1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy M15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 160.1 × 76.8 × 9.3 mm | The Moto G Power is taller, while the M15 is slightly wider but thinner; overall size is similar. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 217g | M15 is slightly heavier, which could be noticeable during long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Virtually the same viewing area, no practical difference. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2340 | M15 offers significantly sharper images and text due to higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 266 | 396 | M15 will display sharper visuals, less pixelation noticeable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | M15 has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, better contrast and power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | M15 has a slightly smoother experience with less noticeable lag in animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 800 nits | M15 is much brighter and more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | M15's newer chipset is more powerful and power-efficient. |
| Antutu Score | 178,220 | 442,500 | M15 offers significantly faster app loading, better multitasking and a better gaming experience |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | M15 offers better graphics performance for gaming and media consumption. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | M15 has a slightly higher resolution, while Moto G Power has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.0 | M15 captures higher resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.2 | M15 can capture wider scenes compared to Moto G Power. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G Power has a dedicated portrait mode camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro lens capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | Similar standard recording, M15's slow-mo goes up to 240fps, while Moto G Power's is only 60fps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | M15 should offer longer battery life due to a larger capacity battery. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | M15 charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Charger in-box | 10W | Not specified | Moto G Power (2021) includes a charger, while it is not specified for Samsung. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | M15 has a significantly newer Android OS with more features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | M15 has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M15 has better location accuracy through support for additional satellite systems |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | M15 offers dual SIM capability, suitable for travelers or users managing two lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 128GB | M15 has significantly more internal storage for apps, photos and videos |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 4GB/6GB | M15 is more capable of handling multitasking with more RAM |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | 2 microphones | M15 may offer slightly improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint sensor | Side Fingerprint sensor | Both offer fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity (virtual) | Similar sensor package, with differences in proximity and compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Dedicated Portrait Mode Camera: Offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos, which the M15 lacks.
- Potentially Lower Price: Given its age, the Moto G Power (2021) is likely to be available for a lower price, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Charger in box: Includes a 10W charger in the box, which is not specified for the Samsung M15.
Samsung Galaxy M15 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness results in a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Better Performance: Newer chipset and higher Antutu score translate to faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming.
- Larger Battery with Faster Charging: 6000mAh battery and 25W fast charging means longer battery life and less time plugged in.
- Dual SIM Support: Dual SIM capability allows users to use two phone numbers on one device.
- Modern Android OS: Android 14 offers a newer software experience with better features and security updates.
- More Storage and RAM: 128GB storage and up to 6GB of RAM provide better storage and multitasking capabilities.
- Better Connectivity: Supports a newer Bluetooth version and has more GPS satellite systems for more accurate location.
- Wider Angle Lens: Captures wider scenes which can be very useful.
- Improved Audio: Dual Microphones may lead to a better voice recording/capture experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a dedicated portrait mode camera, which is missing from the Samsung Galaxy M15. However, the M15 has a wide-angle camera, which the G Power lacks.
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) may be more affordable due to its older age, but it offers significantly lower performance and display quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for the absolute cheapest smartphone that can perform basic tasks.
- Basic Smartphone Needs: Users who prioritize battery life above all else and don't need high-end performance or camera capabilities.
- Users who value a depth camera: Those that want a dedicated portrait mode camera.
Use Cases:
- Basic phone calls and texting.
- Light social media browsing.
- Emergency phone or secondary device.
- Users who need a battery that lasts multiple days.
Samsung Galaxy M15 Ideal User:
- Value-Oriented Buyers: Users looking for a good balance of features, performance, and price.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch videos, browse social media, and enjoy mobile gaming.
- Frequent Photographers: Users who take pictures regularly and appreciate good image quality and diverse shooting options.
- Users Who Need Performance: Users who use multiple apps and multitask regularly.
- Users Who Need More Storage: Those who like to have lots of space for media.
Use Cases:
- Enjoying media on the go with the superior AMOLED display.
- Playing casual mobile games.
- Taking pictures and videos with the improved camera system.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously without slowdowns.
- Long days away from a power outlet due to its long lasting battery.
- Travelers who need dual SIM functionality.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a better price-to-value for users on a very strict budget, who are okay with the very basic phone experience.
- The Samsung Galaxy M15 offers a significantly better value for those willing to spend a bit more, providing a much more modern and capable smartphone experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If budget is extremely tight, the Moto G Power may be considered, but it comes with many compromises.
- How important is display quality to me? The M15's AMOLED screen is a massive upgrade if display quality is important to you.
- How important is performance and multitasking for me? The M15 is much more capable for more intense tasks and multitasking.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Extremely Tight Budget: If the budget is the absolute primary concern and performance isn't a concern, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a viable option. Be prepared for a compromised experience with basic display, and overall performance.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Budget and Needs: If you want a good smartphone experience and are willing to spend a little more, the Samsung Galaxy M15 offers significantly better performance, display quality, camera features, and battery life. This is the better option for most users.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia and Gaming Focus: The Samsung Galaxy M15 is the clear winner, due to its AMOLED display, larger battery, significantly better processor, more RAM, and better connectivity.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M15. The difference in performance, display quality, and overall user experience is simply too significant to ignore. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) might be cheaper, the compromises it makes in display quality, performance, and software are too severe for daily use. The Galaxy M15 offers a much more modern and capable smartphone experience that is well worth the price increase. The improved screen, faster performance, longer battery life, superior connectivity, and better camera all outweigh the Motorola's very slightly wider aperture on its main camera and portrait depth camera.
