Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy M13
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications of the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) and the Samsung Galaxy M13, along with their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy M13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | The Motorola is slightly thicker, which might make it feel bulkier in hand. The Samsung is a bit wider. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 192g | The Samsung is lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy M13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both have the same screen size, providing similar viewing areas. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | The Samsung's higher resolution provides a sharper image, with clearer text and finer details for viewing media and web browsing. |
| PPI | 266 | 400 | The Samsung's higher pixel density will lead to a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | The IPS LCD of the Motorola generally offers slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to the PLS LCD of the Samsung. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard 60Hz refresh rates, which means similar smoothness in scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. The actual real world performance might differ, but without actual measurements, this can't be determined. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy M13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Different chipsets. The Snapdragon 662 in the Moto G Power is generally considered a bit more powerful in this tier. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 117,300 | The Motorola benchmarks much higher, suggesting faster app loading and better overall performance for day-to-day use and moderate gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 | The Adreno 610 is often considered slightly more capable for gaming than the Mali-G52. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy M13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Samsung has a slightly higher resolution, but the Motorola has a wider aperture, which could mean better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Motorola has a slightly wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Samsung has a dedicated wide-angle lens, adding versatility for landscape and group photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar depth sensors. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro lenses. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | The Motorola offers 60fps and EIS for smoother video capture. |
| Slow-Motion | Yes, 60 fps | No, 30fps | Motorola offers better slow motion video capabilites |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy M13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have large batteries, suggesting good battery life, but real-world usage will differ based on user behavior and software optimizations. |
| Charging | 15W | 15W | Both support 15W fast charging, which is relatively slow compared to modern standards. |
| Features | 10W charger in-box | Non-removable | Motorola includes a charger in the box which saves the cost of purchasing one. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Better Performance: Higher benchmark scores and a more powerful chipset (Snapdragon 662) offer faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better moderate gaming experience.
- Slightly better main camera and selfie camera performance With wider apertures.
- Better Video Recording Offers 60fps video and video stabilization for more smooth videos.
- Better Slow Motion Recording Offers slow motion recording at 60fps, while the Samsung does not have slow motion video.
- Superior display technology The IPS LCD offers slightly better viewing angles and colors than the PLS LCD.
- Includes a Charger in the Box The 10W charger included in the box saves a little cost.
- EDR Support in Bluetooth Allows for faster transfer speeds.
Samsung Galaxy M13 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper display due to the higher pixel density, resulting in a better media consumption experience.
- Wide-Angle Camera: Provides more versatile photography with the dedicated wide-angle lens, useful for landscape or group shots.
- Newer Android OS Comes with Android 12 out of the box, and potentially more software updates in the future.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows the use of two SIM cards simultaneously for better connectivity and flexibility.
- Slightly Lighter: 14.5g lighter and may be more comfortable for some users to hold for extended periods of time.
- Superior Screen Protection The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers enhanced protection against scratches and bumps.
- More satellite systems for GPS Better location accuracy with Beidou support.
- Larger storage options Offers a 128 GB option over the Motorola's maximum 64 GB.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Motorola offers better raw performance but a lower resolution display, while the Samsung provides a better display experience but with lower performance.
- The Samsung has a more versatile camera system with an ultra-wide lens, but the Motorola's camera has wider apertures and is better in low light.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing performance over screen quality.
- Users who prioritize performance: Those who want a smoother experience in daily tasks and basic gaming.
- Users who prefer better video quality Including 60 fps recording and EIS.
- Users who need better low-light camera performance
- Users who may need slow motion video
Use Cases:
- Smooth multitasking for day-to-day apps
- Moderate gaming performance
- Reliable performance for everyday use.
Samsung Galaxy M13 Ideal User:
- Users who value display quality: Prioritizing high resolution and sharpness for media consumption.
- Users who want a more versatile camera system: Those who need a wide-angle lens for group or landscape photos.
- Users who prefer Dual-SIM support: For managing two phone numbers simultaneously.
- Users who need a larger storage option
- Users who want the latest version of Android
- Users who prefer a lighter device
Use Cases:
- High-definition media consumption (videos, social media, web browsing).
- Versatile photography with wide angle support.
- Everyday use where storage is of importance.
- Using multiple SIM cards for different purposes.
Price-to-Value:
The price point would greatly influence which phone offers a better value. Without specific pricing information, it's assumed these phones are in a similar budget tier.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary usage? (Gaming, Social media, Camera, Entertainment, etc.)
- How important is display sharpness to you? (Do you prefer a better overall screen quality over performance?)
- Do you need Dual-SIM support and expandable storage? (Do you need the functionality to manage two phone numbers? )
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance Focus): If gaming and performance is your priority, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Media Consumption Focus): If you consume a lot of videos and social media, the Samsung Galaxy M13 provides a sharper viewing experience.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want a balance between performance, a decent display, and the versatility of a wide-angle camera, the Samsung Galaxy M13 is more balanced for most users.
My Choice
If I had to pick, I would choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). While the Samsung Galaxy M13 has a sharper display and a more versatile camera with the wide-angle lens, the Moto G Power's significantly better performance in benchmarks, the fact that it includes a charger and the better video recording capabilities is more important to my use case. Also, I prefer the IPS LCD display of the Motorola slightly to the PLS LCD in the Samsung. The Motorola would provide a more fluid and smooth experience for day-to-day tasks.
