Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications for the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) and the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G, along with a column explaining the real-world implications of these differences:
Design
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 157.4 × 75.8 × 7.6 mm | The Moto G Power is noticeably taller and thicker, making the S22+ feel more compact and pocketable. |
Weight | 206.5g | 195g | The S22+ is slightly lighter, potentially making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
Build | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | The S22+ is more durable and resistant to scratches and drops. |
Display
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both have the same display size. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | The S22+ has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text and more detailed images. |
Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 393 | The S22+ has a significantly sharper display; text and images look less pixelated. |
Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The S22+ display will offer deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The S22+ will feel much smoother when scrolling, playing games, and navigating menus. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | The S22+ display will be much easier to see outdoors under bright sunlight. |
Performance
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | The S22+ is significantly faster and more responsive for all tasks, including gaming and multitasking. |
AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 890,774 | The S22+ provides a far more powerful experience, loading apps faster and handling demanding tasks with ease. |
GPU | Adreno 610 | Xclipse 920 | The S22+ GPU offers vastly superior graphics performance for gaming. |
Camera
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | S22+ is likely to offer higher quality photos, especially in low light, due to its larger sensor. |
Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 10MP, f/2.2 | S22+ selfie camera is likely better, especially in low light. |
Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4 | S22+ has the ability to zoom in without losing much detail. |
Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | S22+ can capture a wider field of view in photos and videos. |
Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, but likely lower quality than S22+ software processing |
Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G can capture close-up shots of small objects. |
Video | 1080p@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | S22+ offers much higher video quality, better stabilization, and features like HDR and stereo sound. |
Camera Scores | Not Available | DxoMark: 125 (Mobile) | S22+ has been tested and scored, Moto G hasn't, and S22+ score is a good indication of its superior camera system |
Other Camera Features | Digital image stabilization, Laser autofocus | Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, RAW | S22+ has superior stabilization, zoom and more advanced features than Motorola |
Battery
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The Moto G Power has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging, Wireless 15W, Reverse 4.5W | The S22+ charges much faster and offers wireless charging options, making it more convenient. |
Other Features | 10W charger in-box | Bypass charging | The S22+ includes additional features such as wireless charging and bypass charging |
Other
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
Operating System | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 16) | The S22+ has a newer operating system with more features and longer support. |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | S22+ has faster and more efficient wifi connectivity. |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | S22+ has more advanced audio features |
SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | S22+ offers more flexibility with dual SIM and eSIM support. |
Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 128/256 GB | S22+ offers more internal storage for apps, photos and videos. |
RAM | 3/4 GB | 8 GB | The S22+ has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Stereo Speakers | The S22+ has better audio quality for listening to music or watching videos. |
Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is usually more reliable and easier to use than basic fingerprint sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may offer slightly longer battery life.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Offers more flexibility for specialized close-up and portrait photos.
- Lower Price: Usually much more affordable than the S22+.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: High-resolution AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate provides a much better visual experience.
- Much Faster Performance: Exynos 2200 chipset offers vastly superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall speed.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Versatile triple-lens setup with better image quality, zoom, and video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging with wireless charging options make it much more convenient.
- Newer Software & Features: Newer Android version with more features and future updates.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards, as well as dual SIM support.
- Premium Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ screen protection for enhanced durability.
- Stereo Speakers: Offers better sound quality with stereo output.
Significant Trade-offs
- The Motorola trades processing power, display quality, camera performance, and premium features for lower price and possibly slightly longer battery life.
- The Samsung offers a premium experience but at a significantly higher price, with a slightly smaller battery capacity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life over performance.
- Users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Users who are primarily interested in taking casual snapshots and don't require advanced camera features.
- Users who prefer a standard display for ease of use.
Specific Use Cases:
- A backup phone for travel or outdoor activities.
- A first smartphone for someone new to the technology.
- A phone for children or elderly individuals.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Ideal User:
- Users who want a premium smartphone with top-tier performance.
- Users who enjoy mobile gaming or demanding apps.
- Users who prioritize a high-quality camera for photos and videos.
- Users who consume a lot of media and want the best possible display.
- Users who need a phone with fast charging and wireless charging options.
- Users who need a phone for professional use, and want top tier video and connectivity capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- A primary phone for daily use.
- A professional tool for photography and videography.
- A gaming device for demanding mobile games.
- A portable media player for on-the-go entertainment.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola offers excellent value for its low price, catering to those on a tight budget.
- The Samsung provides a premium experience but comes at a high price point, requiring a significant investment.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Moto G Power is much cheaper, while the S22+ requires a substantial investment.
- What are your primary use cases? Prioritize battery life (Moto G) or performance and camera (S22+)?
- How important is display quality to you? The S22+ offers a significantly better display experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Long Battery is Key: Choose the Motorola Moto G Power. It provides basic functionality and a large battery for a much lower price.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera are Essential: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. It delivers a top-tier experience with a superior display, powerful performance, and advanced camera capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Good balance between price and features: This is harder to answer. If you are primarily a casual user, the Motorola may be adequate. If you are looking for better cameras or consume a lot of media, consider increasing your budget for the Samsung.
Conclusion:
The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is the superior device in almost every aspect, offering a much better display, vastly superior performance, more advanced cameras, and faster charging. However, this comes at a significantly higher price point. The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a more basic phone, but provides good battery life at a budget-friendly price. The right choice depends largely on the user's budget and priorities. If you can afford it, the Samsung provides a vastly better user experience, making it the ideal choice for users seeking a premium device.
Personal Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. The massive improvements in display quality (AMOLED, 120Hz), processing power (Exynos 2200), and camera capabilities (telephoto, wide-angle, superior image quality) are well worth the higher cost for me. I prioritize smooth performance, high-quality photos and videos, and a vibrant display for my daily use, all of which the S22+ delivers exceptionally well. While the Moto G Power offers a good battery life and lower cost, the overall user experience and the long term use of the phone would be significantly improved by choosing the Samsung Galaxy S22+.