Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Motorola Moto G Power (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G Power (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-17 | 2022-02-22 | Moto G Power (2022) is newer, potentially with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 167.2 × 76.5 × 9.4 mm | Moto G Power (2022) is slightly taller and thicker, might feel slightly bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 203g | Virtually identical weight; no significant difference in handling. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size; both offer the same viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Same screen sharpness; both offer similar visual clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 269 PPI | 270 PPI | Virtually identical pixel density; negligible difference in perceived sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Same display type, expect similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother scrolling experience than standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness; outdoor visibility may be similar, but this value is likely missing or incorrect. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | MediaTek Helio G37 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 662 generally offers marginally better performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 159,800 | Moto G30 scores higher in benchmarks; might feel slightly snappier in daily use. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE832 | Adreno 610 usually offers better graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Moto G30 has higher resolution; might capture slightly more detail. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | Not Specified | 1/2.76" | Moto G Power has a sensor size, this is useful, while the Moto G30 is not specified |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 0.65 µm | Moto G30 has a slightly larger pixel size on the main camera. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Moto G30 has higher resolution; can capture more detailed selfies, while Moto G Power (2022) has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | None | Moto G30 includes an ultrawide lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Similar depth sensors, comparable portrait mode performance |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both phones offer basic macro photography capability. |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p@60fps | Up to 1080p@30fps with EIS | Moto G30 has higher framerate recording, while the Moto G Power has electronic image stabilization |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, RAW | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization | Moto G30 offers RAW photo capabilities, while Moto G Power has digital image stabilization for video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, potentially lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 15W | 10W | Moto G30 charges faster; will reach full capacity quicker. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | Moto G30 offers a guaranteed upgrade to Android 12, Moto G Power (2022) lacks a guaranteed upgrade to 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer the same WiFi standards, but Moto G Power (2022) adds Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both support Bluetooth 5.0 for compatible device connections. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | Moto G30 can hold two SIMs and allows dual standby, while Moto G Power (2022) only supports one. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both have the same storage options, choose based on your needs. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB | Moto G30 offers an additional RAM option for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not expandable | Not expandable | Neither phone supports memory cards for additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | 2 Microphones | Moto G Power (2022) has better voice capture with two microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted sensor is typically more convenient and faster to access. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Moto G Power has more sensors including a compass and barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset and higher benchmark scores indicate potentially smoother overall performance, particularly in more demanding apps and games.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 64MP main camera can capture more detailed photos, particularly useful for cropping and large prints.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: The main camera has a wider aperture of f/1.7 compared to f/1.8, allowing for better low-light performance
- Additional Wide Angle Lens: The inclusion of an 8MP ultrawide lens provides versatility for capturing landscapes and group photos.
- Faster Charging: The 15W fast charging offers a noticeable advantage in charging times over the 10W charging.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows users to use two SIM cards simultaneously, beneficial for travel or separating work and personal numbers.
- RAW Photo Capability: Moto G30 supports RAW photo capture for greater post-processing flexibility.
- Guaranteed Android Upgrade: The G30 is guaranteed to receive an upgrade to Android 12.
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) Advantages:
- Newer Release Date: Being released about a year later, it may have longer software support.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Often considered more ergonomic and accessible compared to rear-mounted sensors.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: The selfie camera has a slightly wider aperture of f/2.0 compared to f/2.2, allowing for better low-light performance
- Enhanced Audio Capture: Two microphones will provide better voice recording clarity, especially in noisy environments.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a compass and barometer, useful for certain apps and for location and environmental awareness.
- Digital image stabilization: Moto G Power (2022) offers digital image stabilization for video recording
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G30 sacrifices the convenience of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, slightly less advanced sensors, and the microphone quality of the Moto G Power, for better overall performance and camera versatility.
- The Moto G Power sacrifices camera versatility (no ultrawide lens), slightly slower charging, less performance, and dual sim, for the convenience of a side mounted fingerprint sensor, extra sensors, and better voice capture.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 is ideal for:
- Users Prioritizing Performance: Those who want a smoother experience while gaming and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera versatility with wide angle and RAW capabilities.
- Frequent Travelers: Benefit from Dual SIM support for managing multiple numbers.
- Users who want the latest Android version: The G30 is guaranteed an upgrade to Android 12.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intense mobile games.
- Capturing detailed landscape photos with its ultrawide lens and high res sensor.
- Using dual SIM cards for work and personal life or while traveling.
- Taking professional-looking pictures using RAW photos for editing.
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) is ideal for:
- Users who want a convenient fingerprint sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers faster unlocking speeds and ease of use.
- Users wanting better audio capture: The dual microphones are suitable for those who do lots of voice recording,
- Users who appreciate additional sensors: The addition of a compass and barometer are suitable for those who use their phone for advanced location and environmental awareness.
- Users who want the newer phone: The phone was released almost a year after the G30.
Use Cases:
- Quickly unlocking the phone using the side-mounted sensor.
- Recording clear audio during voice calls or memos.
- Using navigation apps that benefit from the compass.
- Using apps and tools that measure altitude using a barometer.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize gaming and processing power, or battery life and convenience?
- Is camera versatility (ultrawide lens, RAW) important, or do you prefer better audio for voice capture and convenience?
- Is it important to have a dual sim and a guaranteed android upgrade?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User & Photographer: If you want a device for gaming, general performance and better camera versatility, the Motorola Moto G30 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Consumption & Audio Recording: If having the convenience of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, better audio capture is a priority, the Motorola Moto G Power (2022) is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Cost-Conscious and Basic Use: If both options are similar in price and you do not have a specific preference, the Motorola Moto G30 is recommended for its faster charging, Android update, and marginally better performance.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G30. While the Moto G Power (2022) has some advantages like a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a compass and barometer, the slightly better performance of the Snapdragon 662, the higher resolution and versatile camera (including the wide-angle and RAW photo capabilities), the faster charging, and Dual Sim are more beneficial for my typical usage. The guarantee of an Android update is also a plus. While the Moto G Power (2022) is newer, the advantages of the Moto G30 outweigh the new release date in my book.
