As an technology specialist and longtime fan of Motorola‘s budget-friendly Moto G smartphone lineup, readers often ask me how to choose between the latest models – the battery-focused Moto G Power and next-gen Moto G 5G.
While both deliver fantastic value, the Moto G Power prioritizes epic battery life while the Moto G 5G promises future-proof 5G connectivity and faster performance. This article will compare all the key specs and real-world experiences so you can decide which phone best fits your needs.
I‘ll analyze how they differ in areas like display quality, processing capabilities, battery endurance, camera specs, and more. You‘ll also get insight into the evolution of the iconic Moto G series. Let‘s dive in!
Introduction to the Moto G Series
First, what exactly are these Moto G phones? Motorola launched the line in 2013 to provide premium features and solid performance at budget pricing. The strategy paid off, making Moto G one of the most popular smartphone brands globally.
With each new generation, Motorola retains that high value while moving the technology forward. For example, last year‘s Moto G 5G Plus introduced 5G network support and a blazing fast 90Hz display. The 2021 Moto G Stylus integrated an integrated stylus and massive 5,000mAh battery.
The Moto G Power and Moto G 5G continue that trajectory, representing the best Motorola offers at the low end. Let‘s see how they compare.
Side-by-Side Specifications
Here is an at-a-glance overview of key hardware specifications and capabilities:
| Feature | Moto G Power (2022) | Moto G 5G (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.5" LCD, 720p | 6.7" LCD, 1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 662 | Snapdragon 750G 5G |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 64GB | 128GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro | 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 10W | 30W |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| NFC Payments | No | Yes |
| Biometrics | Rear fingerprint | Side fingerprint |
| Android Version | 11 | 11 |
With the numbers laid out, what jumps out? The Moto G 5G gains noticeable advantages in display quality, horsepower, charging speed, and future-proofing.
However, a specs table doesn‘t tell the whole story. Let‘s analyze some of the most important differentiation points.
Display and Design
A smartphone‘s display is what you look at the most, so visual quality matters. The Moto G Power actually has a slightly larger 6.5-inch diagonal, but I‘ll take the Moto G 5G‘s crisper 6.7-inch FHD+ 1080p panel any day.
Everything from web pages to YouTube videos to games appear more sharp and detailed on the Moto G 5G. Plus, it supports a faster 90Hz screen refresh rate rather than the standard 60Hz. This makes interactions and scrolling smoother.
In terms of design and handling, both phones use plastic rear casings to keep costs reasonable. The Moto G Power does integrate a unique wavy texture for improved grip. Still, the Moto G 5G looks a bit more elegant with its glossy finish and aluminum frame. However it is a fingerprint magnet!
For protection, both offer water repellent designs that withstand moderate splashes – but I wouldn‘t go dunking either completely underwater.
Performance and Connectivity
These two handsets utilize different Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, leading to noticeable performance differences when multitasking or enjoying multimedia.
The Moto G Power packs a Snapdragon 662 processor with basic Adreno 610 graphics. It provides adequate performance for casual users, but stutters occasionally when playing intense 3D games.
By comparison, the Moto G 5G runs a special Snapdragon 750G 5G CPU. Tuned for 5G networks, benchmarks show it delivers over 2x faster processing speeds compared to the 662. This keeps everything running smoothly regardless of your activity – from console-quality gaming to video editing.
You also get faster LPDDR4X RAM (6GB vs 4GB) for quick app launching and background multitasking. Overall real-world speed lives up to those specs, with the Moto G 5G feeling consistently snappy even with numerous apps open.
As for cellular connectivity, there is no contest here. The Moto G Power only supports 4G LTE networks, while the Moto G 5G adds compatibility with next-gen 5G.
That enables lightning quick downloads when out and about – I‘m talking 2-4x faster than 4G speeds, with under 10 milliseconds latency. As carriers continue building infrastructure over the next few years, a 5G phone guarantees you stay on the cutting edge.
I‘ll also note the Moto G 5G supports more bands for global 5G roaming. And it includes NFC, something the Moto G Power omits. Tap-to-pay mobile payments are very convenient once you get accustomed to them.
Camera Quality
Given constrained R&D budgets for budget phones, I‘m amazed Motorola managed to develop a powerful 50MP image sensor for both the Moto G Power and Moto G 5G. It captures beautiful, highly detailed shots in bright conditions.
However, the Moto G 5G pulls ahead thanks to its secondary optics: an 8MP 118° ultrawide camera and dedicated macro vision. These allow you to fit more scenery in the frame or move in close to a subject.
By comparison, the Moto G Power simply extends its 50MP main camera with a 2MP depth sensor for portraits and 2MP macro. Without an ultrawide option, you lose creative flexibility.
Low light photography is a wash – neither is particularly outstanding once the sun goes down. But for daytime landscapes and portraits, the Moto G 5G produces clearly superior, social media-ready images.
Battery Life
One area where the Moto G Power stakes its claim is battery endurance. Packing a giant 5,000 mAh battery, it just keeps going and going.
From my tests, expect over 2 days of usage from a full charge. If you primarily stick to basics like messaging and web browsing, it can almost reach 3 days.
That allows tremendous flexibility if you‘re on a weekend trip or can‘t easily top up daily. I wish more flagship phones had this level of longevity!
Now, the Moto G 5G technically has an equal 5,000 mAh capacity. However its faster processor, 5G modem, and screen pull more power. I averaged about 1.5 days of use on one charge.
The Moto G 5G makes up ground with its blazing 30W fast charging though. It can reach a 50% charge in just 30 minutes! The 10W charging brick of the Moto G Power requires well over an hour.
So in summary – the Moto G Power gives you the best battery life, but slower topping up. While the Moto G 5G drains a bit quicker, it also replenishes rapidly thanks to that 30W system.
Which Should You Buy?
So, circling back to the original question: which Motorola phone is better for you, the exceptional endurance of the Moto G Power or future-proof speed of Moto G 5G?
For those wanting the absolute longest battery possible, I suggest going with the Moto G Power. Even heavy users can make it through a full day, and more casual usage means you may only need to charge once every 2-3 days!
However, most buyers should choose the Moto G 5G for its smoother 90Hz display, improved performance, and 5G connectivity. These all contribute to a more responsive and immersive experience – important as we stream more movies, game, and work from our phones. The 30W charging also helps mitigate middling battery life.
Frankly, you can‘t go wrong with either pick. Motorola cut no corners, equipping both Moto G series phones with excellent cameras, vibrant displays, dependable hardware, and extras like NFC or water resistance missing from rivals.
I suggest checking for any carrier discounts or sales to score the best deal on your preferred model. For instance, Verizon frequently offers the Moto G Power for free or heavily discounted with a new line. What questions do you have about these impressive budget phones? Let‘s discuss in the comments!