Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | Moto G Power is taller & thicker; S24 Ultra is wider. The S24 Ultra will feel more premium and might be harder to use with one hand due to its width. The Moto G Power might be easier to grip for some. |
Weight | 206.5g | 232g | Moto G Power is lighter, which will be more comfortable for longer use. S24 Ultra is heavier, possibly impacting handling fatigue. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | S24 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, beneficial for multimedia and multitasking. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3120 | S24 Ultra's display is significantly sharper, resulting in crisper text and images. The Moto G Power might have a pixelated look at close range. |
Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 505 | S24 Ultra has much higher sharpness and clarity; images and text will be noticeably clearer compared to the Moto G Power. |
Technology | IPS LCD | Unknown | While the S24 Ultra has an unknown display technology, its high specifications indicate that it has superior display quality compared to the Moto G Power's IPS LCD panel. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24 Ultra provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. The Moto G Power's 60Hz might feel less fluid. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | The S24 Ultra will be much more visible outdoors under bright sunlight. The Moto G Power's visibility is not specified, but it is unlikely to match the S24 Ultra. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24 Ultra has a significantly faster processor, handling demanding apps and games with ease. The Moto G Power will struggle with intensive tasks. |
AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra offers vastly superior performance for all tasks (app loading, gaming, multitasking); Moto G Power may feel sluggish by comparison. |
GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | S24 Ultra's GPU will deliver significantly better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, suggesting similar usage times. Actual battery life depends heavily on usage patterns. |
Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S24 Ultra charges much faster, reducing downtime. The Moto G Power takes longer to reach full charge. |
Features | 10W charger in-box | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | S24 Ultra offers more versatile charging options (wireless, reverse). The Moto G Power includes a basic charger. |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera | 48MP f/1.7 (0.80 µm) | 200MP f/1.7 (1.00 µm, 1/1.3" sensor) | S24 Ultra captures significantly more detail and performs much better in low light. |
Telephoto + Portrait | N/A | 50MP f/2.4 (1.00 µm, 1/1.56" sensor) | S24 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto zoom capabilities. The Moto G Power lacks this feature. |
Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 (1.12 µm) | 12MP f/2.2 (pixel size unspecified) | S24 Ultra has a higher resolution front-facing camera, but its pixel size is unspecified, so its low light performance can't be fully determined. |
Telephoto lens | N/A | 10MP f/3.4 (1.12 µm, 1/3.52" sensor) | The S24 Ultra includes a secondary telephoto lens. The Moto G Power does not have any telephoto lens. |
Wide Angle lens | N/A | 12.2MP f/2.2 (1.40 µm, 1/2.55" sensor) | The S24 Ultra includes an ultrawide lens. The Moto G Power does not have an ultrawide lens. |
Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP f/2.4 (1.75 µm) | N/A | Moto G Power has a dedicated depth camera for portrait effects. |
Macro lens | 2MP f/2.4 (1.75 µm) | N/A | The Moto G Power has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos. |
Video | 1080p@30/60fps (EIS) | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps (all with HDR, EIS, Stereo) | S24 Ultra offers significantly higher resolution and frame rate for video recording with more features like HDR and stereo sound. |
DxOMark Score | N/A | 144 (Photo: 144, Video: 137) | S24 Ultra has been professionally tested for its camera performance with very high scores. The Moto G Power has no professional testing available. |
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 | Night Mode 2.0, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | S24 Ultra provides a more versatile photography experience with more advanced features like optical zoom and OIS. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | S24 Ultra has a much newer operating system with the latest features and security updates. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6E | S24 Ultra supports the latest WiFi standards for faster and more reliable connections. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S24 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version with more features and efficiency. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S24 Ultra supports more satellite systems for more precise and reliable location tracking. |
SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | S24 Ultra offers dual SIM capabilities including eSIM support, useful for traveling or managing multiple numbers. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 32 GB or 64 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB or 1024 GB | S24 Ultra provides significantly more storage for media and apps. The Moto G Power offers very limited storage capacity. |
RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 12 GB | S24 Ultra handles multitasking far more smoothly, especially with demanding apps. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via SD card. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S24 Ultra will have much better audio quality for calls, videos, and music thanks to stereo speakers and noise cancellation. |
Security | |||
Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The S24 Ultra has an unspecific 'basic' fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality | |||
Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Armor | S24 Ultra has the best screen protection on the market for preventing scratches and cracks. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | The S24 Ultra features a more extensive array of sensors that can be useful for more advanced applications and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: At 206.5g, it is significantly lighter than the S24 Ultra, which could be more comfortable for long periods of use.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: This is typically faster and more ergonomic compared to in-display sensors, although the S24 Ultra's sensor is not specified as in-display.
- Dedicated Macro Lens and Depth Sensor: These allow for more versatility in certain types of photography, though these aren't necessarily better than the S24 Ultra's other lenses.
- Lower Price: As an older, budget-friendly device, it is much more affordable than the flagship S24 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is vastly more powerful, offering smooth performance in any app or game.
- Much Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness result in a much more vivid and fluid viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, telephoto lenses, and advanced software features mean greatly improved photo and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging means significantly less waiting time.
- More Storage and RAM: Vastly more storage and RAM allow for more data and smooth multitasking.
- Latest Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards ensure faster and more stable connections.
- More Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, and advanced audio features significantly enhance the overall user experience.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Armor offers superior screen protection.
- Newer OS: Ships with a much newer Android version.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Moto G Power prioritizes affordability and basic functionality, sacrificing performance and display quality for a lower price.
- The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a high-end, flagship device, meaning a much higher price tag for its top-tier features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks like browsing, calls, texts, and light social media. This phone is suitable for users who don't require high-end performance.
- Use Cases:
- Long battery life for users who are frequently away from chargers.
- Light gaming, web browsing, and simple media consumption.
- As a secondary or backup phone.
- Users who prioritize affordability over performance and features.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Power users who demand the best performance, display, and camera capabilities. This includes content creators, gamers, and professionals.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding titles.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Resource-intensive tasks like video editing and multitasking between several applications.
- Users who need a device that is future-proof.
- Users who prioritize the highest quality display and multimedia experience.
- Users who want a device with the newest features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Moto G Power is much cheaper than the S24 Ultra.
- What are your primary use cases? (e.g., browsing, gaming, photography). The S24 Ultra will be a much better choice for gaming and photography.
- How important is performance and display quality? The S24 Ultra excels in both and the Moto G Power will struggle.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget: If cost is the primary concern, the Motorola Moto G Power is the budget choice. It can cover basic needs.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the clear winner due to its professional-grade camera system.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will provide a much smoother and enjoyable experience due to its powerful processor, dedicated GPU, and 120Hz refresh rate screen.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User: For a normal user who prioritizes performance and doesn't mind paying for the highest quality, the S24 Ultra is better. The Moto G Power would be suitable only if you are on an extremely tight budget.
My Choice:
Based on my analysis, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While it comes at a premium price, the sheer difference in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities makes it a much more compelling device for a power user like myself. As an expert who needs to test and evaluate mobile performance and features, the S24 Ultra offers a much more comprehensive set of features and capabilities that justify the high cost for my use case. The only reason I would consider the Moto G Power is if budget was the only concern, as it provides very little value in comparison. However, given my priorities, the investment into the S24 Ultra is a no brainer.