Motorola Moto G Power 2021 review
The Motorola Moto G Power series has long been a reliable option for those seeking a no-frills phone at an affordable price. The latest iteration, the Moto G Power 2021, is a refresh of the line that retains its budget-friendly charm while introducing some welcome upgrades. With a focus on simplicity and efficiency, this device promises to deliver solid performance and impressive battery life, making it an attractive choice for those on a tight budget or seeking a secondary phone.
Build Quality and Design
The Motorola Moto G Power 2021 is a solidly built device with a generally modern design. The phone features an edge-to-edge display and a hole punch cutout for the front-facing camera, which is a nice touch. However, there's a small chin at the bottom that may take some getting used to. On the back, you'll find a centered camera bump for the rear-facing camera, accompanied by a plastic back that doesn't feel as premium as glass but should still be more durable. The top of the phone houses a headphone jack, while the bottom features a USB-C port. The right side boasts a fingerprint sensor in the power button, which works quickly and efficiently. The design is not the thinnest out there, but it doesn't feel overly chunky despite the huge battery under the hood. This slight bulkiness is a testament to the phone's emphasis on performance and longevity rather than style alone. The Motorola Moto G Power 2021's build quality is sturdy, making it a great option for those who want a reliable device that can withstand daily wear and tear. While not the most premium-looking device, the Moto G Power 2021's design is practical and functional. It may not turn heads in terms of aesthetics, but its focus on substance over style makes it an attractive choice for those prioritizing performance and battery life.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G Power 2021 is a budget-friendly smartphone that boasts an impressive battery life. With a massive 5000mAh capacity, this phone can easily last for over two days with moderate use. In fact, some light users may even be able to stretch it to three days. This exceptional battery life is one of the standout features of the Moto G Power. The phone's efficiency and power management capabilities make it an ideal choice for those who want a device that can keep up with their daily needs without needing to be recharged frequently. While other features may not be as impressive, the battery life of the Moto G Power makes it a compelling option for anyone looking for a reliable smartphone. The phone's ability to handle demanding tasks and still manage to deliver long battery life is a testament to its impressive power management capabilities. The 5000mAh battery is paired with a relatively modest processor, which helps to conserve power and extend the battery life even further. While this may not be ideal for heavy gamers or those who use their phone extensively for video editing, it's perfect for casual users who want a reliable smartphone that can keep up with their daily needs. Overall, the Motorola Moto G Power 2021's exceptional battery life makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that can deliver long-lasting performance.
Display
The Motorola Moto G Power 2021 boasts a generally modern design with an edge-to-edge display and a hole punch cutout for the front-facing camera. The screen is a 6.6-inch 720p display, which may not be the most impressive in terms of resolution or quality. Colors can appear somewhat muted, and while it does the job for basic tasks like texting, calling, and social media browsing, it may not provide the best experience for watching movies or videos. The lower resolution of the display is actually a deliberate design choice to help conserve battery life. While this approach may have its benefits, the trade-off is a less-than-stellar visual experience. For those who value a high-quality display, the Moto G Power 2021 may not be the best option. In terms of overall screen performance, it's somewhat average. The display is fine for basic tasks and doesn't feel overly chunky despite housing a large battery under the hood. However, if you're looking for a device to watch movies or videos on, you may want to consider other options. The display's shortcomings are somewhat mitigated by its affordability and the fact that it contributes to the phone's excellent battery life. Speaking of which, the Moto G Power 2021 boasts an impressive five thousand milliamp hour capacity, making it possible to go for over two days with moderate use or even stretch to three days with lighter usage. While not perfect, the display is a minor aspect of what makes the Motorola Moto G Power 2021 a compelling device. Its affordable price point and impressive battery life are definite strengths that make it worth considering for those on a budget.
Camera
The Motorola Moto G Power 2021's camera is a mixed bag. On the plus side, it features a triple lens setup with a 48-megapixel main sensor, a two-megapixel macro lens, and a two-megapixel depth sensor. However, the lack of a telephoto or ultrawide lens is noticeable, especially considering the trend of many budget phones including such features. In well-lit environments, the main camera can deliver decent photos with a effective output of 12 megapixels thanks to Motorola's quad pixel tech. The colors are dull and there's not much detail, but they're passable for casual use. However, in low-light conditions or when trying to capture finer details, the results are disappointing. The macro sensor is another letdown. It promises to deliver high-quality close-up shots, but in reality, it struggles to produce photos that are anything more than mediocre. The two-megapixel depth sensor doesn't add much value either, as its functionality is limited and not particularly useful in most scenarios. Overall, the camera on the Moto G Power 2021 feels like a compromise. It's not bad by any means, but it's certainly not exceptional. If mobile photography is important to you, there are better options available at this price point or slightly above. However, if you're willing to settle for decent rather than great photos, the Moto G Power 2021's camera will get the job done. One potential saving grace is the ability to capture good photos in daylight conditions with a decent amount of detail and color accuracy. The main sensor can handle this, but it's not reliable enough to produce consistently good results across different lighting situations. In summary, while the camera on the Moto G Power 2021 is serviceable, it's not particularly impressive. It's average at best, especially when compared to other phones in its class or those from higher-end manufacturers.
Price and Value
The Motorola Moto G Power 2021 is a solid reliable phone at an affordable price point. Priced at $200 for the entry-level model, it's an attractive option for those who want a dependable device without breaking the bank. Considering its stripped-back software and no-frills approach, the Moto G Power is perfect for users who don't require a lot of bells and whistles. The phone's price point makes it a great value for money, offering a generally modern design with an edge-to-edge display and a hole punch cutout for the front-facing camera. One of the standout features of the Moto G Power is its stellar battery life, with a 5,000mAh capacity that can easily last over two days on moderate use. While it may not have wireless charging, the excellent battery life makes this omission less of an issue. The phone's performance is also decent, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor and 3GB/4GB of RAM, depending on the model. However, the specs do seem to be a slight step back compared to last year's Moto G Power, which came with a Snapdragon 665 processor. Despite this, the Moto G Power is still a great option for those who want a reliable phone without spending too much money. With its affordable price point and impressive battery life, it's hard to go wrong. If you're looking for a device that will last for a few years without breaking the bank, the Moto G Power is definitely worth considering. Overall, the Moto G Power offers excellent value for its price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive phones, it's a solid reliable device that will get the job done without emptying your wallet.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G Power 2021 is a budget-friendly smartphone that delivers decent performance considering its price tag. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, which is a slight step back compared to last year's model with a Snapdragon 665 processor. In day-to-day use, the phone performs fine, handling tasks such as texting, browsing, and social media without any issues. However, when it comes to more intense multitasking or gaming, the phone can feel slightly strained. Games like Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly, but more demanding titles like Asphalt 9 may experience occasional stuttering. One thing that's worth noting is that the lower resolution display (720p) seems to help make up for the processor's limitations, allowing the phone to handle tasks without too much fuss. However, if you're a heavy gamer or plan on using your phone for demanding tasks, you might want to consider a more powerful device. In terms of performance, the Moto G Power 2021 feels like it's doing its best with the hardware it has been given. It's not blazing fast, but it gets the job done. If you're looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that can handle basic tasks and some light gaming, then this phone might be a good fit. One major letdown is the lack of NFC support, which means no Google Pay or similar mobile payment capabilities. This is something that Motorola should consider adding to future models. Overall, the performance of the Moto G Power 2021 is adequate for its price, but it's not going to blow anyone away with its speed or power. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone and don't need top-of-the-line performance, then this phone might be worth considering.