The LG Q52 and Motorola Moto G Power (2021) represent compelling options in the sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 662, built on an 11nm process, offers a noticeable advantage over the LG Q52’s 12nm Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking and better long-term responsiveness.
| 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 | 2020, September 26. Released 2020, October 26 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 206.5 g (7.30 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silky White, Silky Red | Flash Gray, Polar Silver |
| Models | LM-Q520N | - |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 60 EUR |
LG Q52
- Potentially lower initial cost.
- May offer a slightly larger battery capacity (unconfirmed).
- Simple and straightforward user interface.
- Less powerful and efficient Helio P35 chipset.
- Likely slower charging speeds.
- Inferior graphics performance for gaming.
Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset.
- 15W wired charging support.
- Superior graphics performance for casual gaming.
- Better image processing capabilities.
- May be slightly more expensive upfront.
- Potentially less battery capacity than LG Q52 (unconfirmed).
- Motorola’s software can include bloatware.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The lack of specified refresh rates suggests both operate at the standard 60Hz. The key difference lies under the hood; the chipset’s graphics processing capabilities will influence the smoothness of scrolling and animations, favoring the Moto G Power. While neither manufacturer details peak brightness, the Snapdragon 662’s ISP often allows for better dynamic range and color calibration, potentially resulting in a more visually pleasing experience on the Motorola.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 662’s image signal processor (ISP) generally offers superior image processing capabilities compared to the Helio P35’s. This means better noise reduction, dynamic range, and color accuracy on the Motorola. While both phones likely include a standard macro lens, the quality of such sensors is typically low in this price range. The Motorola’s ISP is more likely to produce usable images in challenging lighting conditions, and its video recording capabilities will likely be superior.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, fabricated on an 11nm process. This is a significant advantage over the LG Q52’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The Snapdragon 662’s Kryo 260 cores, while also utilizing an octa-core configuration, benefit from Qualcomm’s architectural optimizations and the more efficient manufacturing process. This translates to better sustained performance under load and improved power efficiency. The Helio P35, while capable for basic tasks, will likely exhibit more noticeable slowdowns during multitasking or when running demanding applications. The Snapdragon 662’s Adreno 610 GPU also provides a substantial graphics boost, making it the better choice for casual gaming.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) includes 15W wired charging, a feature absent from the LG Q52’s specifications. While neither phone boasts exceptionally fast charging, 15W provides a tangible benefit over slower charging methods. The Snapdragon 662’s superior power efficiency also contributes to longer battery life. While the LG Q52 may have a comparable or even slightly larger battery capacity (unspecified), the Helio P35’s less efficient architecture will likely result in shorter real-world usage times. The Moto G Power’s optimized power management will allow users to stretch a single charge further.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q52 if you prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) if you value a more responsive user experience, better battery optimization, and the ability to handle moderately demanding apps and occasional gaming without significant slowdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a dedicated gaming phone, the Snapdragon 662 and Adreno 610 GPU in the Moto G Power (2021) can handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action, but it’s a playable experience. The LG Q52’s Helio P35 will likely struggle to maintain consistent performance even at lower settings.
❓ How much faster is the Snapdragon 662 compared to the Helio P35 in real-world use?
The Snapdragon 662 offers a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and multitasking. App launch times will be quicker, scrolling will be smoother, and the phone will handle multiple apps open simultaneously with less slowdown. Benchmarks show the Snapdragon 662 consistently outperforms the Helio P35 by 30-50% in CPU and GPU tests, translating to a more fluid user experience.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) have a lot of bloatware?
Motorola has historically included some pre-installed apps (bloatware) on their devices. However, the amount has decreased in recent years. Many of these apps can be uninstalled, freeing up storage space and reducing clutter. It's a common trade-off for the lower price point.
