Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Fold3 offers a larger screen that folds for pocketability. Moto G Power is a traditional smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm (Unfolded) | The Moto G Power is taller and thicker, while the Z Fold3 is much wider when unfolded but thinner. This impacts pocketability and single-hand use. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 271g | The Moto G Power is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to handle one-handed. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 7.6" | The Z Fold3 has a much larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1768x2208 | The Z Fold3's higher resolution results in a significantly sharper and more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 374 | The Z Fold3 provides a clearer, less pixelated image, which is particularly noticeable when reading small text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Unknown | The Moto G Power uses IPS LCD technology known for good color reproduction and viewing angles. The display technology for the Z Fold3 is not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Z Fold3 offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience and making it feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | The Z Fold3's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 898,700 | The Z Fold3 demonstrates drastically higher performance, making it much faster and more responsive in daily use. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 660 | The Z Fold3’s GPU allows it to handle graphics-intensive tasks and games much more smoothly than the Moto G Power. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | The Moto G Power has a higher megapixel count, but the Z Fold3’s main camera has a larger sensor and pixel size which results in potentially better low-light performance and detail. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | The Moto G Power's slightly wider aperture might allow for a bit more light to enter, potentially improving low-light shots. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.80 µm | The Z Fold3’s significantly larger pixel size translates to improved light capture and potentially better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 10MP | The Z Fold3 has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | Moto G Power's wider aperture allows more light into the selfie camera, enhancing low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.22 µm | The Z Fold3 has a slightly larger pixel size on the selfie camera, potentially improving low-light quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP (f/2.4) | The Z Fold3 can zoom further without losing much detail due to its telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 13MP (f/2.2) | The Z Fold3 can capture more of a scene with its wide-angle lens, useful for group photos or landscapes. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | No | The Moto G Power has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | No | The Moto G Power includes a macro lens, allowing for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, 720p@960fps | The Z Fold3 offers higher resolution and frame rate options for higher quality video recording including super slow-motion capabilities. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS | The Z Fold3 has both Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which reduces shakiness in videos. |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | Mobile: 120 (Photo: 129, Video: 105), Selfie: 83 (Photo: 79, Video: 89) | The Z Fold3 has been evaluated by DxOMark, and it scores well on both mobile and selfie camera tests. The Moto G Power was not evaluated. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | The Moto G Power has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Z Fold3 charges faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Features | 10W charger in-box | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, Bypass Charging | The Z Fold3 offers more versatile charging options, including wireless charging, reverse charging and bypass charging. The Moto G Power includes a 10W charger. |
Other Features
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | The Z Fold3 has a newer operating system, benefiting from newer features and security patches. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The Z Fold3 supports a newer Wi-Fi standard, enabling faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The Z Fold3 has a newer version of Bluetooth, enabling a more stable and energy-efficient connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Z Fold3 supports more satellite systems, which can improve location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Z Fold3 supports dual SIMs including eSIM. The Moto G Power only supports a single physical SIM. |
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 256GB/512GB | The Z Fold3 provides significantly more storage space. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 12GB | The Z Fold3 has significantly more RAM, leading to much better multitasking capabilities and smoother performance for memory-intensive apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Z Fold3 provides enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Z Fold3 is much more durable against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | The Z Fold3 has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Significantly Lighter: At 206.5g, it is much easier to handle and carry around for extended periods.
- Larger Battery: Its 5000 mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- Lower Cost: The Moto G Power is significantly more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Camera: Offers specific camera lenses for depth-based and close-up photos.
- Slightly wider aperture on Main and Selfie Cameras: May offer a bit better low light performance in some cases.
Practical Implications: The Moto G Power prioritizes portability, battery life, and basic camera functionality, making it suitable for daily tasks and media consumption on a budget.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Advantages:
- Foldable Design: A unique, versatile design with a large display that can be folded for better portability.
- Superior Display: Larger, higher-resolution screen with 120Hz refresh rate, offering a much more immersive and smooth visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides flagship-level speed and responsiveness for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes telephoto and wide-angle lenses, better video recording features, and dual front cameras.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Capabilities: 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging provide convenient charging options.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for a richer sound experience.
- More RAM and Storage: 12GB of RAM is far superior for demanding multitasking, 256/512 GB of storage offers significantly more space.
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers far superior screen protection.
Practical Implications: The Z Fold3 excels in performance, versatility, media consumption, and photography, designed for users who want a high-end experience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Z Fold3 is much more expensive.
- The Z Fold3 is heavier and has a smaller battery capacity (although not necessarily lower battery life) than the Moto G Power.
- The Moto G Power lacks the premium features and performance of the Z Fold3 and it's not as versatile due to its traditional form factor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users who want a functional smartphone at a low price.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a device that can last through a full day of moderate use.
- Light Users: Individuals who mainly use their phone for basic tasks, like calling, texting, and casual browsing.
- Users who prefer a lightweight and comfortable phone: Those who value a phone that is lighter and easier to hold for long periods.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily Driver: Great for basic tasks like making calls, sending emails, and navigating.
- Media Consumption: Suitable for casual video watching and listening to music.
- Long-Lasting Travel Companion: The battery life is ideal for those who need a phone that won't need frequent charging on-the-go.
- Simple Photography: Capable of taking decent photos for social media and everyday documentation.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Ideal Users:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want cutting-edge technology and a unique form factor.
- Power Users: Professionals and creatives who need a device for heavy multitasking and productivity on the go.
- Multimedia Lovers: Individuals who enjoy immersive gaming, video streaming, and content creation.
- Users with High Performance Needs: Those who require a fast and responsive phone for demanding apps and games.
- Users that enjoy photography: Those that prioritize camera flexibility and performance for creative purposes.
Specific Use Cases:
- Productivity Powerhouse: Excellent for tasks like document editing, video conferencing, and multitasking.
- Immersive Gaming: Smooth performance and a large, high-quality display for graphics-intensive games.
- Content Creation: The versatile camera system and video recording capabilities make it suitable for taking professional photos and videos.
- High-End Media Consumption: Ideal for watching movies, playing games, and browsing the internet on a large screen.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Motorola Moto G Power (2021): Provides a good value for the price with a focus on practicality and affordability.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: Offers a premium experience and cutting-edge features, but comes at a significantly higher cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Z Fold3 is far more expensive, so budget is a critical factor.
- How important is display quality and size? The Z Fold3 offers a much better and larger display, while the Moto G Power is smaller and lower resolution.
- What are your primary use cases? If you need high performance for gaming or productivity, the Z Fold3 is the better choice. If battery life and basic usage is your focus, the Moto G Power might suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Long Battery: If your main priority is a long-lasting, functional smartphone at a low price, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: High Performance, Versatile Experience: If you're willing to pay a premium for the best performance, most versatile features, and a unique experience, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: For someone looking for a more balanced device that is more affordable but still has good camera capabilities, the Moto G Power is a decent option, although the Z Fold3 outshines in almost every way except for price.
- Scenario 4: A user who values comfort and hand-friendliness: the Moto G Power is more ergonomic for single hand use and carrying around.
What I would choose and why!
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally opt for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, despite its considerably higher price. Here's why:
Performance: As someone who uses my phone for a variety of tasks, including gaming, productivity, and heavy multitasking, the significantly better performance of the Snapdragon 888 is a must-have. The Moto G Power simply can't keep up in demanding situations.
Display Quality: I highly value a good display for media consumption and general use, and the Z Fold3's large, high-resolution screen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a superior experience, especially when paired with its better audio capabilities.
Camera Versatility: While I don't consider myself a professional photographer, having versatile camera options, including telephoto and wide-angle lenses, is something that I appreciate and allows me to capture more creative shots.
Unique Experience: The foldable design offers a unique experience and improved multitasking capabilities, and while I acknowledge its drawbacks, the benefits are significant enough for my daily usage. The ability to use the larger screen for work and media is appealing and a major differentiator, making it feel like having two devices in one.
Future-Proofing: The Z Fold3 is more future-proof in terms of software and hardware, ensuring it stays relevant and performs well for a longer period. This justification is especially important when considering the high cost of the device.
While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a decent, affordable phone with excellent battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G better aligns with my priorities in terms of performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience, despite the trade-offs in weight and cost. It simply offers a much more versatile and cutting-edge experience. If budget were a primary constraint, the G Power is a very suitable option for more basic use cases.
