HMD Pulse+ vs. Motorola Moto G Power (2024): A Detailed Comparison of Budget Champions

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The HMD Pulse+ aims to deliver essential features at an incredibly low price, while the Motorola Moto G Power (2024) attempts to balance affordability with a more powerful processor and faster charging. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity and cost savings, the Motorola Moto G Power (2024) is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7020 chipset offers significantly improved performance and 30W charging, justifying the slightly higher price. However, the HMD Pulse+ remains a compelling option for those on the tightest of budgets.

PHONES
Phone Names HMD Pulse+ Motorola Moto G Power (2024)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 401, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, April 242024, March 12
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, April 29Available. Released 2024, March 22
Body
Build-Glass front, silicone polymer back (eco leather), plastic frame
Dimensions163.2 x 75 x 8.5 mm (6.43 x 2.95 x 0.33 in)167.2 x 76.4 x 8.5 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight187 g (6.60 oz)201 g (7.09 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~265 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)
Size6.65 inches, 106.2 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T606 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1IMG BXM-8-256
OSAndroid 14Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single50 MP, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging10W wired30W wired 15W wireless
Type5000 mAh, user replaceable5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsApricot Crush, Midnight Blue, Glacier GreenMidnight Blue, Pale Lilac
Models-XT2415-3, XT2415V
PriceAbout 90 EUR$ 75.00 / C$ 209.97 / £ 149.00

HMD Pulse+

  • Lowest possible price point
  • Potentially longer battery life in light usage
  • Reliable for basic smartphone functions

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Less capable camera system

Motorola Moto G Power (2024)

  • Much faster processor for smoother performance
  • 30W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • More advanced ISP for better image quality

  • Higher price than HMD Pulse+
  • Battery life may be slightly shorter under heavy load
  • May require more frequent charging for power users

Display Comparison

Neither HMD nor Motorola provided display specs beyond resolution. However, given the price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies elsewhere. The HMD Pulse+’s Unisoc T606 likely pairs with a less sophisticated display driver, potentially impacting color accuracy and brightness. The Moto G Power’s Dimensity 7020, built on a 6nm process, suggests a more capable display pipeline, potentially offering better viewing angles and color reproduction. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, reflecting their budget positioning.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make precise comparisons. However, given the market segment, both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. The Motorola Moto G Power (2024) likely benefits from the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Dimensity 7020, enabling better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. While both may include a 2MP macro camera, its utility is limited in both cases. The larger processing power of the Dimensity 7020 will likely result in more consistent and detailed photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Motorola Moto G Power (2024) boasts the Mediatek Dimensity 7020, fabricated on a 6nm process with a CPU configuration of 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a substantial upgrade over the HMD Pulse+'s Unisoc T606 (12nm) with its 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 6nm node of the Dimensity 7020 translates to improved power efficiency and thermal management, meaning sustained performance will be higher, especially during demanding tasks. The Cortex-A78 cores in the Moto G Power also offer a significant architectural advantage over the Cortex-A75 cores in the Pulse+, resulting in faster single-core performance. Users who play mobile games or frequently multitask will notice a considerable difference.

Battery Life

Both phones target long battery life, but achieve it differently. The HMD Pulse+ relies on a power-efficient chipset and likely a larger battery capacity (spec not provided) to maximize runtime. The Motorola Moto G Power (2024) balances battery size with a more power-hungry processor, but compensates with significantly faster 30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. The HMD Pulse+ is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take considerably longer. The Moto G Power’s faster charging is a major convenience factor, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. While the Pulse+ may offer slightly longer overall battery life in ideal conditions, the G Power’s charging speed provides a more practical user experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the HMD Pulse+ if you need a functional, reliable smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and your budget is strictly limited. You'll accept slower performance and slower charging in exchange for the lowest possible price. Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2024) if you prefer a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and the convenience of rapid charging, even if it means spending a bit more upfront. This phone is better suited for users who enjoy occasional gaming or multitasking.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Mediatek Dimensity 7020 in the Moto G Power (2024) overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7020, built on a 6nm process, is designed for efficiency. While it will generate heat during gaming, the 6nm node and Motorola’s thermal management should prevent significant throttling. Expect playable frame rates for most mobile games, but sustained peak performance may decrease slightly over longer periods.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the HMD Pulse+ painfully slow in real-world use?
Yes, 10W charging is significantly slower than the 30W offered by the Moto G Power. Expect a full charge to take several hours, making overnight charging essential. This is a major drawback for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I notice between the Unisoc T606 and the Dimensity 7020 in everyday tasks?
The difference will be noticeable. The Dimensity 7020’s more powerful CPU and GPU will result in faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. Multitasking will also be significantly improved.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G Power (2024) support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 7020 includes an integrated 5G modem, allowing the Motorola Moto G Power (2024) to connect to 5G networks where available. The HMD Pulse+ does not support 5G.