The LG W31 and Motorola Moto G Power (2021) represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The W31, while older, offers a glimpse into LG’s former strategy, while the Moto G Power prioritizes long-lasting battery life and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device provides the best value for users seeking affordability without sacrificing essential functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the LG W31’s older Helio P22, translating to smoother multitasking and a better overall user experience. While the W31 may be cheaper, the G Power’s efficiency and responsiveness justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 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, November 06. Released 2020, December 23 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.54 x 3.00 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 | 173.6 g (6.14 oz) | 206.5 g (7.30 oz) |
| | - | 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 (~80.9% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 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, (wide) | 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 | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue | Flash Gray, Polar Silver |
| Models | LMK315IM, LM-K315, LM-K315IM | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 60 EUR |
LG W31
- Potentially lower price point
- May be lighter due to simpler components
- Basic functionality for essential tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life
- Outdated processor architecture
Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 662
- Better power efficiency and longer battery life
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly higher price
- May be bulkier due to larger battery
- 15W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing for the LG W31, but given its price point, it’s likely a lower-tier panel. The Moto G Power (2021) also lacks detailed display specs, but its larger size (6.6 inches) suggests a more immersive viewing experience. The key difference lies in processing power; the Snapdragon 662 can more efficiently handle display rendering, potentially leading to smoother animations and transitions, even if the panels themselves are similar in quality.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature modest camera systems geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information for the LG W31, it’s difficult to assess its image quality. The Moto G Power (2021) typically features a 48MP main sensor, which, while not flagship-level, provides a solid foundation for capturing detailed images in good lighting conditions. The Snapdragon 662’s image signal processor (ISP) offers more advanced image processing capabilities than the Helio P22’s, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests limited utility; focusing on the main sensor’s performance is more relevant.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, fabricated on an 11nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU with a Kryo architecture split between performance (2.0 GHz) and efficiency (1.8 GHz) cores. This contrasts sharply with the LG W31’s MediaTek Helio P22, built on a 12nm process, and utilizing only Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Snapdragon 662’s architecture and smaller node size translate to superior single-core and multi-core performance, making it better suited for demanding applications and multitasking. The G Power’s GPU will also offer a more capable gaming experience.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) lives up to its name with a large 5000mAh battery and 15W wired charging. While the LG W31’s battery capacity is unspecified, the less efficient Helio P22 chipset will likely result in shorter battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The Snapdragon 662’s 11nm process contributes to better power efficiency, allowing the Moto G Power to deliver all-day battery life for most users. The 15W charging on the Moto G Power, while not fast charging by today’s standards, is sufficient to replenish the battery overnight.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W31 if you absolutely need the lowest possible upfront cost and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. Its Helio P22 is sufficient for these scenarios. Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, occasional gaming, and a longer-lasting battery. The Snapdragon 662 offers a significant performance boost and better power efficiency, making it ideal for users who demand more from their smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 662 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights, but it's a playable experience. The LG W31’s Helio P22 would likely struggle significantly with even lower settings.
❓ Is the LG W31 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the LG W31 is adequate for basic communication tasks like calls and texts. Its Helio P22 chipset is sufficient for these functions, and its lower price point might be appealing if these are your only priorities. However, even for basic use, the Moto G Power offers a smoother and more responsive experience.
❓ How much faster is the Snapdragon 662 compared to the Helio P22 in real-world usage?
The Snapdragon 662 is significantly faster – roughly 50-70% faster in CPU benchmarks and 30-50% faster in GPU benchmarks. This translates to noticeably quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more fluid user interface on the Moto G Power (2021).
❓ Does the Moto G Power (2021) support software updates?
Motorola’s software update support is generally limited on budget devices. The Moto G Power (2021) likely received one major Android update (to Android 11 or 12) and periodic security patches. However, long-term software support is not a strong point for this device.
