1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications of the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4:
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Galaxy Z Flip4 offers a compact, pocketable design when folded, while Moto G Power (2021) has a typical slab design. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 165.2 × 71.9 × 6.9 mm | Moto G Power (2021) is wider and thicker, making the Z Flip4 more comfortable to hold and pocket when unfolded, and drastically smaller when folded. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 187g | Z Flip4 is noticeably lighter, improving comfort during extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Z Flip4 has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive viewing experience, though the difference is minimal. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2640 | Z Flip4 has much sharper and more detailed images due to the higher pixel count, crucial for reading and high-quality media. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 426 PPI | Z Flip4 has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images, enhancing readability and detail. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Unknown | Moto G Power (2021) uses IPS LCD which typically offers decent color accuracy but Samsung's display technology is typically AMOLED or equivalent which provide higher contrast and better colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Z Flip4 offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Z Flip4's display is much brighter, drastically improving visibility in direct sunlight, ensuring screen content is easily readable. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Flip4 offers dramatically better performance in all areas. Apps load faster, multitasking is smoother and overall usage is far snappier than the Moto G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 1,050,371 | Z Flip4 offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and is more future-proofed. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | Z Flip4 has a much more powerful GPU, offering significantly better graphics performance for games and other graphically demanding tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7, 0.80µm | 12.2MP f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.40µm , Sony IMX563 | Moto G Power (2021) has a higher resolution, but the Z Flip4's larger pixel size and superior sensor result in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0, 1.12µm | 10MP f/2.4, 1/3.2", 1.22µm, Sony IMX374 | Z Flip4 has a higher resolution and larger sensor. While the difference is minor, the Z Flip 4's sensor and software processing results in better selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP 1/3.06", Sony IMX258 1.12 µm pixel size | Z Flip4 has a wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame, whereas the Moto G Power (2021) lacks this versatility. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G Power (2021) has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos, while the Z Flip 4 relies on software. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G Power (2021) includes a macro camera for close-up shots, but this camera is typically low quality. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@60/240fps, 720p@960fps | Z Flip4 provides much higher video quality with 4K recording and higher frame rates, crucial for professional content creators and capturing smooth action footage. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, LAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Tracking AF, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Z Flip4 includes OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) which produces much smoother video and less blurry photos. It also has superior video recording options like 4K and slow motion. Moto G has Laser Autofocus which is good in some cases |
| DxOMark Score | Not Available | 112 Main, 125 photo, 113 video | Z Flip4 has been tested by DxoMark, while the G Power has not. This allows for comparison with a standard benchmark. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3700mAh | Moto G Power (2021) has a much larger battery, potentially offering much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging | Z Flip4 charges faster using the included charger and offers additional wireless and reverse charging options, however the G Power's larger battery should provide much longer battery life. |
| Features | 10W charger in-box | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Fast charging 25W, 50% in 30 min, Fast wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | The Z Flip 4 includes advanced charging features such as 25W wired fast charging, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, whilst the G Power only comes with a basic 10w charger. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides much longer battery life, often lasting for two days on a single charge, which is ideal for users who are often away from power outlets.
- Lower Price: Typically priced much lower, offering a budget-friendly option for users who need a basic phone that lasts a long time.
- Basic Headphone Jack: It has a 3.5mm headphone jack unlike the Z Flip 4.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: The unique foldable design significantly improves pocketability, making it much smaller and more convenient to carry.
- Superior Display: The high-resolution, high refresh rate AMOLED screen with vibrant colors and brightness is superior for media consumption and a more enjoyable user experience.
- Much Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip offers vastly superior performance, ideal for heavy users, gamers, and those needing a smooth and quick phone.
- Better Camera System: Z Flip4 offers a versatile camera setup, with better low-light performance and video capabilities, along with features like OIS and 4k video.
- More Advanced Charging Options: The Z Flip4 has more fast and wireless charging capabilities, although this is somewhat negated by the weaker battery life.
- Stereo speakers: It has better stereo speakers.
- Software: It has a newer operating system with more advanced features.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G Power: The main trade-off is the dated, slower chipset and lower resolution display.
- Galaxy Z Flip4: The main drawbacks are the significantly higher price, and the shorter battery life despite advanced charging options.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who prioritize long battery life over everything else, and those who need a basic reliable smartphone for everyday tasks like calls, texts, and light social media.
- Use Cases:
- Users who need a backup phone.
- Travelers who require long battery life and don't want to worry about charging frequently.
- Users who prefer basic smartphones over complex and premium phones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
- Ideal User: Tech-enthusiasts, users who value premium design and performance, content creators, and those who want a pocketable smartphone that doesn't compromise on features.
- Use Cases:
- Users who require a high-performance phone for gaming, video editing, and professional applications.
- Content creators who need high-quality video and photos.
- Users who want a compact smartphone with premium features.
- Users who often use their phone for media consumption.
Price-to-Value
The Moto G Power (2021) excels in the price-to-value category for users who prioritize battery life and a lower price. The Z Flip4 offers superior performance and features, but at a premium cost.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask when deciding between these phones:
- What is your budget? If you are price sensitive, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a far cheaper choice.
- How important is battery life? If you need a phone that can last two days on a single charge, the Motorola Moto G Power is the better option.
- What do you prioritize for phone usage? If you need high-performance for gaming and content creation, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is the better option. If you need a phone for basic use, the Motorola should suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you primarily need a phone for basic communication, and require long battery life, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the recommended choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Features Prioritized: If you prioritize high performance, a better camera system, and a premium folding design, and are willing to pay for it, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Travel and Heavy Use: For travel, or users who are often away from power sources, the Moto G Power (2021)'s battery life is a better fit, even with it's slower processing.
- Scenario 4: Media consumption: The Z Flip 4 has a superior screen that is a more ideal for watching media
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. Although the price is significantly higher, and the battery life is less than ideal, I would prioritize the phone's vastly superior performance, camera capabilities, premium foldable design, and much better screen. The Z Flip 4 is clearly a much better smartphone in almost every aspect, except for price and battery. While the Moto G Power (2021) is the better choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, the Z Flip 4 offers a premium experience for demanding users. The higher price point is justified by a superior screen, design, performance and camera.
