Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Moto G Power (2022). I'll be focusing not just on specs, but on how these translate into your everyday experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Motorola Moto G Power (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm, 179g | 167.2 × 76.5 × 9.4 mm, 203g | G71 5G: Slimmer, lighter, easier to handle. G Power: Larger, bulkier, may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Practically identical screen size; both will feel about the same size in use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | G71 5G: Sharper, clearer images, text. G Power: Lower resolution, less detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 270 | G71 5G: Noticeably sharper screen, better for reading and detail-oriented tasks. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | G71 5G: Vibrant colors, deeper blacks, better viewing angles. G Power: More traditional LCD quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | G Power: Smoother scrolling, slightly more fluid experience in apps and animations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12nm) | G71 5G: Much faster processing, better for gaming, multitasking. G Power: Less capable for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 159,800 | G71 5G: Substantially faster overall performance and user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | PowerVR GE8320 | G71 5G: Better gaming performance with more demanding graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.65µm | Comparable primary camera quality, similar sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | G71 5G: Higher resolution selfies. G Power: Wider aperture may help in lower light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | G71 5G: Versatility for landscape and group photos. |
| Depth Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | G Power: Dedicated lens for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones feature same macro lens resolution, suitable for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS, Slow-mo: 60fps | 1080p@30fps, EIS, Slow-mo: 30fps | G71 5G: Higher frame rates, smoother video, especially in slow-motion. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer excellent battery life, lasting a full day for many users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 10W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | G71 5G: Significantly faster charging, less time tethered to an outlet. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 11 | G71 5G: Guaranteed to receive OS upgrades. G Power: Potentially fewer updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | G71 5G: Flexibility to use two SIM cards, ideal for travel or separating work/personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 64GB or 128GB | Both phones have the same maximum storage of 128 GB but the G Power has a lower 64 GB variant. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB | G71 5G: Better multitasking, smoother performance, especially with multiple apps open. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | 2 Microphones | G71 5G: Enhanced spatial audio, and potentially better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | G Power: More modern side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass, Barometer | G Power: Additional sensors for more advanced usage. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with its higher resolution and pixel density offers a visibly better viewing experience, especially for media consumption and reading.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is a massive leap ahead of the Helio G37, providing smoother, faster performance, and greatly enhanced gaming capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is a huge advantage, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when needed.
- Enhanced Camera Features: The inclusion of a wide-angle lens adds versatility for landscape and group photos.
- Dual SIM support
- Dolby Atmos
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations look more fluid compared to the G71 5G's standard 60Hz panel.
- Potentially better Selfies in Low-Light: The slightly wider aperture on its front camera may offer better low-light selfies.
- Larger Battery Capacity
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Provides more advanced biometric security.
- Additional Sensors: The inclusion of a compass and barometer offers a more complete sensor suite for advanced uses.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G71 5G prioritizes performance and display quality over display smoothness and advanced sensors (although, it has the basics covered).
- The Moto G Power (2022) prioritizes battery life, and display smoothness, but at the expense of processing power and a lower resolution display.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G is best for:
- Power users and gamers: Those who need smooth performance, quick app loading, and good graphics.
- Media consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or browse a lot of photos on their phones.
- Those who value a better display quality: Prefer sharper image, text and a vibrant color experience.
- Frequent travelers and Dual-SIM users The dual-sim capability is important.
- Those who need fast charging
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) is best for:
- Casual users: Those who prioritize battery life and who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users looking for a good smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Those who prefer a more modern side fingerprint sensor
- Those who like smooth animations and scrolling
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
How important is raw performance and gaming to you? If you're a gamer or need a fast phone for heavy multitasking, the G71 5G is the clear choice.
How much do you value a higher-quality display and fast charging? If you prioritize a sharper screen, better color, and quick charging, choose the G71 5G.
Is battery life your main concern and do you value display smoothness over high resolution? If you need a phone that lasts all day and want a smooth screen, the G Power may suit you better.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- The Mobile Gamer: Choose the Moto G71 5G due to its superior processing power, graphics capabilities, and high-resolution screen.
- The Daily Commuter: If you listen to music/podcasts, do some casual browsing, and need a phone to last all day, either phone will work, but the Moto G Power 2022 might be slightly better suited, because of the potentially better battery and its smoother screen.
- The Social Media Enthusiast: Go for the Moto G71 5G. It's high-resolution AMOLED screen, better selfie camera, and wide angle lens provide a more immersive and versatile experience.
- The Budget-Conscious User: The Moto G Power (2022) is the more economical option, providing solid performance for daily tasks, long battery life, and a smoother display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd pick the Motorola Moto G71 5G. As a tech journalist and a user that often uses phones to game, watch media, and multitask, the significant performance increase from the Snapdragon 695 5G, the higher-resolution AMOLED display, and faster charging are crucial for my daily usage. While I appreciate the 90Hz refresh rate on the G Power, the overall user experience on the G71 5G is simply superior. The additional wide angle lens also is a plus.
