1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mm | TCL 40 SE is slightly taller and thinner, making it potentially more pocketable. Motorola is thicker, leading to a bulkier feel. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 190g | TCL 40 SE is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.75" | TCL 40 SE has a slightly larger display, offering a slightly more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both phones offer the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 266 | 260 | Both phones have very similar pixel density, meaning similar perceived sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both phones have similar color accuracy and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | TCL 40 SE offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | TCL 40 SE has vastly superior outdoor visibility under bright sunlight due to the higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Motorola has a slightly more powerful chipset for better performance in daily tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 160,000 | Motorola benchmarks slightly higher, meaning smoother overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 | Motorola's GPU may handle more graphically intense games better. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm | 50MP, f/1.85, 0.70 µm | TCL 40 SE captures slightly higher resolution images. Motorola's wider aperture may result in better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera (Selfie) | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm | 8MP, f/2.0, _µm | Both phones have comparable selfie cameras. Pixel size is unknown for TCL |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | Both phones offer similar portrait mode quality for bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | Both phones have the same macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Both phones offer the same quality for standard social media use, with Motorola offering an additional 60fps option and slower motion recording. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, EIS, LAF, PDAF, etc. | Digital zoom, PDAF, etc. | Motorola has additional features like Digital image stabilization and Laser autofocus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacities, meaning similar battery life for daily use. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 18W fast charging | TCL 40 SE has a slight advantage for faster charging. |
| Battery Features | 10W charger in-box, Non-removable | Non-removable | Motorola includes a charger in the box, while the TCL does not specify. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | TCL 40 SE comes with a newer version of Android, which usually means better features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Both phones support similar WiFi speeds. TCL offers additional Wi-Fi Direct and dual-band capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | TCL 40 SE has a newer Bluetooth version for potentially more reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | TCL 40 SE supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy, whereas the Moto G supports SUPL. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | TCL 40 SE supports using two SIMs simultaneously, beneficial for those who travel or use a work/personal SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32 GB or 64 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | TCL 40 SE offers much more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | TCL 40 SE offers more RAM for better multitasking, especially with the 6GB configuration. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for memory expansion, so you're limited to the internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Stereo Speakers | TCL 40 SE offers a better audio experience with stereo speakers |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have similar fingerprint sensor location, meaning similar user experience. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unknown screen protection, and it's advised to use a screen protector to prevent scratches |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gravity | Motorola has a more comprehensive sensor suite including a compass, and gyroscope; while TCL has gravity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset and higher AnTuTu score indicate slightly better performance in daily tasks and gaming.
- Wider Camera Aperture (Main): f/1.7 aperture may result in better low-light photography.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes gyroscope and compass.
- Laser Autofocus: Better autofocus in certain situations.
- Includes a Charger in the box
TCL 40 SE Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13, offering better features, security, and longevity.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry around.
- Significantly Brighter Display: 900 nits brightness means much better outdoor visibility.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Faster Charging: 18W charging over 15W.
- Larger Storage Options: Available with 128GB or 256GB internal storage.
- More RAM Options: Available with 4GB or 6GB RAM.
- Dual SIM Support: Supports two SIM cards, useful for travel or having separate personal and work numbers.
- Stereo Speakers: Better audio quality for media consumption.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1 versus 5.0.
- More Satellite Systems for GPS: Including Beidou for more accurate locations
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola's slightly better performance vs TCL's brighter display and larger storage. The Motorola offers better processing but loses out on storage space and display brightness which may be more important to certain users.
- Motorola's older Android vs TCL's newer Android. Motorola’s Android 10 may not get updates where TCL’s will likely be supported for longer.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious gamers: Users who want slightly better gaming performance at a lower price point.
- Users needing comprehensive sensor suite: Those who use gyroscope and compass for certain apps or activities.
- Users who prioritize Low-Light Photography: The wider camera aperture may benefit those taking a lot of low-light shots.
- Users who prefer a reliable charger in-box: Those who value having a charger immediately accessible.
Use Cases:
* Casual gaming, running mapping and fitness apps, taking photos indoors
TCL 40 SE Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, listen to music, and want a vibrant, bright display with better audio.
- Heavy Mobile Users: Those who require a long battery life, but will recharge it frequently with the faster charging and do multitasking and need more ram, storage and a more up to date android.
- Travelers and Dual SIM Users: Users who need to manage two SIM cards.
- Users who prioritize outdoor use: Those who need a screen that is visible even in bright sunlight.
- Users who prioritize having a newer phone software: Those who want a more recent Android OS
Use Cases:
* Streaming videos outdoors, using multiple social media apps, traveling internationally with multiple SIMs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is outdoor screen visibility? (If very important, TCL is the clear winner)
- Do you need a lot of storage and RAM, and future proof software? (If yes, TCL is the better option)
- Do you use a lot of apps that benefit from a compass/gyroscope, and prefer a more performant chipset (If yes, the Motorola is a slightly better choice).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Primarily indoor use and light gaming: The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) provides a slightly better performance.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor use and multimedia consumption: The TCL 40 SE offers a brighter display, better audio and newer OS, making it ideal for users who spend a lot of time outdoors or watching videos.
- Scenario 3: Need dual SIM support and larger storage: The TCL 40 SE is the only phone that offers Dual SIM support.
My Choice
I would choose the TCL 40 SE. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a slightly better chipset and camera, the TCL 40 SE excels in areas that are more important to my daily use. Specifically, the vastly brighter display is a game changer for outdoor visibility, and the 90hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference in smoothness. Additionally, the newer Android 13, larger storage options, more RAM, and faster charging all make the TCL a more practical choice for the long run. Also, the inclusion of stereo speakers, dual SIM support, newer bluetooth version and more GPS satellites make it a better overall package. The slightly less performance is a worthwhile trade-off for these benefits. While I don't often do a lot of gaming or require laser autofocus, I value the other features more, such as the increased storage and RAM and superior screen brightness.
