Both the LG W31+ and the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) target the budget-conscious smartphone user, but they approach this segment with different silicon. The LG relies on MediaTek’s Helio P22, while Motorola opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662. This comparison dissects the implications of this core difference, alongside battery life, and overall value to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the better choice. The Snapdragon 662 offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Helio P22, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the LG W31+ may have a slightly more appealing design, the Motorola’s superior chipset and 15W charging provide a more practical benefit.
| 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 | 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 140 EUR | About 60 EUR |
LG W31+
- Potentially more attractive design (subjective)
- May be available at a slightly lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Inferior chipset performance (Helio P22)
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Less efficient power consumption
Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- Superior chipset performance (Snapdragon 662)
- Faster 15W wired charging
- More efficient power consumption
- Potentially less visually appealing design (subjective)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Motorola's software update track record is inconsistent
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifications for the LG W31+'s display are unavailable, but given its market positioning, it likely features a standard 720p LCD panel. The Moto G Power (2021) also utilizes a 720p+ LCD. The key difference lies under the hood: the Snapdragon 662’s ISP supports better image processing for display output, potentially resulting in slightly more vibrant colors on the Motorola. However, both will struggle in direct sunlight due to limited peak brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed image samples, but the chipset difference provides clues. The Snapdragon 662’s image signal processor (ISP) is more capable than the Helio P22’s, offering better noise reduction and dynamic range. While both phones likely feature similar primary sensor resolutions (specifications for the LG W31+ are unavailable), the Motorola benefits from Qualcomm’s image processing algorithms. The LG W31+ may rely heavily on software post-processing, potentially leading to over-sharpened or artificial-looking images. The Moto G Power's ISP will likely produce more natural-looking results.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) holds a significant advantage in performance. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, fabricated on an 11nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture – specifically, Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores – compared to the LG W31+'s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). While both are octa-core and clocked at 2.0 GHz, the Snapdragon 662’s architecture delivers superior single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience. The Helio P22 will likely struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) features 15W wired charging, a significant advantage over the LG W31+, where charging speed is unspecified but likely slower. While both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh is typical for this segment), the Snapdragon 662’s improved power efficiency means the Motorola will likely achieve comparable or better battery life despite the faster charging. The 15W charging on the Motorola will also reduce the time needed to replenish the battery, offering greater convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W31+ if you prioritize a potentially more aesthetically pleasing design and are primarily focused on very basic smartphone tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) if you need a phone that can handle moderate multitasking, occasional gaming, and benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized power efficiency and 15W fast charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) struggle with graphically 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. The LG W31+ with its Helio P22 will likely struggle to maintain a playable frame rate even at the lowest settings.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the LG W31+ and the Motorola Moto G Power (2021)?
The LG W31+ likely runs a customized version of Android with LG's proprietary skin. Motorola, on the other hand, offers a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. This means the Moto G Power (2021) will feel cleaner and more responsive, but LG's software may offer additional features and customization options.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P22 and Snapdragon 662 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Snapdragon 662's superior CPU architecture results in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. Everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and using social media will feel significantly snappier on the Motorola Moto G Power (2021).
