1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | The Sony is smaller and thinner, making it more pocketable and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 172g | The Sony is significantly lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony has superior scratch resistance on the screen |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.1" | The Moto G has a larger screen, better for media consumption; the Sony is more compact, ideal for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2520 | The Sony's higher resolution means significantly sharper images and text, improving readability and overall visual experience. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 449 PPI | The Sony's higher PPI results in a much clearer and crisper display, with reduced pixel visibility. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | The Sony's OLED provides superior contrast, richer colors, and true blacks, enhancing media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Sony’s 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid user experience, especially in gaming and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same peak brightness, which seems incorrect, and therefore cannot be compared. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | The Sony’s flagship chipset delivers vastly superior performance in demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 1,021,542 | The Sony’s significantly higher score indicates much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance and is more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | The Sony's GPU provides superior graphics processing power, leading to a better gaming experience. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm pixels | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" sensor, 1.8µm pixels | While the Moto has a higher resolution on paper, the Sony's larger sensor and pixel size often result in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixels | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm pixels | The Sony's selfie camera has a higher resolution and slightly larger pixel size potentially improving photo clarity and low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" sensor, 1.0µm pixels | The Sony's telephoto lens offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for detailed close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.4µm pixels | The Sony's wide-angle lens allows for capturing more of a scene, ideal for landscapes or group photos. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | None | The Moto has a depth sensor for improved portrait mode effects but has lower quality cameras overall. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | None | The Moto has a macro lens for extreme close-ups. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | The Sony offers significantly higher resolution video recording with more advanced stabilization capabilities for higher quality vlogs and memorable moments. |
| 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 | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The Sony offers more advanced features, including RAW capture, optical zoom, and optical image stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, so they should have a similar battery life, though real-world usage may vary due to other factors. |
| Charging | 15W | 30W | The Sony's faster charging will allow it to charge quicker, minimizing downtime waiting for a full battery. |
| Features | Non-removable, 10W charger in-box | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Sony allows users to charge other devices using their phone, and has bypass charging for uninterrupted gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Larger Screen: The 6.6-inch display is better for media consumption and those who prefer bigger screens.
- Depth and Macro Lens: Has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos and a macro camera for close-up photos.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate offers significantly better visuals and smoother interactions.
- Much Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides flagship-level performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Better Camera System: More versatile camera setup with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, better low-light performance, and higher quality video recording options.
- Faster Charging: The 30W charging is twice as fast as the Motorola.
- Superior Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth technologies provide faster and more reliable connections.
- eSIM Support: Allows for more flexible carrier options.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio support offer better sound quality.
- Build quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers protection for the screen.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola has a larger screen and depth/macro camera, but its overall performance and visual experience are significantly inferior to the Sony.
- The Sony is smaller and lighter but may not be preferred by users who prioritize a very large screen.
- The Motorola has a 10w charger in the box, but the Sony can charge much faster with a 30w charger (sold separately).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a basic smartphone with a large screen and long battery life, primarily for basic tasks like browsing and social media.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those needing a phone that can last a long time on a single charge, without needing high performance.
- Users who want a macro and depth camera: The Moto G Power offers these features that the Sony does not.
Specific Use Cases:
- Long hours browsing social media, basic productivity tasks on the go, and streaming videos occasionally.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Ideal User:
- Power Users: People who need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality displays, excellent audio, and better camera performance for content creation and consumption.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who value cutting-edge technology, fast connectivity, and overall premium performance.
- Users who prefer a smaller form factor: The compact design of this phone makes it ideal for one hand usage.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming, high-quality video recording, photography, and content creation, streaming content with vibrant colors and immersive audio experience.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) offers good value for a basic user on a tight budget.
- The Sony Xperia 5 IV provides a premium experience, but is much more expensive.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Motorola is a budget option, while the Sony is premium.
- How important is display quality? The Sony's OLED screen is far superior.
- What are your performance needs? The Sony is ideal for gaming and heavy apps, while the Moto is adequate for basic use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Strict Budget: If you just need a reliable phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) will suffice.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption and Photography: If you prioritize a great display and camera, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gaming and Performance: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the only option here, due to its high-end chipset and GPU.
- Scenario 4: Large screen and battery: If these are the main priorities and you are on a budget, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a decent option.
My Choice
I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Motorola has a larger screen and some unique camera features, the Sony's advantages are more significant for my needs. I value the significantly better display quality with the OLED panel and 120Hz refresh rate. The powerful processor would allow me to play demanding games and multitask effortlessly. The superior camera system with its versatility and quality and the enhanced audio features are also important for my use case. Finally, the faster charging speeds and the modern connectivity options give it an edge in terms of future proofing.
