1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 163.3 × 77.9 × 8.9 mm | Moto G is taller and thicker, S22 Ultra is wider. S22 Ultra is slightly more compact in overall volume despite a bigger screen size. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 228g | Moto G is lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. S22 Ultra feels more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | S22 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, noticeable for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3088 | S22 Ultra provides much sharper images and text, drastically improved clarity for detailed viewing. |
| PPI | 266 | 500 | S22 Ultra has a significantly crisper display, resulting in finer details and less pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S22 Ultra has superior blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors and is more efficient when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S22 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations, a visually more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S22 Ultra is dramatically brighter, significantly improved outdoor visibility, clear visibility even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Exynos 2200 (4nm) | S22 Ultra has a much more powerful and efficient processor, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 1,023,311 | S22 Ultra is dramatically faster for all tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Xclipse 920 | S22 Ultra has a significantly more capable GPU, essential for graphically demanding tasks and games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S22 Ultra charges much faster, reducing downtime and getting the phone ready faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable, 10W charger in box | Non-removable, Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 15W Wireless charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging | S22 Ultra provides better battery features such as wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, more convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 108MP, f/1.8 | S22 Ultra captures significantly more detailed images, however Moto G has a slightly wider aperture that may perform better in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | None | 12MP, f/2.4 | S22 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto and portrait capabilities, providing enhanced zoom and portrait modes. Moto G cannot achieve this level of zoom or portrait quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 40MP, f/2.2 | S22 Ultra captures much sharper and more detailed selfies, Moto G's wider aperture can still perform better in some low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/4.9 | S22 Ultra offers a dedicated second telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | S22 Ultra provides a wider field of view, capturing more in landscape and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G includes a depth sensor for portrait shots. This may offer better results in some portrait scenarios. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, S22 Ultra does not have a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo sound | S22 Ultra offers significantly higher video quality with 8K recording, HDR, and advanced stabilization, better for professional-grade video. |
| DxoMark Scores | N/A | Mobile: 131, Selfie: 135 | S22 Ultra has been scored by DxOMark. Moto G has not, suggesting lower camera capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, Triple camera, Digital Image Stabilization, Autofocus, Touch Focus, Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), Laser Autofocus (LAF), Continuous Shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face Detection, White Balance Settings, ISO Settings, Exposure Compensation, Scene Mode, Self-timer | 4K/8K video, Digital/Optical Zoom, Quadruple Camera, Digital/Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Ultra Stable Video, Autofocus, Touch Focus, Manual focus, Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), Laser Autofocus (LAF), Continuous Shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face Detection, White Balance Settings, ISO Settings, Exposure Compensation, Scene Mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | S22 Ultra has significantly more advanced camera features, including optical zoom, OIS, 8K video, RAW support, and night mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, upgradable to 16 | S22 Ultra offers a newer version of Android and longer software update support, better long-term usability. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | S22 Ultra has faster Wi-Fi speeds with Wi-Fi 6 support, offering better performance in congested areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | S22 Ultra supports more advanced Bluetooth audio codecs for higher fidelity sound and newer version with improvements. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S22 Ultra offers better location accuracy due to more satellite support. |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | S22 Ultra offers dual SIM functionality and eSIM support, more convenience when using multiple carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | S22 Ultra offers far more internal storage, necessary for storing more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 8GB/12GB | S22 Ultra provides better multitasking capabilities, especially with 12GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | S22 Ultra has premium audio features, providing better audio quality, especially for media consumption and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Moto G provides a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22 Ultra provides superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S22 Ultra offers a more comprehensive sensor suite, useful for apps, gaming, and environmental sensing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
- Slightly Wider Aperture Main Camera: May perform slightly better in low light, although this may be offset by the S22's far superior image processing.
- Macro lens: Offers dedicated close up shots.
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient for some users.
Practical Implications:
- The Moto G Power (2021) is designed for basic tasks and offers a lower price for users who prioritize affordability.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, better contrast, AMOLED, smoother refresh rate, and much brighter screen for better visuals and outdoor visibility.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Much faster processor and GPU resulting in a much better user experience for demanding tasks like gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, telephoto lens, wide angle lens, better video recording, OIS, and more advanced features for better picture and video quality in many scenarios.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging times, allowing less downtime.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers for higher quality audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth versions for faster data transfer and better performance.
- Dual SIM + eSIM support: More convenience for travel and work/personal device use.
- Much More Internal Storage: More options for the user, and much more storage available in the top end.
- Premium Build Quality: With Gorilla Glass victus and more robust build.
- More Sensors: More sensors allow better functionality for apps, gaming and environmental sensing.
Practical Implications:
- The S22 Ultra is designed for users who want the best in performance, camera capabilities, display quality, and overall premium experience. It's better suited to power users, content creators, and those who use their phones for entertainment.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Price: The S22 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
- Weight: The S22 Ultra is heavier.
- Low Light Photography: While Moto G Power has wider main camera aperture, the S22 Ultra's camera is more versatile and is expected to perform much better due to better image processing and bigger sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize affordability and long battery life over high-end features.
- Basic smartphone users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and casual web browsing.
- Users seeking long battery life: Those needing a device that can last through the day on a single charge without needing to plug in.
- Users wanting a lighter phone: Those seeking a more portable, less heavy phone.
- First time smartphone users: Users who are looking for basic smartphone experience.
Use Cases:
- Everyday Communication: Calls, texts, social media browsing.
- Basic Media Consumption: Streaming videos, listening to music.
- Travel: Good for navigation and basic photography, particularly if battery life is a major concern.
- Budget Friendly Gaming: Capable of running basic games, but not heavy graphical games.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for multitasking, gaming, and content creation.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality camera system for capturing photos and videos.
- Media Consumption Lovers: Those who value high-resolution displays with vibrant colors and smooth refresh rates.
- Professional users: Users who use their phone as a work device and want all the productivity features available.
- Users seeking a long term device: Long software support ensures the device can last for years.
Use Cases:
- Professional Photography and Videography: Capturing high-resolution photos and videos for personal or professional use.
- Mobile Gaming: Playing graphically demanding games smoothly at high frame rates.
- Multitasking and Productivity: Working with multiple apps simultaneously, editing documents, and handling demanding tasks on the go.
- High-Resolution Media Consumption: Enjoying movies, TV shows, and games on a vibrant and sharp display.
- Travel: Better camera quality and performance while travelling, higher video resolutions, and eSIM support.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Moto G Power (2021): Offers good value for budget-conscious users who want a long-lasting phone with basic functionality.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G: Expensive but offers a premium experience, justifies the cost for users who need the top tier in performance, camera, and display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Moto G Power (2021) is significantly more affordable than the S22 Ultra.
- What are your primary use cases? Do you need top performance, a high-end camera, and a premium display, or are basic functions sufficient?
- How important is battery life vs. other factors? Both have a 5000mAh battery, but they will perform very differently. Moto G will last longer doing basic tasks and S22 will need a charge for heavy workloads.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is a primary concern. Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) for good battery life and basic functionality at a low price.
- Scenario 2: Performance and photography are essential. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G if you need a high-end camera, processing power, and display quality, and are willing to pay for a premium device.
- Scenario 3: Long battery life is crucial, and high performance is not needed. Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021), but understand that you're trading off much faster performance and better display.
- Scenario 4: You want a flagship phone with a lot of features. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G as it has most features that a flagship smartphone has to offer.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. Although, the price is a big difference, here is my reasoning:
- I want a phone with the best quality screen available and the S22 Ultra offers that with an AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, resolution and nits.
- I highly value performance and responsiveness which the S22 Ultra will offer with it's much more powerful chipset, GPU and RAM.
- I care about camera quality, and the S22 Ultra's advanced camera system is far superior for both photography and video recording and includes many useful features like optical zoom, OIS, night mode and more.
- I need advanced features like wireless charging, better audio, dual SIM support, and newer Wi-Fi/Bluetooth standards as well as a robust build with a screen protector.
- I want a phone that will last me years and with it's support of Android 16, the S22 Ultra will continue to receive updates for longer.
While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a very good budget phone, it doesn't offer what I want out of a smartphone. I do not mind spending more for the extra features that the S22 Ultra offers. Therefore, I would happily choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G.
