Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Xiaomi Poco M4 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | Motorola is slightly taller and thicker; Xiaomi is more compact. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 200g | Xiaomi is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.58" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | Xiaomi display is significantly sharper, better for detailed content, reading, and watching videos. |
| PPI | 266 | 401 | Xiaomi has much higher pixel density leading to sharper image quality. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color accuracy and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is the same - performance in direct sunlight cannot be accurately determined from this value. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Xiaomi's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster performance in apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 381,300 | Xiaomi offers better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi has better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 13MP | Motorola's main camera captures more detail, but doesn't guarantee better overall image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/2.2 | Motorola captures more light, better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 5MP | Motorola takes more detailed selfie shots. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | Motorola's selfie camera performs better in low light. |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth-sensing capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola can take close-up shots with the macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps w/ EIS | 1080p@30fps | Motorola offers 60fps recording and better stabilization. |
| Slow Motion Video | Yes, 60 fps | No | Motorola offers a slow-motion video recording. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 18W | Xiaomi charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | 10W charger in-box | Reverse Charging | Motorola includes a charger, Xiaomi can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Xiaomi runs a more recent version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi standards, Xiaomi has MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Xiaomi has a more recent version, potentially better performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi includes Beidou, potentially better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Xiaomi supports two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 64GB/128GB | Xiaomi offers more storage and more options at the higher end. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 4GB/6GB | Xiaomi offers more RAM, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Same fingerprint sensor tech for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi has a more scratch and damage resistant screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have comprehensive sensor suites. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution main camera (48MP vs 13MP), wider aperture for low-light.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution selfie camera (8MP vs 5MP), wider aperture for low-light.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Video Recording: Offers 60fps video recording and better stabilization.
- Slow Motion: Has slow-motion at 60fps
- In-box charger: Includes a 10W charger.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly more powerful chipset and higher AnTuTu score, resulting in faster performance.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI, offering a noticeably sharper and clearer visual experience.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Faster Charging: 18W fast charging.
- More Storage Options: 64GB and 128GB configurations.
- More RAM Options: 4GB and 6GB configurations.
- Newer OS: Ships with a more recent version of Android (12).
- Dual SIM Support: Supports two SIM cards.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices
- Screen Protection: Offers Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection.
- Bluetooth version: 5.1 for potentially better performance
- GPS: Supports more satellite systems
- Modern Features: Includes features like Night Mode for camera and has support for 4k video.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a better camera system, but it comes at the cost of overall performance, a lower resolution display, and a slower refresh rate.
- The Xiaomi Poco M4 5G excels in performance and display quality but sacrifices some camera capabilities like the main camera’s resolution and inclusion of a macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those primarily looking for an affordable phone with a large battery.
- Casual Photographers: Users who value camera quality over raw performance, especially low-light selfies and close-up macro shots.
- Users who prefer a phone with an in-box charger
- Users who need better slow motion video recording
- Users who prefer 60fps video recording and better stabilization
Specific Use Cases for Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Taking lots of photos and videos
- Occasional social media browsing and casual gaming.
- Extended usage time throughout the day due to good battery life.
- Users who need a phone with an in-box charger
- Users who value slow motion video recording.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Those who prioritize speed and responsiveness for apps and games.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and want a sharp display with a smooth refresh rate.
- Multitaskers: Users who frequently switch between apps and need ample RAM.
- Users that prefer a newer OS
- Users that value dual SIM support
Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Playing mobile games and running demanding applications.
- Watching videos and streaming content.
- Heavy multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Users that prefer a newer OS
- Users that value better screen protection.
- Users that need dual SIM support.
- Users that want a phone that can charge other devices.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Poco M4 5G generally offers a better price-to-value ratio for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and future-proofing due to its more recent release and modern features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is more important: camera performance or overall speed and display quality? If you prioritize photography, the Motorola is better, but if performance is a must, the Xiaomi is the better choice.
- How much importance is there on having a smoother refresh rate on the screen? The Xiaomi's 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations compared to the Motorola's 60Hz.
- Is battery life the primary concern, or will a fast charging speed suffice? Both phones have the same battery, but the Xiaomi has a faster charging, and the Motorola does not have reverse charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious & Photo Focus: If you're on a tight budget and primarily need good camera performance (specifically selfies and macro shots) and aren't concerned about screen quality and having the latest software, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the more suitable option.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Media Focus: If you value performance, a high-quality display, and dual-SIM, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is the preferred choice despite its slightly weaker camera.
- Scenario 3: All-Rounder: If you are not sure about either direction, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G offers a better balance of features, software, performance, and has a more modern design.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. While the Motorola does have some advantages in the camera department, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G offers a far superior overall experience. The significantly faster performance provided by the Dimensity 700 chipset is important for everyday use and running more demanding apps and games, making the phone feel more responsive. The higher resolution, sharper display with the 90Hz refresh rate also makes a huge difference for visual experience when browsing social media, watching videos, or reading articles. Although the main camera may have a lower resolution, it still has decent quality, and other features like 4K video support, dual SIM, a more recent operating system, and reverse charging capability make it more future-proof and convenient to use. For me, a smoother, faster experience and a more modern overall package outweigh the slightly better camera on the Motorola Moto G Power (2021).
