Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs Sony Xperia 1 III - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 14, 2021 August 25, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 119.19 cm³ 96.06 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.2 "/g 3.49 "/g
Weight 206.5 g 186 g
Height 165.3 mm 165 mm
Width 75.9 mm 71 mm
Thickness 9.5 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Polar Silver
  • Flash Gray
  • Frosted Black
  • Frosted Gray
  • Frosted Purple

Display

Screen Size 6.6 " 6.5 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1644 x 3840
Aspect Ratio 20:9 21:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.8 % 84.2 %
Pixel Density 266 PPI 643 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 114.78 mAh/in² 106.51 mAh/in²
Battery Density 41.95 mAh/cm³ 46.84 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 660

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.1
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Video Output

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Sony Xperia 1 III

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G Power (2021)Sony Xperia 1 IIIPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm165 × 71 × 8.2 mmThe Moto G Power is slightly larger in width and thickness making the Xperia 1 III potentially more comfortable to hold and carry in the pocket.
Weight206.5g186gThe Sony Xperia 1 III is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
Display
Size6.6"6.5"Virtually identical screen sizes - a very small difference that won't impact most users.
Resolution720x16001644x3840The Xperia 1 III has a significantly sharper display, resulting in more detail and clarity especially for viewing high-resolution content.
Pixel Density (PPI)266643The higher pixel density on the Xperia 1 III translates to a much crisper image with less visible pixelation.
TechnologyIPS LCDOLEDThe Xperia 1 III's OLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the Moto G Power's LCD.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzThe Xperia 1 III’s 120Hz refresh rate delivers much smoother scrolling, animations, and transitions, leading to a more fluid user experience.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsPeak brightness is the same, but real world use may vary.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)The Xperia 1 III's flagship chipset provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance compared to the Moto G Power's mid-range chipset.
AnTuTu Score178,220889,100The Xperia 1 III has much higher performance for demanding tasks and games.
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 660The Xperia 1 III has a significantly more powerful GPU, allowing for smoother and better graphics in games and other demanding applications.
Camera
Main Camera Resolution48MP12MPWhile the Moto G Power has a higher resolution, pixel size and sensor tech play a larger role.
Main Camera Pixel Size0.80 µm1.80 µmThe Xperia 1 III has larger pixel size that leads to much better low-light performance and overall image quality.
Standard Camera SensorSony Exmor RSThe Sony Exmor RS sensor in the Xperia 1 III is higher-quality than the unknown sensor in the Moto G Power, contributing to better image quality, especially in challenging lighting.
Telephoto LensNo12MP (f/2.2, Sony Exmor RS)The Xperia 1 III offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed photos and also provides different perspective options for photography.
Wide-Angle LensNo12MP (f/2.3, Sony Exmor RS)The Xperia 1 III offers a wider field of view for group shots and landscape photography.
ToF 3D SensorNoYesThe ToF 3D sensor on the Xperia 1 III improves depth-sensing capabilities for more accurate portrait mode and 3D effects.
Depth Sensor2MP (f/2.4)NoThe Moto G Power has a depth sensor to add a bokeh effect to portraits.
Macro Lens2MP (f/2.4)NoThe Moto G Power has a macro lens to capture close-up details.
Selfie Camera8MP (f/2.0)8MP (f/2.0, Samsung S5K4H7)Both have similar front facing cameras, the Sony has a sensor model.
Video Recording1080p@30/60fps with EIS4K@24/25/30/60/120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS; 1080p@30/60/120fps with HDR, OIS, EISThe Xperia 1 III offers much higher video resolution (4K) and superior stabilization.
Slow-motion VideoYes, 60fpsYes, 960fpsXperia 1 III offers significantly slower and smoother slow-motion video recording.
DxOMark ScoreNot AvailableMobile: 105 (Photo: 107, Video: 92)The Xperia 1 III has a tested camera rating, outperforming the Moto G Power.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh4500mAhThe Moto G Power's larger battery likely provides better battery life.
Charging Speed15W30WThe Xperia 1 III charges much faster, reducing time plugged into the wall.
Battery Features10W charger in-boxBypass ChargingThe Xperia 1 III can be powered directly from the power source without charging the battery, beneficial for gaming.
Software
OSAndroid 10Android 11 (Upgradable to 13)The Xperia 1 III has a newer OS and will receive more updates.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11a/b/g/n/ac802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6)The Xperia 1 III supports WiFi 6 offering faster speeds, better performance in crowded networks.
Bluetooth5.05.2The Xperia 1 III has a newer Bluetooth version with more codec support, providing a better wireless audio experience.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a)The Xperia 1 III has more satellite system support, improving location accuracy.
SIMSingle SIMDual SIMThe Xperia 1 III offers dual SIM capabilities for work/personal use.
Storage
Internal Storage32GB/64GB256GB/512GBThe Xperia 1 III offers much more storage for photos, videos, and apps.
RAM3GB/4GB12GBThe Xperia 1 III provides much smoother multitasking experience due to more RAM.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone has expandable storage.
Audio
Audio QualityBasic audioDolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo SpeakersThe Xperia 1 III offers far superior audio quality with better speakers.
Security
SecuritySide-mounted fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorBoth phones offer similar biometric security with fingerprint sensors.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass VictusThe Xperia 1 III has much better screen protection.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerXperia 1 III has an additional barometer.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: 5000mAh capacity offers potentially longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
  • In-Box Charger: Ships with a 10W charger in box, providing some savings compared to the Xperia 1 III that does not include one.
  • Depth and Macro Lens: Offers a depth and macro lens for creative photos.
  • Lower Price: Generally more budget-friendly and accessible for users with cost concerns.

Sony Xperia 1 III Advantages:

  • Superior Display: OLED panel with significantly higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate offers a much better visual experience.
  • Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers substantially faster performance for demanding tasks, gaming and overall responsiveness.
  • Better Cameras: A versatile camera system with higher-quality sensors, optical zoom, ultrawide lens, and ToF sensor for superior image and video quality.
  • Faster Charging: 30W fast charging is much quicker than the Moto G Power's 15W charging.
  • Premium Features: Includes features like 4K video recording, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and a more feature-rich Bluetooth suite.
  • Software Support: Newer version of Android with upgrades available.
  • Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers much better screen protection.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Motorola Moto G Power (2021): The primary trade-off is the significantly lower performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. It is designed for users who need a long battery life and are cost-sensitive.
  • Sony Xperia 1 III: The trade-off is a smaller battery compared to the Moto G Power and price. The focus is on premium features and performance at a higher cost.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability and long battery life over top-tier performance and display quality.
  • Basic Smartphone Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, browsing, and social media without heavy gaming or multimedia consumption.
  • Users Needing a Backup Phone: Users who need a reliable device with solid battery life for secondary use.

    Use Case Examples:

    *   Someone who needs a basic phone for daily communication and browsing.
    *   A user who needs a secondary phone with reliable battery life while camping or travelling.
    *   A user looking for a phone to use with car navigation to avoid wearing their main battery down.
    

Sony Xperia 1 III Ideal User:

  • Power Users and Gamers: Those who demand top-tier performance, a high-quality display, and excellent graphics capabilities for gaming and other demanding applications.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with advanced features and high-quality video recording.
  • Multimedia Consumers: Those who enjoy watching high-resolution videos, listening to high-quality audio, and using multiple apps simultaneously.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: Users who desire the latest technology and a premium user experience.

    Use Case Examples:

    *   A photographer who needs a high-quality camera phone for professional work or hobbies.
    *   A mobile gamer who needs the best performance and a smooth display for competitive gaming.
    *   A professional who needs a phone for multi tasking and high quality presentation.
    

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
  2. Primary Use: What do you primarily use your phone for (e.g., basic communication, gaming, photography, multimedia)?
  3. Performance vs. Battery: Do you prioritize top-tier performance and features, or is battery life more critical?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Basic Use and Budget: If you primarily use your phone for calls, texts, browsing, and social media, and you're on a tight budget, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a good choice for its long battery life and affordability.
  • Scenario 2: Multimedia and Gaming: If you want the best possible display and performance for games, videos, and multitasking, and are willing to pay for it, the Sony Xperia 1 III is the better option.
  • Scenario 3: Photography and Video: If you need a high-quality camera phone with excellent video recording capabilities, the Sony Xperia 1 III offers superior image quality, stabilization, and advanced features.
  • Scenario 4: Extended Battery Life: If having the absolute best battery life is the most important factor, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the better option.

What I would choose and why!

For my personal use case, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 III. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a very capable budget phone that provides exceptional battery life, my main need is not extended battery life, but rather a phone that is well-rounded in terms of performance, camera quality, and screen technology. The Sony Xperia 1 III wins in those categories, with a vibrant high resolution screen, snappy performance for gaming and multitasking, and a versatile camera system capable of capturing photos and videos. Although it's more expensive, the overall experience offered by the Xperia 1 III would be more in line with my needs as a tech enthusiast, making it worth the investment. The faster charging would also be a plus, as I would not have to keep it charging overnight.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.