The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The BLU G61 and Motorola Moto G Power (2021) both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Motorola prioritizing processing power and the BLU focusing on a minimalist approach. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience for everyday tasks and light gaming, offsetting the slightly slower 15W charging compared to the BLU G61’s 10W.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 09. Released 2021, February 09 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 206.5 g (7.30 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Red | Flash Gray, Polar Silver |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 60 EUR |
BLU G61
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Power-efficient Cortex-A55 processor
- Significantly slower performance
- Slower 10W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- Faster Snapdragon 662 processor
- Faster 15W charging
- Better multitasking and gaming performance
- Potentially higher price
- Snapdragon 662 can still struggle with very demanding games
- May not be as power efficient as the BLU G61 in *extremely* light usage
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The lack of specified resolution or refresh rate suggests both are targeting 720p and 60Hz. The real difference lies under the hood: the Motorola benefits from the Snapdragon 662’s image signal processor (ISP) for potentially better image processing, even with similar camera sensors. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting cost-saving measures in both designs.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Motorola’s Snapdragon 662 ISP provides a processing advantage. We can reasonably expect both phones to feature a primary camera and potentially depth or macro sensors. The Motorola’s ISP will likely deliver better dynamic range and noise reduction, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The BLU G61 will likely rely more heavily on software processing, which may not be as refined.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) holds a substantial advantage in performance. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, built on an 11nm process, features an octa-core CPU with a mix of 2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores. This contrasts sharply with the BLU G61’s octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor. The Snapdragon 662’s architecture, with performance and efficiency cores, allows for smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. The 11nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained use. The Cortex-A55 in the BLU G61 is a power-efficient core, but lacks the raw processing power for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones prioritize battery life, a key selling point in the budget segment. While the exact battery capacity isn’t specified, the Motorola’s 15W wired charging offers a faster replenishment rate than the BLU G61’s 10W charging. This means less time tethered to an outlet. The Snapdragon 662’s efficiency also contributes to longer battery life during typical usage, potentially offsetting any capacity difference between the two devices. Users who frequently find themselves away from a charger will benefit from the Motorola’s faster charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G61 if you prioritize absolute simplicity and are primarily using the phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. You’ll appreciate its potentially lower price point. Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) if you want a phone that can handle multitasking, streaming video, and casual gaming without significant lag. The Snapdragon 662 offers a noticeable performance boost for a more fluid user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 662 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a smooth frame rate. The BLU G61’s processor will struggle with these titles, resulting in significant lag and a less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With 15W charging, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) should fully charge in approximately 2-3 hours. The BLU G61’s 10W charging will take considerably longer, likely closer to 3-4 hours, making it less convenient for users who need a quick top-up.
❓ Is the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) good for streaming video?
Yes, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is well-suited for streaming video thanks to the Snapdragon 662’s processing power and efficient video decoding capabilities. You should be able to stream content from services like YouTube and Netflix without significant buffering or lag. The BLU G61 may experience some stuttering, especially with higher-resolution videos.
