Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Redmi Note 10 is more compact and easier to handle. The Moto G Power is bulkier and may be less pocketable. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 178.8g | Redmi Note 10 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.43" | Moto G Power has a slightly larger screen, suitable for those who prefer larger viewing areas, but the difference is small. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Redmi Note 10 has a much sharper and clearer display, providing a better visual experience for text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 266 | 409 | Redmi Note 10 has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 10 has superior display technology, offering deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. Better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer a standard 60Hz refresh rate. No difference in smoothness of animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Redmi Note 10 offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it much better for use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Redmi Note 10's chip is more powerful leading to smoother and faster performance in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 277,254 | Redmi Note 10 scores significantly higher, suggesting better overall performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 612 | Redmi Note 10 has a more capable GPU, offering better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10 charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | 10W charger in-box | Reverse charging | Redmi Note 10 can charge other devices via reverse charging and comes with 33W charging vs. Moto's 10W charger included. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 48MP, f/1.79, Sony IMX582 | Moto G Power has a slightly wider aperture, Redmi has a better sensor. Redmi likely has slightly better image quality in some situations. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.45, Omnivision OV13B10 | Redmi Note 10 captures more detailed selfies with a higher resolution sensor. Moto G Power has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX355 | Redmi Note 10 offers more versatility in photography by including a wide-angle lens, allowing for broader shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones offer a depth sensor for portrait mode, performance is likely similar. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Both phones offer macro lens for very close-up photography, performance is likely similar. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | Redmi Note 10 records higher quality video with 4K support, better for capturing detailed footage. |
| Slow Motion | 60fps | 960fps | Redmi Note 10 captures significantly more detailed slow motion videos |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Redmi Note 10 has newer OS with future updates compared to older android version on Moto G Power. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band, Wi-Fi Direct, MiMO | Redmi Note 10 offers a more robust WiFi experience with Dual band, Direct, and MIMO support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE, HID | Redmi Note 10 has additional HID support for connecting to human interface devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi Note 10 has Beidou for better location accuracy, Moto G Power supports SUPL. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Redmi Note 10 offers dual SIM functionality for users who need multiple numbers, Moto G Power only supports single SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB or 64GB | 64GB or 128GB | Redmi Note 10 has a higher internal storage option, providing more space for apps, media, and other files. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 4GB or 6GB | Redmi Note 10 offers more RAM, resulting in better multitasking capabilities and a smoother user experience. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 10 offers a superior audio experience with high-resolution audio support and stereo speakers for more immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones offer basic fingerprint biometrics. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 10 offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones offer comprehensive sensor suite. Redmi Note 10 features Ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor, Moto G Power features Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Display: The 6.6" screen provides a bit more viewing area.
- Wider Aperture on Main Camera: Slightly better low-light performance.
- SUPL support for GPS: May offer better performance for some GPS use cases.
- 10W Charger In-box: Comes with a charger in the box, unlike Redmi Note 10.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with significantly higher resolution, brightness, and contrast.
- Higher Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 678 chipset and Adreno 612 GPU, for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging greatly reduces charging times.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution selfie camera, wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio support and stereo speakers.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers higher RAM and internal storage options.
- Dual SIM support: More versatile with dual SIM functionality
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 11 and upgradable to Android 12.
- Better build quality: Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- HID profile support: Useful for connecting to some devices.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices.
- Beidou GPS support: May offer slightly better GPS location accuracy in some regions.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G Power: While having a larger display, it has a lower-resolution and less vibrant IPS LCD panel, along with slightly lower performance.
- Redmi Note 10: Lacks a charger included in the box and is slightly smaller than Moto G Power.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is Ideal For:
- Users on a very tight budget: Might be a better option for a cheaper cost, if display and performance isn't a priority.
- Users who prioritize a simple, basic smartphone experience: For those who are not interested in gaming or any advanced usage scenarios.
- Those who want a basic phone with large display: The display is larger but of lower quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize display quality: The AMOLED screen is significantly better for media consumption and overall viewing.
- Gamers or power users on a budget: The better chipset, GPU, and RAM ensure smoother performance.
- Photography enthusiasts: The added wide-angle lens, higher resolution cameras, and 4K video provide more versatility.
- Users who want fast charging: The 33W fast charging is significantly faster.
- Users who need dual SIM functionality: The dual SIM functionality provides flexibility to use two numbers.
- Users who want a better multimedia experience: Stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio support, and a high-quality display improve the experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? (If you watch a lot of videos or read text, the Redmi Note 10's AMOLED screen is much better.)
- How much do you value performance and gaming capabilities? (If you're a casual user the Moto G Power is fine, but for any heavy use, the Redmi Note 10 is significantly better.)
- Is fast charging a priority? (If so, the Redmi Note 10's 33W charging is a huge advantage.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User with Basic Needs:
- Recommendation: If the budget is a major concern and basic tasks are the main priority, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is usable but it's not ideal.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User Wanting Good Value:
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is better in almost all aspects of a phone experience and is a much better value for money.
- Scenario 3: User Focused on Media Consumption, Gaming, or Photography:
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is the far better option for its display quality, performance, camera capabilities, audio, and fast charging.
- Scenario 4: User needing dual SIM and fast charging:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is the only option in this comparison.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would definitely pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a slightly larger screen, the Redmi Note 10 excels in almost every other aspect that impacts the day-to-day user experience.
The Redmi Note 10's AMOLED display is a game-changer for viewing content, and its performance is noticeably smoother thanks to the Snapdragon 678. The faster charging, superior camera system, and better audio are all significant advantages. While the lack of an included charger is a minor inconvenience, the overall package offered by the Redmi Note 10 is far superior and would provide a much more satisfying user experience, especially for anyone who values good display quality, performance, and multimedia capabilities. It's a better device and provides much better value for money.
