Motorola‘s Moto G series has long offered quality smartphones at budget-friendly prices. Two of the latest models – the Moto G 5G and Moto G Power – exemplify this, packing impressive features into affordable packages. But with different strengths across areas like performance, battery life and connectivity, choosing between them can be tricky.
In this comprehensive comparison, we‘ll break down all the key specs and features of the Moto G 5G versus the Moto G Power to help you decide which is the best choice for your needs and budget.
Design and Display
In terms of design, both phones have a similar plastic build with Gorilla Glass 3 front panels for protection against scratches. The Moto G 5G is slightly taller and heavier at 212g with its bigger 6.7-inch display, compared to 203g and 6.5-inches on the Moto G Power.
| Moto G 5G | Moto G Power | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels | 6.5-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz |
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9mm | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5mm |
| Weight | 212g | 203g |
The Moto G 5G clearly wins on display specs with its superior resolution Full HD+ panel versus HD+ on the Moto G Power. It also has the edge for smooth scrolling and motion clarity with its faster 90Hz refresh rate.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the Moto G 5G packs a Snapdragon 480 5G mobile platform with 4GB or 6GB RAM options. The Moto G Power steps down to a Snapdragon 662 chipset but matches the 4GB/64GB memory and storage config.
Real-world benchmarks show the Moto G 5G scoring around 50% higher on tests like Geekbench. So you can expect noticeably better performance in demanding apps and games. However, for simpler daily use cases, both deliver smooth and responsive Android experiences.
One area where the Moto G Power clearly dominates is battery life, with an enormous 5,000 mAh battery compared to 5,000 mAh on the Moto G 5G. As a result, runtime is extended to 2-3 days versus 1.5-2 days. So if longevity is a priority, the Moto G Power is the long-haul champion.
Cameras
| Moto G 5G | Moto G Power | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 48MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth | 50MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth |
| Front Camera | 13MP | 8MP |
Both feature triple rear camera arrays, with the Moto G Power getting a slight edge for its 50MP primary sensor over 48MP on the Moto G 5G. However, the Moto G 5G fights back with its superior 13MP selfie camera, allowing for sharper, more detailed shots.
Overall though, photo and video quality is quite similar across both models – perfectly suitable for social sharing with accurate colors and good dynamic range, if not reaching Pixel or iPhone standards.
Connectivity
5G is the headline connectivity feature of the Moto G 5G as the name implies. Compatibility with 5G networks enables much faster download speeds compared to the Moto G Power‘s 4G LTE-only connectivity.
The Moto G 5G also provides an edge for things like gaming and streaming with Wi-Fi 6 support versus Wi-Fi 5 on the Moto G Power. And it packs NFC for tap-and-go Google Pay transactions.
So Which Should You Buy?
The Moto G Power clearly comes out ahead for battery stamina, packing 50% more capacity than the Moto G 5G. So if you constantly find yourself running low on charge by the evening, the Moto G Power may be the better fit.
However, looking holistically across all other areas from display quality to performance and camera versatility, the Moto G 5G holds a narrow but meaningful edge. You‘ll enjoy its smoother 90Hz display, lag-free interface, and future-proof 5G connectivity.
So unless multi-day battery life is critical for your use case, I‘d give the nod to the well-balanced Moto G 5G as the best Motorola phone under $300.
Quick Comparison
| Moto G 5G | Moto G Power | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 90Hz FHD+ | 60Hz HD+ |
| Performance | Faster Snapdragon 480 | Mid-range Snapdragon 662 |
| Battery Life | 1.5-2 days | 2-3 days |
| Connectivity | 5G + Wi-Fi 6 | 4G LTE |
For deeper analysis and benchmark data across more key metrics, check out my in-depth comparison video here:
[Embed video comparison]Motorola Moto G Series Evolution
Over the past decade, Motorola‘s Moto G series has gone from strength to strength. Launched in 2013 as a budget series, early models like the Moto G offered a balance of solid performance, decent cameras and long battery life without breaking the bank.
With each yearly upgrade, Motorola has added improvements like more premium designs, bigger higher resolution displays, faster charging and processors, NFC capabilities and AI-enhanced cameras.
Modern iterations like the Moto G 5G and Moto G Power carry on that legacy – packing features like 90Hz displays, triple camera systems, ample storage and giant batteries into affordable packages.
And based on the strong momentum of recent releases, the Moto G range looks set to continue pushing the boundaries of budget phone performance for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Moto G 5G support 5G networks?
Yes, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 processor inside the Moto G 5G includes an integrated 5G modem enabling use on 5G network bands for next-gen connectivity.
Which phone has a better display?
The Moto G 5G sports a higher resolution Full HD+ 90Hz display, offering a sharper, smoother and more immersive viewing experience compared to the HD+ 60Hz panel on the Moto G Power.
How is the camera quality on the Moto G Power?
With its 50MP main sensor and Night Vision mode, the Moto G Power captures respectable shots for a budget phone. Details and exposure are accurate in good lighting. Low light performance is also decent though noise can creep in.
Which phone has longer battery life?
The Moto G Power houses an enormous 5,000mAh battery, 25% larger than the 4,000mAh unit inside the Moto G Power. So you can expect 2-3 days of use per charge on the Power versus 1.5-2 days on the Moto G 5G.