Motorola Moto G Power 5G vs. Moto G Power (2021): The Ultimate Budget Showdown

The Motorola Moto G Power series is renowned for offering exceptional battery life at an affordable price. But with two generations vying for your attention, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison pits the Moto G Power 5G against the Moto G Power (2021) to help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Moto G Power 5G offers a significant performance boost thanks to its 5G connectivity and more powerful Dimensity 930 chipset. While the 2021 model remains a solid choice for its reliable battery and familiar design, the 5G version provides a more future-proof and responsive experience, justifying its slightly higher price.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G Power 5G Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71
5G bands2, 5, 7, 12, 25, 30, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2023, April 062021, January 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, April 13Available. Released 2021, January 14
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions163.1 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.42 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight185 g (6.53 oz)206.5 g (7.30 oz)
 Water-repellent designWater-repellent coating
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)
GPUIMG BXM-8-256Adreno 610
OSAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 14Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging15W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsDark BlueFlash Gray, Polar Silver
Price$ 97.90 / £ 199.00About 60 EUR

Motorola Moto G Power 5G

  • Faster Processor (Dimensity 930)
  • 5G Connectivity
  • Improved Camera Processing
  • Slightly Better Display (potentially)

  • Slightly Higher Price
  • 15W Charging (slow)

Motorola Moto G Power (2021)

  • Excellent Battery Life
  • Affordable Price
  • Reliable Performance for Basic Tasks
  • Familiar Design

  • Slower Processor (Snapdragon 662)
  • No 5G
  • Less Capable Camera

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.6-inch HD+ display, offering a large viewing area. However, the Moto G Power 5G might exhibit slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel improvements, though this is not always a significant difference at this price point. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.

Camera Comparison

Both phones typically feature a triple-camera system, often including a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. While the hardware is similar, the Dimensity 930's image signal processor (ISP) in the Moto G Power 5G likely provides better image processing, resulting in slightly improved photo quality, especially in low light. Video recording capabilities are also likely to be better on the 5G model.

Performance

The Dimensity 930 in the Moto G Power 5G is a clear winner here. It offers significantly improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 662. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 5G model. The 2021 model is adequate for everyday tasks but can struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones are known for their impressive battery life, typically offering 5000mAh capacity. Real-world battery performance should be comparable, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. Charging speeds are identical at 15W wired, which is relatively slow by modern standards.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Moto G Power 5G is ideal for users who prioritize speed, 5G connectivity, and a smoother overall experience. It's a great choice for those who multitask frequently or enjoy gaming. The Moto G Power (2021) is best suited for users who value long battery life above all else and are comfortable with a slightly less powerful processor. It's a dependable option for basic tasks and media consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Moto G Power 5G worth the extra cost?
If you value performance and 5G connectivity, then yes. The Dimensity 930 chipset provides a noticeable upgrade. If you primarily need a phone for basic tasks and long battery life, the 2021 model is a great value.
❓ How does the camera compare in low light?
The Moto G Power 5G's Dimensity 930 chipset likely provides better low-light image processing, resulting in slightly brighter and clearer photos compared to the 2021 model.