lack of motivation
Moto G Power (2022)
Verizon Wireless $250
advantage
- amazing battery life
- low price
- expandable storage
- 50MP camera is a nice upgrade
shortcoming
- poor display
- Performance is slower than it should be
- Large batteries are bound by slow charging
- Software update
Motorola took a major step in the wrong direction with the G Power (2022). The phone’s display isn’t great, to say the least, which might help explain why the battery life is so good. On the plus side, the 50MP main camera does perform better than you might expect.
good day
Moto G Power (2020)
Amazon $225 (renewal)
advantage
- More general camera system
- higher resolution display
- Expandable storage with microSD card
- solid performance
shortcoming
- two years old
- no NFC
- Charging is frustratingly slow
- Software update
Ignoring that G Power is over two years old, there are plenty of reasons why you wouldn’t want to upgrade. The original G Power offered a more versatile camera system, a higher-resolution display, and performance that still kept up.
Motorola really did just that with the release of the Moto G Power (2020), which offers all-day battery life, a solid display, and a versatile camera system. Motorola has struggled to replicate that success since then, but is trying again with the Moto G Power (2022). Let’s see how these two Power phones stack up.
Moto G Power (2022) vs G Power (2020): Specification Breakdown
When you compare the two phones, there are actually a lot of similarities between them. They both offer 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage, along with a triple-camera setup and a massive 5,000mAh battery. Plus, if you put them together, the design differences are minimal, save for the larger display on the newer model.
But as they say, the proof is in the pudding and there are many reasons why the 2022 version is seen as a downgrade. For one thing, Motorola’s original G Power offered a 6.4-inch 1080p display, while the 2022 model has a 720p display. Sure, the newer version has a 90Hz refresh rate, but it’s not very noticeable, so we’re not sure why Motorola included it.
Then came the whole debate about processing power and performance, and Motorola’s decision to go with the MediaTek Helo G37 wasn’t a good idea. In our Moto G Power (2022) review, we found some type of lag to perform everyday tasks like opening apps or taking pictures. It’s been a frustrating experience to say the least, and it’s sure to help you learn some patience.
| Moto G Power (2022) | Moto G Power (2020) | |
|---|---|---|
| chipset | MediaTek Helio G37 | Snapdragon 665 |
| memory | 4GB | 4GB |
| storage | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB |
| aspect | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm | 159.9 x 75.8 x 9.6 mm |
| exhibit | 6.5 inches, 1600 x 720, IPS LCD, 90Hz | 6.4″ 2300 x 1080, IPS LCD, 60Hz |
| rear camera | 50MP, ƒ/1.8, 0.65μm, PDAF (wide angle) 2MP, ƒ/2.4 (depth) 2MP, f/2.4 (macro) |
16MP, ƒ/1.7, 1.12μm, PDAF (wide angle) 8MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.12μm, 118˚ (Ultra Wide) 2MP, f/2.2 (macro) |
| Front camera | 8.0MP, ƒ/2.0, 1.12μm | 16MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm (wide) |
| Battery | 5000 mA 10W wired charging |
5000 mA 10W wired charging |
| Safety | rear fingerprint sensor | rear fingerprint sensor |
| expandable storage | Up to 512GB (microSD) | Up to 512GB (microSD) |
| weight | 203 grams | 199 grams |
| Waterproof and dustproof | Waterproof design | Waterproof design |
As for the Moto G Power (2020), things are a little different, as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 shows that even a two-year-old phone can outperform a phone with a newer processor. It also shows that when it comes to the best phones under $300, Qualcomm-powered devices are still the most reliable.
Another area where the two phones match is in the battery department. Using a combination of 720p and 1080p screens pays dividends across the board with a built-in 5,000mAh battery. In fact, you’re guaranteed at least a day and a half to be free from either option, but there’s one big catch. The charging speed is very slow and the maximum power is 10W. With such a large battery, 10W is unacceptable, but Motorola decided it needed to cut costs somewhere, and charging speed was a feature of choice.
Moto G Power (2022) vs G Power (2020): Want to upgrade?
Considering you won’t find the Moto G Power (2020) in new condition anywhere, if you’re considering the G Power (2022), we recommend looking elsewhere. The TCL 20S is just an option, as it uses the same chipset as the 2020 G Power, while also including other features like a 1080p display and even NFC if you prefer to use Google Pay.
And if you’re hoping to get a new 5G-enabled phone in 2022, you won’t find it with the Moto G Power (2022). If that’s necessary, you might be better off with something like the OnePlus Nord N200, which also offers a 90Hz refresh rate and triple camera setup.
Regardless, we really don’t recommend anyone picking up the Moto G Power (2022) until Motorola figures out how to optimize the chipset. It’s also a real shame, as the Moto G Power (2020) launched with much fanfare and pretty much set the bar for phones under $300.
frustrating experience
Moto G Power (2022)
avoid this
Verizon Wireless $250 Visible $216
The Moto G Power (2022) had some big shoes to fill, but ended up falling flat and disappointing. Unless all you’re looking for is long battery life, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
hang on it
Moto G Power (2020)
keep it for as long as possible, or look elsewhere
Amazon $225 (renewal)
It’s a shame Motorola couldn’t follow up with the Moto G Power (2020), as this phone can handle just about anything you need. If you can find one and need a new phone, go ahead and pick one up. Otherwise, look outside the Motorola ecosystem for new phones.
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