Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy M32
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy M32 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 159.3 x 74 x 8.4 mm | The Moto G Power is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use compared to the more compact and slimmer M32. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 180g | The M32 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.4" | The Moto G Power offers a slightly larger viewing area, which may be preferable for media consumption, while the M32 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The M32 has a significantly sharper display with more detail, resulting in a better viewing experience for text, images, and video. |
| PPI | 266 | 411 | The higher pixel density of the M32 means text and images appear clearer and less pixelated. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The M32's AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, providing a superior visual experience. It is also more power-efficient when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The M32's 90Hz refresh rate provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the perceived responsiveness of the phone. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness; however, the contrast and visibility in sunlight would be better on the AMOLED of the Samsung M32. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | The M32's chipset has a higher benchmark score, suggesting slightly better overall performance for apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 204,000 | The M32 will likely perform noticeably better in day-to-day tasks and during gaming because of its higher score. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The M32’s GPU is expected to deliver better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/1.7) | 64MP (f/1.8) | The M32 has a higher resolution main sensor, potentially capturing more detail. The Moto G Power has a slightly wider aperture, which might perform better in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP (f/2.0) | 20MP (f/2.2) | The M32 has a higher-resolution front camera, meaning better selfie quality. The Moto G Power's wider aperture might provide better low-light selfie capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP (f/2.2) | The M32 offers a wide-angle lens, allowing for more versatile shooting scenarios (e.g., group photos, landscapes), whereas the Moto G Power lacks this capability. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both offer comparable depth-sensing for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both offer the same macro lens functionality, but their performance will mostly depend on software optimization. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Both phones offer similar standard video quality. The Moto G Power offers 60fps capture, which is useful for fast action and has EIS, meaning smoother footage. The M32 offers slightly faster slow-motion at 120 fps compared to Moto G’s 60 fps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The M32's faster charging will significantly reduce charging times. |
| Charger in Box | 10W | 15W | The M32 ships with a slightly faster charger, further reducing charging time compared to the Moto G Power. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | The M32 has a newer OS out of the box, and will get more updates, ensuring longer software support and access to newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi, however, the M32 supports Dual band and Wi-Fi Direct for more connectivity options. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 | The M32 offers more Bluetooth profiles for compatibility with different devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The M32 supports more satellite systems, potentially offering better location accuracy in certain areas. |
| SIM | Single Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | The M32 supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to use two phone numbers on one device, which is beneficial for travel or work-life separation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32 GB or 64 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | The M32 has more storage options, accommodating more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | The M32 has more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have the same fingerprint placement and same biometric security functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Screen: The 6.6" display is a bit bigger than the M32's for media consumption.
- 60fps recording with EIS 60fps recording is useful for filming fast action, and has EIS for smoother video.
Samsung Galaxy M32 Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers much better image quality, color vibrancy, and power efficiency.
- Higher Resolution and PPI: Sharper visuals with more detail due to the higher resolution and pixel density.
- Smoother Refresh Rate: 90Hz refresh rate for a more fluid and responsive user experience.
- Better Performance: The G80 chipset offers better overall performance as reflected by the higher benchmark score.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution main and front cameras, plus the addition of a useful wide-angle lens, increasing the camera's versatility.
- More RAM and Storage Options: A higher RAM will allow for better multitasking and the option to choose more storage.
- Dual SIM Support: Useful for managing multiple phone numbers or using different carriers when traveling.
- Newer OS with Upgrade Path: Android 11 out of the box, which is upgradable to Android 13, guaranteeing a longer software support period and access to new features.
- Lighter and More Compact Design: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Trade-offs:
- Screen Size vs Quality: The Moto G Power has a slightly larger screen but with a lower resolution, lower pixel density, and inferior IPS LCD technology, while the M32 has the better quality but slightly smaller AMOLED screen.
- Processing Power vs Price: While the Moto G Power may be offered at a lower price, it provides less performance than the M32.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large screen and long battery life.
- Users who mostly use their phone for basic tasks like web browsing, calls, and social media and don't need high-end performance.
- Users who prioritize battery life over screen quality and camera quality.
Use Cases:
- Streaming videos or other media.
- Everyday browsing and social media.
- Extended use without needing to recharge often.
Samsung Galaxy M32 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality and camera quality over other aspects.
- Users who want a phone with solid performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Users who prefer fast charging for minimal downtime.
- Users who need dual SIM functionality.
Use Cases:
- Viewing high-quality videos or images.
- Playing visually demanding games.
- Taking high-quality selfies and wide-angle landscape shots.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously.
- People that need to quickly charge their phones.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: display quality or screen size? (AMOLED with higher resolution on the M32 or larger IPS LCD on the G Power?)
- Is camera versatility important for you? (Wide angle on the M32, 60fps recording with EIS on the G Power, or neither)?
- How important is fast charging and the latest OS to you? (M32 has significantly faster charging and a newer OS than the G Power)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a user who watches a lot of videos and prioritizes battery life: The M32 is a better choice due to its superior screen, slightly better performance and significantly faster charging.
- For a user who needs long battery life and is on a tight budget: The G Power is a better choice due to its large battery and screen size, however, if the budget is not an issue the M32 is the better choice.
- For a user who wants the best possible visual experience and better camera performance: The M32 is a clear winner with its AMOLED screen, higher camera resolution, and wide-angle lens.
- For a user who needs dual SIM functionality: The M32 is the only option as the G Power doesn't offer this feature.
What Would I Choose and Why?
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M32. While both phones have their merits, the M32 offers a more well-rounded experience for my preferences and typical use case. Here's why:
- Superior Display Quality: The AMOLED screen is a significant upgrade over the IPS LCD of the Moto G Power. The richer colors, deeper blacks, and higher resolution would make media consumption and general phone use much more enjoyable.
- Better Overall Performance: The Mediatek Helio G80 and more RAM is a better performing chip for my needs, providing smoother multitasking and gaming, as reflected in the AnTuTu score.
- Camera Versatility: I value the inclusion of a wide-angle lens, which the Moto G Power lacks. The higher resolution selfie camera is another bonus.
- Faster Charging: The 25W charging will be much more convenient in daily use, and it ships with a 15W charger in the box.
- Future Proofing: The M32 has Android 11 out of the box, and has the ability to be upgraded to Android 13, ensuring a longer lifespan and access to new features and security patches.
- Dual SIM: Having the option to use dual SIMs is a bonus for both travel and for managing my personal and work contacts.
While the Moto G Power has a slightly larger screen, the advantages offered by the Samsung Galaxy M32 in terms of display quality, performance, cameras, and charging speeds make it the better overall choice for me.
