1. Specifications Comparison
Design
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm | TCL 50 SE is slightly taller and significantly thinner, making it feel more modern and potentially more comfortable in hand for some users. The Moto G Power is thicker and has a larger volume. |
Weight | 206.5g | 195g | TCL 50 SE is lighter, which can be more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
Size | 6.6" | 6.78" | TCL 50 SE has a slightly larger screen, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2460 | TCL 50 SE offers a much sharper image, resulting in clearer text and more detailed visuals for videos and photos. |
PPI | 266 | 396 | TCL 50 SE's higher pixel density makes images appear crisper and less pixelated, enhancing the viewing experience. |
Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color reproduction and viewing angles typical of IPS LCD. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | TCL 50 SE offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience feel more fluid. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The TCL 50 SE is much better suited for outdoor use, with significantly higher brightness. The Moto G Power's brightness is not specified. |
Performance
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | TCL 50 SE's chipset generally offers better overall performance, leading to faster app loading and slightly smoother multitasking. |
AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 250,000 | TCL 50 SE has a higher AnTuTu benchmark score, indicating better overall system performance. |
GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Both GPUs are capable of handling basic gaming, but TCL 50 SE likely offers slightly better performance for graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8 | TCL 50 SE offers a slightly higher megapixel count, but the Moto G Power has a slightly wider aperture which could lead to better low light performance. |
Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | Similar selfie camera performance. |
Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots, this allows for better background blur. |
Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar macro lens for close-up shots. |
Video | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | The Moto G Power has an advantage with 60fps recording and EIS at both framerates. The TCL 50 SE offers 30fps recording. |
Features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Laser autofocus (LAF) | Dual camera | Motorola has an extra depth sensor, digital image stabilization and laser autofocus, while the TCL 50 SE has the benefits of dual camera. |
Battery
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both phones offer comparable battery life, easily lasting a full day for most users. |
Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | TCL 50 SE charges significantly faster, reducing the amount of time spent tethered to a charger. |
Features | 10W charger in-box | None listed | The Moto G Power comes with a charger in box, while the TCL 50 SE charger specs are not stated. |
Other
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | TCL 50 SE has a much newer operating system, which brings more features, security updates, and improved performance. Motorola Moto G Power's software is significantly outdated. |
Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | TCL 50 SE has dual band support. Both have similar wifi support. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | TCL 50 SE has a slightly newer version which could lead to more efficient and reliable connections |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | TCL 50 SE supports Beidou for potentially better GPS accuracy. |
SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | TCL 50 SE lets you use two SIM cards simultaneously which can be beneficial for travel or work/personal separation. |
Storage | 32GB or 64 GB | 128 GB or 256GB | TCL 50 SE offers much more storage, meaning more photos, apps, and videos can be stored without running out of space. |
RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 4 GB or 6GB | TCL 50 SE provides more RAM resulting in better multitasking capabilities. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
Audio | Basic audio features | Stereo speakers | TCL 50 SE's stereo speakers offer better audio quality for videos and music, with a more immersive experience. |
Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer a similar level of biometric security. |
Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Moto G Power has Gyroscope which is good for gaming. TCL 50 SE has gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated 2MP depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode.
- Laser Autofocus: Offers faster autofocus performance.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box, which is convenient.
- Gyroscope: Included for motion-based features and gaming.
Practical Implications (Moto G Power):
- Better portrait mode photos with more background separation.
- Faster camera focusing, potentially capturing quick moments better.
- No need to purchase a charger separately.
- Better for immersive gaming experiences.
TCL 50 SE Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Significantly sharper display (1080x2460 vs 720x1600).
- Higher Refresh Rate: 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother visuals.
- Brighter Display: 900 nits vs 0 nits. Better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging versus 15W, reducing charging times.
- More RAM and Storage: Up to 6GB RAM and 256GB of storage for better multitasking and file storage.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 14 for better features and security updates, unlike the older Android 10 on Moto G Power.
- Stereo Speakers: Offers richer and more immersive audio experience for media consumption.
- Dual SIM Support: Can use two SIM cards at once.
- Better Benchmarks: AnTuTu benchmark scores much higher.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 for potentially more efficient connections.
Practical Implications (TCL 50 SE):
- Much clearer images and text, enhanced viewing experience.
- Smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive.
- Better outdoor visibility in bright conditions
- Quicker to fully charge, more time using the phone and less charging.
- Better for heavy users with large apps and numerous files.
- More responsive and secure user experience with newer OS and security patches.
- Better sound for watching videos, playing games, or listening to music.
- Convenient for users managing both personal and work numbers.
- More responsive app loading and smoother system performance overall.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Moto G Power: Has significantly outdated software, weaker processor and lower display quality, but offers the benefit of laser autofocus and included charger.
- TCL 50 SE: Lacks a dedicated depth sensor, laser autofocus and included charger.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Budget-conscious users: Primarily those with extremely limited budgets who need a simple device that does the basics, also those that want an included charger.
- Users focused on battery life: The large battery capacity suits this need, although this is similar for both phones.
- Users preferring simpler devices: Those who don't need high-end performance or the latest features, may find this phone usable.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media.
- Simple photography for social sharing.
- Emergency or backup phone.
- Users who prioritize laser autofocus and don't mind the older Android OS.
Ideal Users for TCL 50 SE:
- Users who value display quality: Those who want a clear and bright display for media consumption and daily use.
- Multitaskers: Users who need more RAM and processing power for smoother app switching.
- Media consumers: Those who watch videos, play games, or listen to music often, and want better audio.
- Users who value speed: Users who want a faster charging phone.
- Users who value security: Those who desire a newer, more secure operating system with the latest updates.
- Users who want Dual SIM: Those who need two SIMs in the same phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Streaming videos and movies.
- Playing graphically moderate games.
- Using productivity apps and multitasking.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Traveling, needing dual SIM support.
- Outdoor use, requiring high screen brightness.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Motorola Moto G Power (2021): Provides basic functionality at the lowest price point, suitable for extremely budget conscious users and people looking for an included charger.
- TCL 50 SE: Offers a significantly better overall experience for its price, with a much better display, performance, and software, this is better value for money.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If on a very tight budget, the Moto G Power might be an option.
- How important is display quality? If you value a sharp, bright display the TCL 50 SE is a much better option.
- How important is software? If you want a modern Android experience and security updates, the TCL 50 SE is the only suitable choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget User): If you need a basic phone and are on the absolute tightest budget, the Moto G Power (2021) will work.
- Scenario 2 (Basic User): If you need something that works well for basic use, such as web browsing and video, the TCL 50 SE is the best choice.
- Scenario 3 (Media Consumer): If you watch videos and play games regularly, the TCL 50 SE is the better option due to its superior display and audio quality.
- Scenario 4 (Power User): If you need reliable performance, faster charging, and the latest software, the TCL 50 SE is the better choice.
- Scenario 5 (Dual SIM User): If you need dual SIM capability, the TCL 50 SE is the better option.
My Choice and Why
Given the information, I would choose the TCL 50 SE. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) might have its advantages such as the included charger, the TCL 50 SE offers a significantly superior user experience in virtually every other key area. The drastically improved display, faster performance, newer software, and faster charging are all major advantages that would make daily use much more pleasant and efficient. The TCL 50 SE is the clear winner in terms of features and value for money. It hits the sweet spot between performance and price. The Moto G Power (2021) is simply outdated in comparison.