1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | Motorola is slightly taller and thicker; Xiaomi is more compact. Difference is minor, but might be noticeable for those with small hands or who prefer thinner phones. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 195g | Xiaomi is slightly lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both have the same screen size; viewing area will be identical. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi's screen is significantly sharper; text, images, and video will be much clearer, with less pixelation. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 399 | Xiaomi's screen will appear much crisper, with higher detail, making it better for viewing media and reading text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both have similar color reproduction and viewing angles; no major difference in image quality based on panel type. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi's display is smoother in animations, scrolling, and gaming making everyday interactions and supported games feel more fluid. |
| Peak Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same peak brightness, however, actual brightness and outdoor visibility may vary depending on panel quality that is not specified here. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Xiaomi's processor is significantly more powerful; apps will launch faster, multitasking will be smoother, and gaming will be better. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 438,700 | Xiaomi offers a much more substantial performance advantage (146% higher); noticeably faster for all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi's GPU offers superior graphics performance; better gaming and media consumption. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life, both phones should comfortably last a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges significantly faster, reducing the time spent plugged into a charger. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable, 10W charger in-box | Non-removable | Motorola includes a 10W charger in the box, while Xiaomi may include a 33W charger depending on the region. Both non-removable batteries imply they cannot be easily replaced. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Xiaomi's main camera has slightly higher resolution and smaller pixel size which usually results in better detail in good lighting and better low-light performance; Motorola has a wider aperture, which may allow more light. |
| Front Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Xiaomi has a higher-resolution front camera for sharper selfies; Motorola's wider aperture may offer better low-light selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more of the scene, which is useful for landscape shots and group photos. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos; blurring effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola offers a macro camera for extreme close-ups. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 1080p@30/60fps | Both record similar video quality for standard social media use. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, PDAF, LAF | Dual Camera, Ultra Stable Video, Manual Focus, Night Mode | Motorola has a dedicated depth and macro sensor; while Xiaomi has features such as ultra-stable video, manual focus, and night mode, which would improve the user experience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Xiaomi has a newer Android version, implying better features, security updates, and overall better compatibility with apps. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, Dual-Band, Wi-Fi Direct | Xiaomi supports dual-band and Wi-Fi direct, which may result in more stable and faster Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1, Apt-X, LDAC, AAC | Xiaomi has a newer Bluetooth version and better audio codecs for higher quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi supports more satellite systems resulting in better location accuracy and speed. |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Xiaomi allows the use of two SIM cards simultaneously; better for those who want two phone numbers on the same device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32 GB or 64 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB | Xiaomi offers more storage options, allowing users to store more files and apps. |
| RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB | Xiaomi has more RAM options for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has an SD card slot for more storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Xiaomi offers significantly better audio experience due to spatial audio, higher quality playback, better audio separation and more microphones for better sound capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have similar fingerprint scanner features for unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi has a more robust screen that provides better protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity, Fingerprint | Both phones have similar sensor suites, with the main difference being how proximity is sensed. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lens: The inclusion of these allows for more versatile photography in specific scenarios like portraits and close-up shots, which Xiaomi lacks.
- Wider aperture on standard camera and selfie camera: This may result in better low-light performance of standard images and selfies.
- Included charger: The 10W charger included in the box may be useful to users without any spare charging adapter.
- Slightly Wider Aperture: The main camera has a slightly wider aperture (f/1.7) which, theoretically, lets in more light for better low-light performance.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset offers much better processing power and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 662 for a better user experience.
- Sharper, Smoother Display: The higher resolution and 90Hz refresh rate will provide a much better viewing experience, with sharper images and smoother animations.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging will significantly reduce charging time.
- Better Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers will result in an overall much better audio experience.
- Additional Wide-Angle Camera: The 8MP wide-angle lens adds more versatility to photography.
- More RAM & Storage: The availability of 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage gives a better multitasking and storage experience.
- Dual Sim Support: The Dual-Sim Dual Standby feature enables use of two numbers on one phone.
- Newer Android Version: Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) results in an overall smoother and more secure experience.
- More Robust Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 3 provides better screen durability.
- Better Bluetooth: Includes aptX, LDAC and AAC which improve the quality of wireless audio.
- Advanced GPS: Better GPS reception and location accuracy thanks to more satellite system compatibility.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola offers a dedicated depth and macro camera while the Xiaomi features a wide-angle lens. The choice will depend on what type of photo is more important.
- The Xiaomi's main and selfie camera has smaller pixel size and narrower aperture. This may result in lower low-light sensitivity than the Motorola.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021): Ideal User
- Basic smartphone user: Someone who primarily uses a phone for calls, texts, browsing, and occasional social media.
- Users interested in depth and macro photography: The dedicated depth and macro sensors may be useful for users who want better portrait and close-up shots.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for the cheapest possible phone that gets the job done.
- Users who prioritize battery life above all: Despite both devices having identical battery capacities, the power-efficient CPU on the Motorola will provide slightly longer battery life on a single charge, especially if not used heavily.
- People who prefer a stock-like Android experience
Use Cases:
- Long-lasting battery for extended use.
- Basic social media and communication needs.
- Casual photo taking.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G: Ideal User
- Performance-focused users: Gamers and those who require a smooth, fast experience with quick app loading and multitasking.
- Media consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, movies, and other content, and want a better visual experience on a smoother, crisper display.
- Music enthusiasts: Users who value high quality audio with spatial and higher quality playback on headphones and speakers.
- Photography lovers: Those who need versatility of standard and wide-angle lenses, and appreciate extra features such as ultra stable video, night mode and manual focus.
- Users who like to have the latest Android features
- Those who want a future-proof device: Thanks to its superior performance, the device will be relevant for longer.
- Dual SIM users: Those who need two numbers on one device.
- Users who do not use microSD cards
Use Cases:
- Smooth gaming and multitasking.
- Immersive media consumption.
- Versatile photography with wide-angle capabilities.
- Improved location accuracy
- Use of high quality wireless headphones/speakers
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a budget phone that offers basic functionality for a low price.
- The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G offers significantly higher performance, display quality and features for a relatively small price increase. It therefore offers a much better value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- What is my primary use case? (Basic communication vs. gaming/media)
- How important is performance and display quality? (Do I need the best possible experience for apps and media, or is a basic experience enough?)
- What is my budget? (Are cost savings the most important, or am I willing to spend more for better features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User
- Recommendation: If the budget is the absolute priority and the user only needs basic smartphone functions, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is acceptable. However, even at a budget price range, the Xiaomi may be a better option due to its vastly superior feature set for only a slightly increased price.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is a much better choice for the everyday user thanks to its superior performance, much better display, enhanced audio features, faster charging, and overall better experience for a small price increase.
- Scenario 3: Gaming and Media Enthusiast
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is the clear winner, offering significantly higher performance and a superior display. The enhanced audio features make it a must for those focused on media.
- Scenario 4: Photography User
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is the better choice due to its higher resolution front and rear cameras, versatility of a wide angle lens, and extra features. Although it lacks a depth and macro camera, these are typically less important than the wide-angle lens. However, users who specifically require a macro camera will want to consider the Motorola.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G. Although both devices have the same battery size, the Xiaomi excels in almost every other aspect. The significantly superior performance, higher resolution and faster display, much better audio capabilities, faster charging, versatile camera system and more modern software make it a vastly superior device. Given that the difference in price between both devices is relatively low, the Xiaomi provides a much better overall user experience and better value. The Motorola's additional macro lens and depth camera is not enough to offset all of the benefits of the Xiaomi.
