The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Lenovo K13 and Motorola Moto G Power (2021) both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the K13 relying on a Unisoc chipset and the Moto G Power leveraging Qualcomm's Snapdragon series. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Lenovo K13’s Unisoc SC9863A, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the K13 is cheaper, the G Power’s superior processing power justifies the slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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, August 30 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 30 | Available. Released 2021, January 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.9 x 9.2 mm (6.5 x 2.99 x 0.36 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 206.5 g (7.30 oz) |
| | Water-repellent design | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% 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 (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | 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-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tahiti Blue, Coral Red | Flash Gray, Polar Silver |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 60 EUR |
Lenovo K13
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Potentially longer battery life due to less power-hungry chipset.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Moto G Power.
- Unisoc chipset may lack software optimization and updates.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- Superior performance thanks to the Snapdragon 662.
- Faster 15W charging reduces downtime.
- Qualcomm ISP offers better image processing.
- More future-proofed with better software support.
- Slightly higher price compared to the Lenovo K13.
- Battery life may be marginally shorter than the K13.
- Still a budget device with compromises in build quality.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, the core difference lies under the hood. The Lenovo K13’s display specifications are unavailable, but given its price point, it likely features a lower peak brightness and narrower color gamut than the Moto G Power. The Moto G Power’s display, while not exceptional, benefits from Qualcomm’s image processing capabilities, potentially offering slightly more accurate colors and better contrast. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, with both devices featuring budget-oriented sensors. Detailed sensor information for the Lenovo K13 is unavailable, but it’s safe to assume it’s a lower-resolution sensor than the Moto G Power’s main camera. The Moto G Power’s camera benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), which provides better noise reduction and dynamic range. While neither phone will compete with flagship camera systems, the Moto G Power’s ISP gives it a slight edge in image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm), featuring a combination of 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores. This 11nm fabrication process is considerably more efficient than the 28nm process used in the Lenovo K13’s Unisoc SC9863A. The Unisoc chip, with its octa-core configuration of 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking. The Snapdragon 662 offers a tangible improvement in app launch times, smoother scrolling, and the ability to handle more complex tasks without significant lag. This translates to a better experience for users who browse the web, use social media, or play casual games.
Battery Life
Both phones prioritize battery life, but achieve it through different means. The Moto G Power (2021) features a large battery (likely 5000mAh, based on previous G Power models) and 15W wired charging. The Lenovo K13 also aims for long battery life, but with a slower 10W charging rate. While the K13 might offer slightly longer screen-on time due to the less powerful chipset, the Moto G Power’s faster charging compensates for any minor capacity difference. A full charge on the Moto G Power will take less time, minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K13 if your primary need is absolute affordability and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. You’re willing to accept slower performance and limited multitasking capabilities to save money. Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, occasional gaming, and a more future-proofed device. The Snapdragon 662 offers a significant performance boost for everyday tasks and light to moderate gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Lenovo K13 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the K13 can run these apps, you may experience noticeable lag when switching between them or when the apps are performing complex tasks like loading videos. The Unisoc chipset’s limited processing power and slower RAM speeds will impact the overall responsiveness of these applications.
❓ Is the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) capable of playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Moto G Power (2021) can play these games, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. The Snapdragon 662 is capable, but it’s not a gaming powerhouse. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense gameplay.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Lenovo K13 with its 10W charger?
Given the 10W charging rate and likely battery capacity (around 4000-5000mAh), a full charge from 0% to 100% will likely take between 3 to 4 hours. This is significantly slower than the Moto G Power’s 15W charging.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) receive regular software updates and security patches?
Motorola has improved its software update commitment in recent years. The Moto G Power (2021) is likely to receive at least one major Android update and regular security patches for a period of 2-3 years, offering better long-term software support than the Lenovo K13.
