Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 158 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | Moto G Power is taller and thicker, S23 FE is more compact. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 209g | Virtually identical, negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.4" | Moto G Power has a slightly larger display for more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | S23 FE offers sharper text and images, more detail when viewing content. |
| PPI | 266 | 403 | S23 FE has significantly sharper image clarity and text rendering. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S23 FE has more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23 FE offers much smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, but AMOLED tends to appear brighter and more vibrant due to higher contrast. Note: Brightness is listed as 0 nits for both, which is likely an error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Exynos 2200 (4nm) | S23 FE has a much faster processor, leading to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE has vastly superior performance for gaming, demanding apps and future proofing. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE has a much more powerful GPU for graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm | S23 FE has better image quality due to the larger sensor and pixel size. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | None | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | S23 FE has optical zoom capabilities not present on the Moto G Power. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1.22µm | S23 FE offers better selfie quality with slightly larger sensor and pixel size |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G Power offers dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G Power offers a dedicated macro lens for close up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | S23 FE offers ultrawide shots and also has macro capabilities combined in one lens |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | S23 FE can record significantly higher resolution videos, providing better detail and clarity. |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 127 | S23 FE has been benchmarked for camera performance |
| Camera Features | LAF, PDAF, EIS | OIS, PDAF, Dual PDAF, Night Mode, 8K Video, RAW | S23 FE offers more advanced features including optical image stabilization (OIS) and night mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Moto G Power has a larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | S23 FE charges faster than the Moto G Power. |
| Features | 10W charger in-box | Wireless charging, Reverse charging, No charger in-box | S23 FE offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | S23 FE has a newer operating system, with access to the latest features and security updates. |
| Max OS Version | N/A | Android 17 (planned) | S23 FE is expected to receive at least 4 more major Android OS updates |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB or 64GB | 128GB or 256GB | S23 FE has significantly more storage for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 8GB | S23 FE offers smoother multitasking performance due to more RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting storage capacity. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | S23 FE offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23 FE has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | S23 FE supports the use of two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S23 FE has significantly better audio quality. |
| Security | Side fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Moto G Power has a side mounted fingerprint while the S23FE has a standard in display fingerprint sensor |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S23 FE has a more durable screen. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer usage between charges. Practical Impact: Fewer charging sessions needed, beneficial for users who are away from power sources for extended periods.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Cameras: Offers a dedicated macro lens for closeup shots and a depth sensor for portrait mode photos. Practical Impact: Better creative photo options for specific use cases.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box. Practical Impact: Convenience for users who don't have chargers already.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display offers vibrant colors, better contrast, and higher resolution. Practical Impact: Enhanced viewing experience for media consumption and general usage.
- Much Faster Performance: Exynos 2200 chipset provides significantly better performance. Practical Impact: Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Superior image quality, optical zoom, and 8K video capabilities. Practical Impact: Higher quality photos and videos, suitable for content creation.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. Practical Impact: Convenient charging options, quick top-ups.
- Future-proofed OS: The S23FE ships with Android 13 and is expected to receive at least 4 more major OS updates. Practical Impact: Long term support and up to date features and security.
- Better Audio: Features stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. Practical Impact: Immersive audio experience for media consumption.
- More Storage and RAM: Larger storage capacity and significantly more RAM. Practical Impact: More space for apps and files and better multitasking performance.
- Dual SIM support: Support for two SIM cards in the phone Practical Impact: More convenience for users who use two phone lines
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 standards. Practical Impact: Faster speeds, lower latency and better performance.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Moto G Power: Trades performance, display, and camera quality for better battery life.
- S23 FE: Trades battery capacity for significant improvements in all other aspects, including performance, display, and camera quality, and features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Users on a very tight budget
- Users needing long battery life above all else.
- Users who primarily use their phones for basic tasks.
Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Long periods away from power outlets.
- Users who prefer a larger screen size over image quality.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Ideal User:
- Users seeking a high-performing smartphone at a reasonable price.
- Users who value high-quality display and camera experience.
- Users who want an all around great smartphone experience with advanced features.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Photography and videography.
- Users who consume a lot of media on their phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Moto G Power (2021) is likely much more budget-friendly than the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.
- What is more important: battery life or performance, display, and camera quality? The Moto G Power prioritizes battery life, while the S23 FE emphasizes performance and premium features.
- What will you use the phone for? Basic usage will be handled on either but the S23 FE will be significantly faster, with a better display and camera for more demanding applications.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious, Long Battery): If budget is the primary concern and long battery life is the top priority, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the better option. Be prepared to sacrifice performance and display quality.
Scenario 2 (Balanced Performance & Features): If a better all-around smartphone with a premium display, excellent camera, and robust performance is desired, then the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the superior choice.
Scenario 3 (Power User): If you need a phone that can handle anything you throw at it, and you value a great camera and premium features, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has its merits, its advantages (mainly battery life and a lower price point) pale in comparison to the overall performance and features of the S23 FE. The vast difference in processing power, display quality, and camera capabilities makes the S23 FE a much more appealing device. The S23FE's superior display is key for media consumption, and the camera quality is essential for capturing high quality content. Furthermore, the S23FE's future proof nature with extended OS support would make it a much more practical phone for long-term use. The extra features like stereo speakers, fast charging and wireless charging makes the overall experience much more premium.
While battery life is important, the S23 FE still offers adequate battery performance for most users and can be quickly topped off with its fast charging capability. In short, the S23 FE offers a far more balanced and enjoyable experience.
