Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy M55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy M55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 163.9 × 76.5 × 7.8 mm | M55 is thinner and slightly shorter, potentially more comfortable to hold. Moto G Power is thicker and slightly taller. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 180g | M55 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | M55 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | M55 has a much sharper and clearer display with more detail. |
| PPI | 266 | 393 | M55 provides significantly crisper visuals and text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | M55's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles, particularly in bright sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | M55 provides smoother scrolling and animations, more responsive gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness (value not specified). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | M55's newer chipset offers significantly faster processing, better app loading, and improved gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 698,000 | M55 delivers a vastly superior user experience, smoother multitasking, and overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 644 | M55 has a more powerful GPU, enabling better graphics processing for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, implying similar battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 45W fast charging | M55 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and keeping you on the go. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | M55 might offer slightly better details and low-light performance due to a newer sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/2.2 | M55 has significantly higher resolution, and wider angle, which leads to improved selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP, f/2.2 | M55 can capture wider scenes, landscapes, and group photos. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Moto G Power has an additional depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro lens performance. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, OIS, EIS | M55 records in higher resolution, better video quality and offers optical stabilization for clearer and more stable videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | M55 has a newer OS with the latest features, security updates, and better optimization |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | M55 offers faster, more stable Wi-Fi, and is future-proof |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | M55 has a newer Bluetooth version, offering improved speed, range, and connection stability |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC System | M55 supports more satellite navigation systems offering greater accuracy, especially in dense urban areas. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | M55 offers Dual SIM functionality, useful for separate work and personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 128GB/256GB | M55 provides more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 8GB | M55 has significantly more RAM, smoother multitasking, better app management and overall better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic | Dolby Atmos | M55 offers an enhanced audio experience with immersive spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | basic | Moto G Power has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which may be more convenient for some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | M55 offers improved screen protection from scratches and accidental damages. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly wider aperture on main and front cameras: This could provide slightly better low-light performance, although the overall sensor quality is inferior to the M55.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Some users find this more convenient.
- Laser Autofocus: Motorola has a Laser Autofocus which could be faster in some scenarios.
Samsung Galaxy M55 Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate offers significantly better image quality and a smoother user experience.
- Vastly Superior Performance: The newer Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset provides drastically faster processing power and a smoother overall experience.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution selfie camera, inclusion of a wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording with OIS provide a much more versatile and high-quality imaging experience.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging significantly reduces charging time, a major convenience.
- More Storage & RAM: The base model offers much more storage and significantly more RAM, providing a better multitasking experience.
- More Modern Features: Includes features like dual SIM support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Dolby Atmos audio.
- Better build quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for display protection.
- More modern software: ships with a much newer Android OS version.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G Power (2021) does have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while the Samsung Galaxy M55 has a 'basic' one, although the exact differences are unclear without more information.
- The Moto G Power (2021) includes a laser autofocus, which may be beneficial in certain focusing scenarios.
- The Moto G Power is slightly thicker and heavier, which some might see as a trade-off for having a slightly larger battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life over all else and are comfortable with a basic smartphone experience.
- Use Cases:
- Basic daily tasks like calls, messaging, and web browsing.
- Users needing a phone with extended battery life for travel, camping, or long work shifts.
- Older adults who prefer simplicity and minimal features.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Now that the Moto G Power is 3 years old, it is likely very cheap, making it a good option for users who want the bare minimum.
Samsung Galaxy M55:
- Ideal User: Users seeking a versatile smartphone with a high-quality display, robust performance, and a capable camera system.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and demanding applications.
- Content creators needing high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who value a smooth and responsive user experience.
- Those needing a phone for everyday productivity with multi-tasking.
- People who watch video content on their phones.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: While potentially more expensive than the Moto G Power, the M55 offers excellent value with its vastly improved display, performance, and camera system.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If you have a very tight budget, the Moto G Power (2021) might be the only option.
- What do I prioritize most in a phone – display quality, performance, or battery life? The M55 excels in display and performance, while Moto G Power prioritizes battery life.
- Do I need a high-quality camera system, specifically for video recording? If so, the M55 is clearly the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You need a very affordable phone for basic use, and battery life is your primary concern, and you are not concerned about speed or video/photo quality: Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021).
- Scenario 2: You value a great visual experience, smooth performance, and a capable camera, with moderate battery needs: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M55.
- Scenario 3: You need a phone for gaming, social media, content consumption and multitasking : Choose the Samsung Galaxy M55.
What I would Choose and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M55. While both phones have their merits, the Galaxy M55 is superior in almost every aspect. The vastly improved display with its higher resolution and refresh rate alone makes it worth choosing the M55. When you also take into consideration the significantly better processing power, camera system, and faster charging, the M55 simply offers a far more modern and enjoyable smartphone experience. I believe these improvements will significantly affect the day to day use. The difference in performance based on the AnTuTu score shows a massive gap, which I believe will also affect the longevity of the device as time goes on.
Although the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a good battery and is likely a much cheaper option, the overall experience the M55 offers is worth the upgrade. While the Moto G Power's laser autofocus and side-mounted fingerprint sensor are potentially more convenient in some scenarios, those benefits are far outweighed by the Galaxy M55's advantages. The M55 better caters to modern smartphone usage patterns with its superior display, performance, and camera system.
