The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Plum Ram Plus LTE and Motorola Moto G Power (2021) both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price point, but they take very different approaches. The Plum relies on a newer, but less proven, Unisoc chipset, while the Motorola leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a more established software experience, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset provides a noticeable advantage in responsiveness and app loading times, outweighing the Plum’s potential LTE benefits. However, the Plum may appeal to users solely focused on maximizing LTE connectivity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 26, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 02 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 02 | Available. Released 2021, January 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 111.5 x 57.5 x 22 mm (4.39 x 2.26 x 0.87 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 | 108.4 g (3.81 oz) | 206.5 g (7.30 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Flashlight | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~27.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | IPS LCD |
| | External display: 1.44 inches, 128 x 128 pixels | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T107 | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 |
| OS | - | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128MB, 48MB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, built-in antenna | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Black/Orange | Flash Gray, Polar Silver |
| Price | - | About 60 EUR |
Plum Ram Plus LTE
- Potentially stronger LTE signal reception (depending on implementation)
- Lower price point (likely)
- May offer unique software features
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Unknown display quality
- Limited software support
Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- Superior processor performance (Snapdragon 662)
- Excellent battery life (5000 mAh)
- More established brand and software support
- Slower charging speed (15W)
- Basic display quality
- Larger size may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. The Plum Ram Plus LTE’s display specifications are unavailable, but given its price point, it likely features a basic LCD panel. The Moto G Power (2021) also utilizes an LCD, but its larger 6.6-inch size and 720 x 1600 resolution offer a slightly more immersive viewing experience. Both will likely suffer from limited color accuracy and narrow viewing angles, but the Moto G Power’s larger size is a practical advantage for media consumption. PWM dimming rates are unknown for both, making it difficult to assess potential eye strain.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. The Moto G Power (2021) features a 16MP main camera, which, while not exceptional, is likely to deliver more consistent results than the Plum Ram Plus LTE’s camera (specifications unavailable). The presence of a dedicated depth sensor on the Motorola provides a slight advantage in portrait mode photography. Both devices likely include lower-resolution auxiliary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) that offer limited practical value. Image processing will be a key differentiator, and Qualcomm’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 662 is likely to produce more refined images.
Performance
This is where the most significant difference lies. The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm), an octa-core processor with a Kryo 260 architecture. This chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the Plum Ram Plus LTE’s Unisoc T107. The Snapdragon 662’s 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores handle demanding tasks, while the 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores optimize for efficiency. The Unisoc T107, while newer, is a significantly less powerful chipset, likely resulting in slower app loading times, noticeable lag during multitasking, and a less fluid overall user experience. The Snapdragon 662 also benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized software and GPU drivers.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) boasts a massive 5000 mAh battery, coupled with 15W wired charging. This combination provides exceptional battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. The Plum Ram Plus LTE’s battery capacity is unknown, but given its lower price point, it’s likely smaller. While the 15W charging on the Motorola isn’t particularly fast, it’s sufficient to replenish the large battery overnight. The Snapdragon 662’s 11nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, further extending battery life compared to the potentially less efficient Unisoc T107.
Buying Guide
Buy the Plum Ram Plus LTE if your primary need is reliable LTE connectivity in areas with weak signals, and you’re willing to accept compromises in processing power. Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, longer software support, and a more balanced feature set, even if it means slightly less emphasis on raw LTE signal strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T107 chipset in the Plum Ram Plus LTE sufficient for basic social media and web browsing?
While the Unisoc T107 can handle basic tasks like social media and web browsing, expect noticeable lag and slower loading times compared to the Snapdragon 662 in the Moto G Power. It's functional, but not ideal for a smooth user experience.
❓ How does the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) handle multitasking with several apps open?
The Snapdragon 662 and 4GB of RAM in the Moto G Power (2021) allow for reasonably smooth multitasking. You can switch between several apps without significant slowdown, although demanding apps may require reloading.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) support VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling?
Yes, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) supports both VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and Wi-Fi calling, ensuring compatibility with modern cellular networks and allowing for calls over Wi-Fi when cellular signal is weak.
❓ What kind of storage does the Plum Ram Plus LTE use, and is it expandable?
Storage specifications for the Plum Ram Plus LTE are unavailable. However, given its price point, it likely features eMMC storage, which is slower than the UFS storage found in some higher-end phones. Expandability via microSD card is probable, but not confirmed.
