Motorola's 2021 Moto G family was positioned as an affordable set of phones; the Moto G Power (2021) is the most prominent model featuring a 6.6" 1600×720 display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, and 3GB or 4GB of RAM with 32GB or 64GB storage options. It ships with Android 10 and a 48MP main camera. Wired and benchmark aggregates landed on a small set of consistent truths: long battery life, competent daytime photography, and conservative hardware updates.
This review synthesizes published benchmarks and comparisons: UL/3DMark median user benchmarks for the Moto G Power (2021) including a Wild Life score of 372 and stability of 98%, the Versus.com feature-comparison data versus the Moto G Power 5G, and WIRED's hands-on analysis of the 2021 Moto G lineup. Those sources provide the performance numbers, camera/video differences, and real-world complaints quoted below.
High-level verdict: the Moto G (2021) is a pragmatic budget phone — it nails battery endurance and basic day-to-day performance but falls short where midrange competitors excel: the 720p display is dim in daylight, low-light camera performance is weak, and Motorola limits software support (Android 10 with a single promised upgrade to Android 11). If you need multiday battery and physical expandability, it's a sensible choice; if you want a brighter screen, NFC, or stronger low-light imaging, look elsewhere.
Everyday speed is acceptable, but benchmarks show limits
The Moto G Power (2021) uses the Snapdragon 662 chipset with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM; UL's 3DMark Wild Life median score for the model is 372 with a graphics test framerate around 2 FPS and a stability figure of 98%. That aligns with a phone tuned for everyday apps, web, and video rather than sustained gaming or heavy multitasking.
In practical terms the phone is fine for email, social apps, streaming and light gaming, but the 3DMark numbers and the 2 FPS graphics test underline why demanding 3D games and GPU-heavy tasks will stutter compared with newer midrange SoCs.
Large 6.6" screen but 720p resolution and low outdoor brightness
Motorola fit a 6.6" 1600×720 display into the 2021 Moto G Power; that results in a pixel density of about 266 ppi (reported in comparisons). Wired specifically called out the G Power's screen as dim in daylight, which limits outdoor usability despite the physically large panel.
The phone has a plastic build that Wired noted reduces the chance of a shattered back and helps overall durability, but there is no proper IP water resistance. The G series keeps practical bits like a headphone jack and a microSD slot for storage expansion.
48MP main gives decent daytime shots; low-light and video are mixed
The Moto G Power (2021) uses a 48MP main sensor and, per Versus comparison data, supports 1080p video at 60 fps on the main camera, which is an advantage over some variants. WIRED summarized the cameras as 'OK in good lighting' — daytime photos are serviceable for social sharing.
Low-light performance is explicitly called out as poor in WIRED's write-up; expect noise and limited dynamic range in dim scenes. If low-light imaging is a priority, competitors such as the Google Pixel 4a (noted by WIRED) provide a visibly better camera experience.
Long battery life but short software update footprint
WIRED reports 'multiday battery life' for the Moto G (2021) models; that aligns with Motorola's long-standing focus for the G Power line. UL's benchmarking site also notes that reported battery life varies with screen brightness and test conditions, but public medians reflect extended runtime compared with many phones.
On software, the phone ships with Android 10 and Motorola's disclosure (reported by WIRED) is that the 2021 Moto G models will receive an update to Android 11 only; security/support is limited to roughly two years. There is also no NFC on the G Power (2021), which prevents native Google Pay contactless payments on units without carrier-specific variations.
A conservative, practical package but outpaced by rivals in key areas
The 2021 Moto G family trades cutting-edge features for sensible hardware choices: a headphone jack, microSD slot, and battery endurance are practical wins. However, Versus data shows the Moto G Power 5G and other competitors offer higher-resolution screens, more RAM, NFC and faster CPUs for users who need those things.
WIRED's overall take — and the benchmark numbers — point to a phone that performs its role as an inexpensive, long-lasting device well, but which won't be the best pick if you prioritize camera quality, screen brightness, or long-term software updates.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Multiday battery life reported by WIRED (Moto G Power focus)
- ✅ 6.6" 1600×720 large display offers plenty of screen real estate
- ✅ 48MP main camera capable of good daytime photos and 1080p@60fps video (per comparisons)
- ✅ Headphone jack and microSD slot for expandability
- ✅ Plastic build reduces risk of a shattered back and aids durability
- ✅ Two years of security updates noted by WIRED
- ❌ Display is 720p (about 266 ppi) and reported as dim in daylight (WIRED)
- ❌ Low-light camera performance described as poor (WIRED)
- ❌ No NFC for Google Pay on the Moto G Power (2021) (WIRED / Versus)
- ❌ Ships with Android 10 and only promised to receive Android 11 (WIRED)
- ❌ Snapdragon 662 3DMark Wild Life median score is 372 with ~2 FPS graphics test, limiting heavy gaming
How It Compares to the Competition
- Motorola Moto G Power 5G — Higher-resolution 1080×2400 display, more RAM and storage options, NFC and a faster CPU in many trims per Versus comparison.
- Google Pixel 4a — WIRED called the Pixel 4a's camera a clear step up — better low-light imaging and image processing compared with the Moto G (2021).
- Samsung Galaxy A32 — A mainstream alternative often compared in spec tables (higher-resolution display and different connectivity options on some SKUs).
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: Buy the Moto G (2021) if you want a phone that prioritizes battery endurance, a large 6.6" screen, a headphone jack and microSD expandability, and you accept limited camera low-light performance and only basic software longevity.
Skip it if: Skip this phone if you regularly take low-light photos, need NFC-based contactless payments, require a bright high-resolution display for outdoor use, or expect longer Android version support — competitors offer better cameras, 1080p screens, NFC and longer update promises.
Search Purchase Options
Use these links to search for Motorola Moto G (2021 series) on trusted marketplaces. The links open in new tabs; if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
* Affiliate links: you pay the same price either way.