice for a premium experience and a much better phone overall, and is worth the extra cost.
- If you need dual SIM functionality or enhanced audio: The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the only option among these two.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. Despite the slightly smaller battery and lack of included charger, the superior display, significantly better performance, much better camera system, and the inclusion of fast charging make it a far more compelling device. The A52s 5G offers a much more enjoyable user experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and media consumption. The longer software support is also very important for long term value. The trade-off in battery capacity is worth the overall enhancement in performance and quality, as fast charging minimizes any inconvenience this may cause. The difference in the user experience is far more important than the slight increase in battery capacity offered by the Motorola.
