1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2021-01-14 | 2023-11-21 | The vivo X100 Pro is significantly newer, implying more modern features and software. |
Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 164.1 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm | The Moto G Power is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable to hold, especially for smaller hands. The vivo is slightly smaller and thinner. |
Weight | 206.5g | 221g | The Moto G Power is lighter, which may be preferable for extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.6" | 6.78" | The vivo X100 Pro has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1260x2800 | The vivo X100 Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 452 | The vivo X100 Pro provides a significantly crisper visual experience with much less pixelation. |
Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The vivo X100 Pro's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the Moto G Power's LCD. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The vivo X100 Pro offers much smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing overall responsiveness. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | The vivo X100 Pro is drastically brighter and much more usable in direct sunlight. The 0 nits for Moto is likely an error. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300 (4nm) | The vivo X100 Pro's chipset is much more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 1,881,325 | The vivo X100 Pro offers a vastly superior performance, handling demanding tasks with ease, and being far more future proof. |
GPU | Adreno 610 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | The vivo X100 Pro's GPU provides significantly better graphics processing for gaming and other graphic-intensive tasks. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5400mAh | The vivo X100 Pro offers a slightly larger battery, providing a small increase in battery life. |
Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | The vivo X100 Pro charges much faster, allowing for quick power replenishment. |
Features | 10W Charger In-box | 50W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | The vivo X100 Pro offers more versatile charging options, while the Moto G Power includes an in-box charger. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.75, 1" Sensor, Sony IMX989, 1.6µm pixels | The vivo X100 Pro has a larger sensor, resulting in significantly better image quality, especially in low-light. The slightly smaller aperture should not significantly affect overall image quality |
Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixels | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8" Sensor, Samsung S5KGD2, 0.80µm pixels | The vivo X100 Pro's selfie camera has significantly more resolution and a larger sensor size, leading to much better selfies. |
Wide Angle Camera | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" Sensor, Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm pixels | The vivo X100 Pro includes an ultra-wide lens, adding versatility to photography. |
Portrait/Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G Power includes a dedicated portrait lens, but the quality would likely be inferior to software implementations on the vivo. |
Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G Power has a dedicated macro lens, likely with lower image quality than the other cameras on the vivo. |
Telephoto Camera | None | 50MP, f/2.5, 1/2" Sensor, Omnivision OV64B (50Mp), 0.70µm pixels | The vivo X100 Pro includes a telephoto lens for zooming, which is superior to digital zoom. |
Video | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, EIS | The vivo X100 Pro offers significantly higher video resolution and features, better video quality, and more versatility. |
DxOMark Score | Not Tested | 150 (Main), 149 (Photo), 145 (Video) | The vivo X100 Pro has a high DxOMark score, showing its excellent camera capabilities. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | The vivo X100 Pro runs a much newer version of Android, offering the latest features, security updates, and performance optimizations. It is also upgradable to Android 15. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | The vivo X100 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, providing significantly faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | The vivo X100 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with better range, power efficiency, and audio codec support. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The vivo X100 Pro supports more satellite systems, providing better location accuracy and faster GPS lock-on times. |
SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | The vivo X100 Pro allows for dual SIM usage and eSIM support, more versatile for travel and work. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 32GB or 64GB | 256GB, 512GB or 1024GB | The vivo X100 Pro offers much more storage, better suited for users who have large media libraries, or many applications. |
RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 12GB or 16GB | The vivo X100 Pro offers much more RAM, which greatly enhances multitasking and overall system performance. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The vivo X100 Pro provides superior audio quality through more advanced technology and stereo speakers for a more immersive experience. |
Security | |||
Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both feature a fingerprint sensor, but the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is likely more convenient than the vivo option (under screen or rear) |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | No information available on screen protection type for either device |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gravity | The vivo X100 Pro includes a gravity sensor, often useful in gaming or specific apps |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Lower Price: Likely to be significantly more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Lighter Weight: A more comfortable device for extended use.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: potentially more convenient than the fingerprint reader on the vivo.
Practical Implications: The Moto G Power serves as a basic, affordable smartphone for users who prioritize battery life and simplicity over cutting-edge performance.
vivo X100 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness, delivering a significantly better visual experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The Dimensity 9300 chipset provides significantly faster processing, multitasking, and gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: High-resolution sensors, wider lens options, better low-light performance, and higher video recording capabilities leading to vastly better photography and videography experience.
- Faster Charging: 100W fast charging is dramatically faster than the 15W charging of the Moto G Power.
- Newer Technology: The vivo X100 Pro uses newer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a more recent version of Android, offering a more feature-rich user experience.
- Better Audio: Has Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and stereo speakers for a superior sound experience.
Practical Implications: The vivo X100 Pro excels in areas like gaming, content creation, media consumption, and photography, offering a premium user experience. It is a top-tier flagship device.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Sacrifices display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed for a more budget-friendly price point.
- vivo: Significantly higher cost compared to the Motorola Moto G Power (2021).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for daily tasks like calling, texting, browsing, social media, and watching videos.
- Users who prioritize long battery life over high performance or camera quality.
- Users who have minimal requirements for gaming or demanding apps.
- Users that value lighter devices and physical fingerprint scanners.
Specific Use Cases:
- A secondary phone for travel or outdoor activities.
- A basic phone for elderly users who prioritize simplicity and a larger display.
- Users who want a device that can last all day without charging at a low price point.
vivo X100 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and content creation.
- Users who value premium display quality for media consumption and overall visual experience.
- Users who want high-quality photography and videography capabilities for capturing special moments or creating content.
- Users who appreciate modern features, faster charging speeds, and improved audio output.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming and other graphic-intensive tasks.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Content creators who need high-quality displays for content review.
- Power users who multitask and want to be future proofed for several years.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Motorola: Provides good value for users on a very tight budget but compromises in several areas.
- vivo: Commands a significantly higher price but delivers a premium experience that justifies the cost for demanding users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? Are you willing to pay more for advanced features, or are you looking for the most affordable option?
- What do you primarily use your smartphone for? Do you play demanding games, take a lot of photos, or mostly just browse the internet?
- How important is display quality, camera performance, and battery charging speed for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). It offers a functional experience for basic tasks at a lower price.
- Scenario 2: Mid-Range Performance and Better Camera: Neither is a good fit. The Motorola is very budget, and the Vivo is top tier.
- Scenario 3: Demanding User, Premium Experience: Choose the vivo X100 Pro. It delivers a top-tier smartphone experience with its display, camera, and processing performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the vivo X100 Pro. Here's why:
While the Motorola Moto G Power is a more budget-friendly option and has a few minor advantages (such as weight), the vivo X100 Pro offers an overwhelmingly superior experience across almost every single category. I personally value a high-quality display, great camera performance, and top-tier processing power for the tasks I do every day. The massive difference in performance, display technology, camera sensors, and charging speed makes the vivo a significantly more attractive option, even with the higher price tag. The future proofing alone is also worth considering.
The Motorola, while capable for very basic use, feels like a device from 2-3 years ago due to its very basic screen, and slower chip. For the use cases, and my personal preferences, the vivo X100 Pro is far and away the better phone.