Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Motorola Moto G Power (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Motorola Moto G Power (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-02-22 | Moto G Power is newer, but this doesn't necessarily indicate better performance. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm | S21 is smaller, lighter and easier to handle with one hand, while Moto G Power is bulkier. |
| Weight | 169g | 203g | S21 feels significantly lighter and more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | Moto G Power provides a slightly larger screen for media consumption, while S21 offers greater portability. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | S21 has much sharper, clearer text and images, especially noticeable when viewing detailed content. |
| PPI | 421 | 270 | S21's display looks much crisper. Pixelation is more likely to be noticed on the Moto G Power screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colours. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21's display offers smoother animations and a more fluid experience, particularly when scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is significantly better in direct sunlight; Moto G Power's brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | S21 offers faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and much better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 159,800 | S21 is significantly faster and more responsive for all tasks, including gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE832 | S21 has a vastly superior GPU for graphically intensive tasks and smoother gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Moto G Power has a significantly larger battery, likely providing better battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | S21 charges much faster, reducing time plugged into a wall. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 offers convenient wireless charging options and can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Moto G Power has higher resolution, but S21 has larger sensor for better low light performance, with overall better image processing. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | S21 offers better optical zoom capabilities and dedicated portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 has a dedicated wide-angle camera for landscape shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 has slightly higher resolution, but Moto G Power has wider aperture for potentially better low light performance. |
| Portrait Mode | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto G Power has a depth sensor for improved portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto G Power has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 can record video in much higher resolution and quality. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | N/A | S21 is rated for photo/video quality, while Moto G Power does not have a score. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 11 | S21 is upgradable to android 15, while future software support for the Moto G Power is uncertain. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and more reliable connections on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Both offer similar low-energy Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | L1+L5, Galileo (E1+E5a) | Standard GPS | S21 has greater location accuracy with more advanced satellite connectivity. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | S21 supports two SIM cards simultaneously for better network coverage and multiple phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | S21 offers greater storage capacity with options up to 256GB for media and apps. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB | S21 is capable of running more apps simultaneously without slowing down. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | S21 offers a more immersive audio experience and better call quality, whilst the Moto g Power has 2 mics. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G Power has a more convenient and modern fingerprint sensor implementation. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has better scratch and damage protection for the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive Suite | Comprehensive Suite | S21 features Hall and Geomagnetic sensors on top of all the sensors also found on the Moto G Power. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and significantly brighter. The S21’s display is much better for visual fidelity and outdoor visibility.
- Higher Performance: Much more powerful processor, resulting in significantly better overall performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Better Camera System: More versatile camera setup with a dedicated telephoto and wide angle lens, higher video recording capabilities (up to 8K), better image processing, and a significantly higher DxoMark score.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging with wireless charging capabilities, compared to the slower 10W charging on the Moto G Power.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for superior audio quality.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and more satellite systems for better GPS accuracy.
- Better build quality: More durable with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger battery capacity (5000 mAh) for potentially longer battery life.
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable than the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, offering a more budget-friendly option.
- Dedicated Macro lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Modern and convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Trade-off of having a smaller battery for superior display and overall performance.
- Motorola Moto G Power (2022): Trade-off of having a much lower resolution and lower quality display, lower processing power, slower charging for a larger battery and lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize display quality and want a sharp, vibrant screen for media consumption.
- Gamers and power users who need excellent performance for demanding applications.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system capable of high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who value fast charging and the convenience of wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games.
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for social media and memories.
- Multitasking between several demanding apps.
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize long battery life and need a phone that can last through a full day on a single charge.
- Budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
- Users who need a basic phone for everyday tasks like calling, browsing, and social media without requiring advanced features.
Use Cases:
- Long periods of travel without access to chargers.
- Extended use for social media browsing, messaging, and calls.
- General everyday tasks with good battery life.
- Using it as a work phone without the need for top-end performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? (If you want a vibrant, sharp, and bright display, the S21 is far better.)
- How much do you value performance for gaming, and multitasking? (S21 offers a significant leap in performance compared to the Moto G Power.)
- What is your budget, and how crucial is long battery life? (If budget is a priority and you need long battery life, Moto G Power is a better choice.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a media enthusiast who values a high-quality display and a solid camera; the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is better suited for you due to its superior display, processing power, and camera capabilities.
- Scenario 2: You are a budget-conscious user who prioritizes battery life over other aspects; the Motorola Moto G Power (2022) is the recommended choice with a larger battery and a lower price.
- Scenario 3: You want a phone that's great for gaming and daily use, regardless of the price; the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G will offer a much more fluid and satisfying experience due to its superior performance and display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Moto G Power's large battery and lower price are attractive, the S21's significantly superior display, processing power, and camera system make it the better overall choice for my typical usage patterns. I frequently watch videos, browse the web, play games, and use the camera for various tasks, and the S21 would offer a more enjoyable experience in each of these areas. I am also comfortable with the trade-off of slightly less battery life for a significantly better display and overall performance. The faster charging on the S21 also mitigates the battery difference to some degree.
