1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Tecno Spark Go 2023 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 163.9 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | The Moto G Power is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling a bit bulkier in hand and pocket than the Tecno, which is a bit more compact. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 0g | The Tecno Spark Go's weight is incorrectly reported as 0g. We don't know the weight of Tecno Spark Go but the Moto G Power weighs 206.5g so is likely heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Identical screen sizes, offering a similar viewing experience for media consumption and general use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Same resolution, providing a standard HD+ experience on both. |
| PPI | 266 | 267 | Practically identical pixel density. Images and text will appear similarly sharp on both. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use IPS LCD panels, offering similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard 60Hz refresh rate on both, suitable for general use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have zero peak brightness so cannot be compared, this is not realistic. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 | Helio A22 | The Snapdragon 662 offers significantly better performance for smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and more capable gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 92,140 | The Moto G Power's benchmark score is almost double, indicating superior performance for daily tasks and more demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 | The Adreno 610 is more capable for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks, providing a smoother experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Equal battery sizes, both should provide all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 10W fast charging | The Moto G Power charges faster, reducing the time spent plugged into the wall. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 13MP, f/1.85 | The Moto G Power's higher resolution sensor captures more detailed images, and its wider aperture allows for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.0 | The Moto G Power captures higher resolution selfies, offering more detail. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth Sensor | Not Available | The Moto G Power allows more depth in its photos |
| Macro Lens | 2MP Lens | Not Available | The Moto G Power has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots which the Tecno does not |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | The Moto G Power has slightly smoother videos due to 60fps recording and also has video stabilization which the Tecno does not |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, PDAF, LAF, EIS, Digital zoom | Dual camera, Digital zoom | Moto G Power has better focus thanks to PDAF and LAF, stabilization and extra camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | The Tecno Spark Go runs a newer version of Android out of the box, with the potential for more recent features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | The Moto G Power supports faster Wi-Fi standards, potentially resulting in higher connection speeds and reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 | The Moto G Power has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering more efficient and stable connections to peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Tecno Spark Go supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | The Tecno Spark Go allows users to have two active SIM cards, ideal for managing work and personal numbers on one device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64GB | 64GB | Both phones offer a 64 GB variant; the Moto G Power is also available in a lower 32GB version. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 3GB | The Moto G Power has an option with 4GB RAM, which is ideal for multitasking, resulting in slightly smoother app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so users are limited to the internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones offer similar audio quality features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted sensor on the Moto G Power is generally considered more convenient and ergonomic for unlocking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | The Moto G Power has additional sensors, which can be utilized for advanced gaming features and orientation-based applications. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | No information about screen protection provided for either phone. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset and higher AnTuTu score translate to a much smoother experience overall, especially when multitasking or gaming.
- Superior Camera System: The 48MP main camera with a wider aperture, dedicated depth and macro sensors, and the 8MP selfie camera results in better photos and more camera versatility.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging vs 10W reduces the time spent plugged in.
- More RAM Option: Offers a 4GB RAM version, which enhances multitasking.
- Better Video capabilities: Capable of 1080p at 60 fps and electronic image stabilization
- Advanced Wireless and Positioning: Supports faster Wi-Fi standards and has extra positioning technology.
- Gyroscope and Compass: Includes advanced sensors that are useful for gaming and orientation-based apps.
- More convenient Security: Has a side mounted fingerprint sensor.
Tecno Spark Go 2023 Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12, likely offering a more modern user interface and up-to-date security features.
- Dual SIM Support: Ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously is a big plus for many users.
- More Positioning Technology: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Potentially Lighter Weight: Though the weight is listed as 0g, given it is slightly smaller, it's likely lighter than the Moto G Power which is known to be 206.5g.
Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Software: The Moto G Power has significantly better performance and a superior camera but runs an older Android version, whereas the Tecno Spark Go has a newer operating system but suffers in processing power and camera quality.
- Single SIM vs Dual SIM: The Moto G Power only has one sim slot but the Tecno has two sim slots, if you need the dual sim it is a considerable advantage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize performance over cutting-edge software.
- Users who frequently multitask and need smooth app switching.
- Mobile photographers who desire a more capable camera for everyday photos and some level of versatility.
- Casual gamers who play less intensive mobile games and want a more reliable experience.
- Users who dislike waiting for their phone to charge and value fast charging
Specific Use Cases:
- Streaming video and social media consumption
- Smooth web browsing and light multitasking
- Snapping everyday photos of family and events.
- Casual gaming with more complex games.
Tecno Spark Go 2023 Ideal User:
- Users needing dual SIM functionality for separating personal and professional contacts.
- Users who prefer a modern version of Android and its security and feature updates.
- Users on a tight budget for whom price is a more significant factor than top performance.
- Users looking for a light phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic communication and messaging
- Casual web browsing and social media use
- Users who primarily need a basic phone with newer software.
Price-to-Value:
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) generally offers better performance and features for its price making it better value.
- The Tecno Spark Go 2023 is more focused on core functionality and is likely less expensive, making it a value-focused option for those who prioritize price and newer software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance to you? (e.g. how often do you do intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing?)
- Do you prioritize having the latest Android software? (or is having better specs more important)
- Do you need dual SIM functionality? (Or will one sim slot be sufficient)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Performance User: If you need the best possible performance, even on a budget, you should prioritize the Motorola Moto G Power (2021), because it has more processing power and a better camera.
- Scenario 2: Dual-SIM User who values newer software: If you need two SIM slots and also want a modern OS the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is the better choice as it provides dual sim support and a more up-to-date OS but sacrifices processing power and camera quality.
- Scenario 3: Basic User: If you are only interested in basic smartphone functionalities for communication and do not perform demanding tasks such as gaming, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 offers a more modern OS, is likely lighter and more compact. The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is also a viable option as the better processor will still make a difference in general performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). The primary reason is the significantly better performance offered by the Snapdragon 662 chipset. As a power user, I often multitask, run apps that are more demanding, and would appreciate faster app loading times and smoother overall performance. The superior camera system, faster charging, and additional sensors also add extra appeal. The slightly older version of Android is a trade-off I am willing to make for a better experience. If I needed dual-sim, I would consider getting the Tecno, but otherwise the Motorola is better in my opinion.
