Moto G Power (2020) is Surprisingly Good!

I cracked the screen on my 17 month old Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 at work the other day. I needed a new phone quickly so ordering another cheap Chinese phone from Xiaomi (or Huawei Honor etc) to Canada probably wasn't going to happen this time. But what about Motorola? They're kinda cheap and Chinese! Motorola is now owned by Lenovo and makes basic phones that stick close to the stock Android formula.
The phone is a thicc boi. But that's because it's housing a giant 5 Amp hour battery that boasts 3 days of battery life! This is the phones main selling point hence the "power" moniker in the name. Otherwise it has decent specs for the price and I was pleasantly surprised by the software experience. What little Moto software is on here isn't too bad. The screen is nice to look at, the speakers are loud (louder than my Redmi Note 5 for sure) and it still has a headphone jack! The biggest downfall is the camera. Sure it's got multiple lenses for macro and wide-angle, shoots 4K video, has HDR and image stabilization. But they aren't the sharpest out there and the color rendering isn't great. Seems annoyingly slow too. There are certainly other phones in this price range that have better cameras.
Don't buy this phone if you want a decent camera but otherwise if you aren't a power user, aren't playing games or doing massive amounts of multi-tasking on your phone it might be a great option if you're looking for a new budget phone ($200-250 USD)

[@71dman350]

Charged mine to 100% on Monday and it's still at 32% on Friday 1am.

[@JW-um5pg]

It's very surprising, but recent studies have shown that people with Motorola phones are 87% more likely to be genetically superior when compared to the average human.

[@TierOneDKJ]

That's indeed factual

[@imaprinta]

Couldn’t agree with this review more. Really good, especially for the money. I’m not a gamer or heavy user. It has enough power to run any apps I use without lag; a good, sharp clear screen; some Moto shortcuts that come in handy; phone calls are crisp and clear; battery life is superb ... and yes, the camera is not the greatest (although not bad, either), but I don’t care - it’s good enough for a phone and to capture a quick moment. I never understood why some reviewers spend 15 minutes of a 20 minute review concentrating on the camera - on a phone. Is that really why people are buying cell phones these days?

[@JustAFatGuyInTX]

The G Power is probably the most practical phone released in a while. Decent specs, functional cameras, long battery life, and pretty cheap. I tried the Pixel 4a for a month and while it had superior specs (And such an amazing camera), the lack of an SD card was becoming a deal breaker. 128 GB wasn't enough for me, especially when that's all I had for apps as well as any pictures/videos I'd take. The G Power is such a great phone. It's so disappointing that the 2021 model is downgraded significantly. Motorola in general just crapped the bed this year. Aside from the Moto One 5G Ace, I don't see any phones of theirs worth getting. (The One 5G Ace is inevitably going on sale later, so it's something to keep an eye on) Hopefully next year the 2022 model will be an actual upgrade.

[@MN12BIRD]

Yeah I'm glad I got the 2020 model the 2021 model is a downgrade in so many ways it's not even funny!

[@willf.85]

I'm on Total Wireless and I just got the Moto G Power 2020 version for Total Wireless for $129.95 as of April 3rd 2021 and I honestly am not that picky when it comes to the cameras. But from what I've personally seen in the review videos i personally think the 16MP rear camera looks awesome to me. Also I'm currently using the Samsung Galaxy A50 for TW and it costed me over $300 but has a crack in the screen and is driving my nuts. And what's absolutely crazy is that the Moto G Power has almot the same specs as the A50 does. Like 4 GBS of ram and 64GB of storage on each. Also the A50 has a 4, 000 mAh battery and of course the Moto G Power has a 5, 000 mAh battery. Looking forward to my new phone on Monday April 5th 2021. Great review btw.

[@linejumper8204]

I grabbed this with an otterbox and screen protector. Great deal.

[@billtinnell2206]

This was my 1st smartphone. I read all the good stuff about this phone and the reviews were great! I've had mine for a year and a half and got it unlocked for $150.00. I don't do all the stuff that most people use their phones for and mostly talk and text on it. Everything you said is on point with my experience and seems like it's an above average phone. Battery life is awesome, the double speakers are nice and it does have a headphone jack in case you need one. Pictures ARE kind of crappy compared to most other phones. Gonna keep it another year or so and then get another Motorola that's way above average.

[@MN12BIRD]

Still using mine 2 years now I think

[@patrickpedersen1276]

This phone is nuts when it comes to battery life. Definitely the best phone you can get if that's what you mostly care about while also not sacrificing too much else, I mean those dual speakers are amazing. I sold mine and got an S10e because I wanted more processor power but in the end I don't even use it and the camera cracked twice now. I rather get something simple that just works and doesn't cost a fortune to repair, so I got back on the G8 Power

[@winterberry3412]

It's such a good phone. I got mine off Amazon.

[@rubberchicken5670]

Get a good case & some tempered glass. I heard that the screens shatter easily because of the weight of the battery. I also heard that you have to swipe to go back with these phones. I'm old school too. Thanx for mentioning the back button setup. Good review!

[@ctnative203]

cool vid i like how you went into history of Motorola i still miss the nextel !

[@ashishpatel350]

Chinese phones use their apps to mine as much data for the ccp as possible

[@RandyRandersonthefamous]

And Google for nsa. REMOVE GAPPS

[@martinloyd8416]

Ordered mine today and it will arrive tonight. What is that background on your home screen. I like that.

[@MN12BIRD]

Umm it's one of the free ones in the moto wallpaper app thing under cities IIRC

[@martinloyd8416]

@@MN12BIRDOkay good to know. Don't have the phone yet. 😊

[@ravagingwolverine]

I always like having backup phones around for just such an occasion and my mom is using my old Amazon Fire Phone while her new phone(a Motorola) comes after she had a problem with it. I'm not surprised this G Power is working well. I've been pleased with Motorola's phone offerings for quite a few years. They're probably my favorite overall manufacturer because they focus nicely on the lower end and mid range which is what I like -- I prioritize a removable battery over "premium" materials and I have a couple of Moto phones with that. I expect Motorola is phasing that out though. Anyway, to the point, Moto G is not high end, but the lower level phones have come a long way in the last five years. I learned that through my mom's experience with the Moto G 2015 which was surprisingly good in practice. I hope your experience continues to be good.

[@MN12BIRD]

Been great so far I got a encased case for it really beefs it up feels industrial tough now

[@FlintG]

I got the moto g power phone as well its amazing. I paid about that much and its battery is amazing though.

[@toddsmith1617]

Get the 2020. I have 2021 and it's not as bright and its not 1080 p and it doesn't have two speakers.

[@TheeCambion]

Yeah the 2021 is cool if you like how your phone looks but if your like me your gonna toss a case on it any ways.

[@patrickinthesmokys5165]

looks like 44g left after factory set up..still cool.

[@kimr.9906]

Got mine last week, came from the axon 7 where the screen shoot the bed...addicted to the dual stereo speakers that's why

[@AidanWilker]

Watching from moto g power 2020

[@ainoyabou]

My Moto G4 Play is still going strong.

[@garyleeheard3434]

Best review yet.. thanks man.. I've been wanting to get this phone .

[@MN12BIRD]

Love mine got the encased case for it too makes it sure rugged

[@john4385]

Here in the Midwest I just bought one unlocked 4/64 at Best Buy. Cost was $220. Mar 10, 2021....😄

[@subarnochowdhury9388]

how is the cell reception and any issues with hearing when talking to someone on the phone?

[@madmax2069]

I'm pretty happy with my Moto G7 power/supra. Was looking at the G power as an upgrade.

[@pilotavery]

I had the g7 power. The Moto G power 2020 is miles better. The 2021 version is A DOWNGRADE in every way.

[@darryllmcgee]

@@pilotavery Why is the 2021 version a downgrade?

[@pilotavery]

@@darryllmcgee Take the perfectly fine Moto G Power. Downgrade the cpu from a 665 to a 662, which is essentially the 665 reject bin and draws 9 watts instead of 5, with a weaker DSP and modem and ISP... reducing battery life, supports Bluetooth 5.0 instead of 5.1, doesn't support full carrier aggregation so it's modem is slower, doesn't support Dolby audio, and doesn't record in 4k... Downgrade the ram from 4GB to 3GB, and storage from 64gb to 32gb, while cutting the SSD speed in half. Downgrade the screen from 1080p IPS to 720p TFT, and remove the wide angle camera. Oh, also, remove the ability to record in 4K, and take the amazing stereo speakers, and downgrade it to a mono speaker. Reduce the max charging speeds from 18w to 15w. Re-release as the Moto G Power (2021) and hope nobody notices... Profit? What the fuck Motorola!?!? You shouldn't have spent a cent on research and development. You should have taken the 2020, released it in brand new colors, maybe make a metal back version for shits and giggles for an extra $50, and called it 2021, while also throwing in an extra year of updates for everyone, both versions.

[@darryllmcgee]

@@pilotavery Thanks for the information. Currently, I am using the Motorola Moto G Power 2020. I had been thinking about upgrading to the Moto G Power 2021.

[@pilotavery]

@@darryllmcgee it's a good thing you didn't and please don't upgrade we need to teach Motorola a lesson that if they're going to make a phone more expensive or upgrade it, it has to be better. there is one single way in which the 2021 version is better, and that is in low light close to kickstart, the camera is slightly less grainy. That is literally the only thing that's better

[@lindaeaton9572]

Where is the SPEED DIAL on moto g power 2020?

[@guybrushthreepwood8174]

Just got unlocked moto g power 2020 for $75 at target. I don't get why it was so cheap. Packaging looks new, phone looks new. The target employee said people don't buy unlocked phones🤔

[@gpsdoc2222]

Was that the last one or something? because that's like a extreme ymmv deal when amazon's selling it for $220.

[@MN12BIRD]

Damn that's a steal of a deal. The 2020 is great and much better than the newer 2021 from what I've seen. Great buy!

[@TLB-wo7ld]

Don't buy unlocked phones? What? lol....Anyway, 75 that's insane.

[@MrRiley-Is-Not-Amused]

It's true. In the US most people have phones on contracts through their carriers. It's stupid imo but that's how the US market is. Carriers dominate phone sales here for the most part.

[@gpsdoc2222]

@@MrRiley-Is-Not-Amused to be fair, even mint mobile which I heard was supposedly good value for $15 per months means you need to prepaid for 12 months for the price to be $15 or else it would be more if bought monthly instead of yearly. So instead of a 2 year contract, it's a 1 year pre paid plan if you want the best value. I remember back in my flip phone days. You could actually buy minutes and they never expire, or that's what I meant.

[@peterfullwood6116]

I have the Motorola g power By TracFone

[@ral8031]

Me too! I just bought mine and a year of service for $119.99 Great value!

[@RandyRandersonthefamous]

$200, decent screen, big battery, "user serviceable" battery. Only downside is the through screen camera.

[@mafikdew78]

I disagree about the camera while it's not going to make you a professional photographer I think it works pretty well

[@thisguyrools2807]

Would you recommend this as a temporary phone? I have a pixel 2 xl and for a almost 4 year old phone the battery isn't doing too well anymore. I've found the g power online used for less than $200 (USD) I figure I buy one while I wait to buy a flagship then resell it.

[@RandyRandersonthefamous]

IMO don't waste money on a flagship. This phone is powerful enough to play gamecube games at (mostly) full speed. You are barely getting any more value out of a phone 2x or 3x the price. The only reason I would buy a phone other than this is if I REALLY REALLY needed a 1440p 120hz screen or whatever for gaming. Maybe if I wanted a phone with a really good camera.

[@thisguyrools2807]

@@RandyRandersonthefamous just bought a used one off ebay for $130. Would it be a good replacement for my pixel 2xl? The battery life isn't the best anymore but the specs are still better.

[@alecjahn]

I as well picked one of these up recently, upgrading from a G6, and I'm pretty happy with my purchase. A good upgrade. And it was on sale through Google Fi so the price was extremely pleasing.

[@jbsmedia202]

Good video man :)

[@pzark3638]

Great video! Quick question though, does the screen flicker (utilize PWM) when you turn the brightness way down? To see the flicker you'll need to look at the screen through a camera. No one has been able to answer this for me.

[@MN12BIRD]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I would think all LED backlights use PWM to control brightness. That's how LEDs are typically controlled even in flashlights and home lighting. They're almost always flickering even at full brightness they may not be on constantly to save LED lifespan. The issue would be the frequency I think. I've never noticed flickering in person or on camera even at very low brightness (1/4 brightness) any lower it's too dark to see on camera.

[@MrKirmor]

Hi bro. Do you received Android 12 upgrade on this phone? Tell us please

[@MN12BIRD]

Nope still 11 so far

[@MsConfident14]

Does it have a notification light? I saw a red light blinking at the top of the phone

[@MN12BIRD]

No that's the IR light for proximity sensor can't see that in person just something the camera is picking up

[@garyleeheard3434]

Have another question. What's y'all opinion about this phone or the Moto G stylus 2021 the specs are really good on that phone as well jus smaller battery though. Which is the size battery I have now a 4000 I'm really liking the 5000 on moto g power but just wanted to get a opinion

[@MN12BIRD]

No idea this is the only one I've used but often adding room for the pen means a smaller battery. I wouldn't use the pen personally so I'd go with this I guess unless the other one had a faster CPU or something else better?

[@garyleeheard3434]

@@MN12BIRD thanks

[@saucegritytv]

CRAZY WE LIVE IN A TIME WERE $200 FOR A PHONE IS CHEAP. SHIT IS CRAZY. TO BE HONEST IM NOT SPENDING MORE THAN $200 THATS MY LIMIT. I GOT THE MOTO ACE 5G FOR A $100 FROM METRO.

[@guybrushthreepwood8174]

I just got this moto g power unlocked for $75 on clearance at local target

[@daustinrichards]

You can install the Google camera apk to make the camera better

[@MrRiley-Is-Not-Amused]

Yes but you won't be able to change the lenses as Pixel phones use only a single lense, meaning their camera software (Gcam) won't fully support multi-lense cameras like the Moto G Power uses.

[@wyattthebeast614]

Is this one the same as the one on tracfone for $150 sale right now?

[@SwaggaSplashin83]

Yes

[@Deezle_Gaming]

I like my Moto phones, but the cameras have definitely never impressed me.

[@MrRiley-Is-Not-Amused]

6.4 inch screen. Snapdragon SOC. Decent camera. 4GB of RAM. 64GB of storage. Sd card. Headphone jack. Stereo speakers. 5000 mAh battery. Stock Android. Currently $180 on Amazon. Not a midranger at all. Noooo. Not one bit. It's a damn bottom of the barrel budget phone.... I shutter to think of what a midranger is in your opinion lol

[@MN12BIRD]

I was only trying to be somewhat grounded and not act like this phone is high end. Snapdragon soc means nothing without mentioning the model. The Pixel is considered by most to be mid range and the Snapdragon soc in the pixel is faster than this phone. Wireless charging is expected on mid range phones and not on low end phones. I love mid range phones and argue no one needs flagships and they only exist so they can justify selling up $1,000+ phones. The camera in this phone is okay but I have some small issues with it I didn't have on my last phone that cost less. But overall I love this phone and for the most part it's all I need. I don't care about wireless charging anyway.

[@rubberchicken5670]

Is that a straw on the screen? Looks like you're trying to snort a line off the phone.

[@Videogamelover58]

Nice video man

[@segagenesis1989]

Hi Jake, could you tell me where you bought the phone from? I need to buy a smart phone for a family member and am in Toronto.

[@MN12BIRD]

Canada Computers there should be a few in the GTA open for curbside pickup.

[@dftfire]

Looks like you can get in on Amazon: www.amazon.ca/Motorola-Unlocked-International-T-Mobile-XT2041-1/dp/B087VY93FQ/

[@karladamczyk3349]

Costco had these on sale for like $250 at their warehouse

[@dftfire]

"... this is a 5000mAh battery" Sounds like you've bought the Moto G8 Power... the G9 Power launched in November 2020 here in the UK and has a 6000mAh battery for just £179 (price includes our 20% VAT; essentially a "sales tax". Minus the tax, equivalent to: $257CAD; $202USD; $261AUS; €165). Nice to see bigger-batteries becoming a thing on mid-rangers!

[@MN12BIRD]

Yeah it really does go 3 days for me so I'm happy!

[@dftfire]

@@MN12BIRD How long the software updates will go for though is a different matter... Moto are usually flakey on the 'G' series, and rarely do any major Android version updates on the 'E' series (and since-discontinued 'C') If anyone is after a cheap phone, look into a Nokia Android... all the recent ones are in the Android One programme, so get 3 years of security patches...

[@kazarian619]

I'm thinking of buying this phone, Is it VolTE capable? since my carrier is requiring VolTE I need find out if the phone is compatible before buying it .

[@poseidon3032]

Yes. It's standard now. www.motorola.com/us/smartphones-moto-g-power/p

[@Thedesertguy75]

I got one about a month ago....it's a good phone for the price, love the long battery life, the screen looks good. It's a very practical phone. Does it have the best camera? No... Is it as nice to look at as a super amoled screen....no... But it's excellent for the price tag.

[@MN12BIRD]

Practical indeed I put the encased brand case on mine and it really adds to the thickness but it feels industrial!

[@SickTruck]

Game Sack!