Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Google Pixel 6
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G 5G and Google Pixel 6, focusing on the practical implications of each specification:
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 158.6 × 74.8 × 8.9 mm | The Moto G 5G is noticeably larger and thicker, potentially making it less comfortable for smaller hands. Pixel 6 is more pocketable and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 212g | 207g | The Pixel 6 is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use, such as holding the phone while reading or watching videos for long periods. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | The Moto G 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can be better for media consumption and gaming. Pixel 6 is more compact, easier to manage with one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both phones offer the same level of sharpness; individual pixels are difficult to discern at normal viewing distances. |
| PPI | 393 | 411 | Both offer very similar pixel density, which results in similar sharpness in day to day use. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Pixel 6's AMOLED screen offers significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, enhancing the visual experience for media consumption. It is also more power-efficient when using dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Pixel 6 provides smoother animations and scrolling, creating a more responsive feel, particularly noticeable in UI navigation and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness of 0 nits, which is unusual as this value should be greater. It seems this value is not available. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) | The Google Tensor chip in Pixel 6 is more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance, especially when performing computationally intensive tasks like editing photos and video. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 721,000 | The Pixel 6 demonstrates significantly better performance, handling demanding games and applications more smoothly. The Moto G 5G is adequate for everyday tasks but may struggle with heavy workloads. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G78 MP20 | The Pixel 6's GPU offers better graphics performance, leading to more fluid gaming and better handling of graphically intensive applications compared to the Moto G 5G. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31", 1.20µm pixel size | The Pixel 6 boasts a larger sensor and larger individual pixels, potentially resulting in better low-light performance, reduced noise and improved overall image quality compared to the Moto G 5G. The Moto G 5G has a slightly wider aperture which can also help in low light but is probably secondary to the larger sensor size of the Pixel 6. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 1.12µm pixel size | The Moto G 5G offers a higher resolution selfie camera. However, Pixel 6's larger pixel size may help with low light selfies. The Pixel 6 has a wider aperture which will assist in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.12µm pixel size | The Pixel 6 offers a higher resolution wide-angle lens, leading to slightly more detailed wide-angle shots. Both phones offer the same pixel size. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | None | The Moto G 5G includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. The Pixel 6 does not have a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@60fps, OIS & EIS | Pixel 6 can record higher resolution videos at higher framerates. It also features superior video stabilization (OIS and EIS vs EIS) leading to smoother, professional-looking video footage. |
| DxOMark Scores | Not available | Mobile: 126, Selfie: 129 | Pixel 6 has excellent camera performance based on its DxOMark scores. The Motorola has not been rated by DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization | Dual camera, Optical image stabilization | The Pixel 6 has optical image stabilization which helps with reducing video shake and camera shake in low light compared to digital image stabilization in Moto G 5G. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | The Moto G 5G has a larger battery, which may translate to slightly longer battery life, depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging, Li-Ion | 23W fast charging, Li-Polymer, Wireless charging 21W | The Pixel 6 charges slightly faster and includes 21W wireless charging, providing more flexible charging options. Li-Polymer batteries have a slight advantage over Li-Ion in terms of safety and cycle life. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Wireless charging 21W | Both batteries are non-removable. Pixel 6 offers the additional convenience of wireless charging. |
Software
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | The Pixel 6 offers a more modern OS with longer software support and access to the latest features and security updates. The Moto G 5G uses a significantly older version of Android. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | The Pixel 6 supports the newer WiFi 6 standard, which can offer faster and more reliable internet speeds, particularly in crowded network environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | The Pixel 6 uses a newer version of bluetooth for a more stable connection and enhanced codec support (aptX, LDAC) providing better audio quality for wireless audio devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | The Pixel 6 supports more satellite systems, leading to potentially more accurate and reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Pixel 6 supports eSIM providing greater flexibility in using digital carriers without physical SIMs. |
Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | The Pixel 6 offers more internal storage, allowing users to store more photos, videos, and apps, particularly the higher end model with 256GB storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB | The Pixel 6 offers significantly more RAM, leading to better multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers | The Pixel 6 has a slight advantage offering better audio separation and immersion from stereo speakers. The Motorola has 2 microphones that are adequate for voice recording. |
Security
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer a fingerprint sensor for basic biometric security, although the specific type (optical, ultrasonic, capacitive) of sensor is not provided for the Pixel 6. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Pixel 6 provides superior screen protection from scratches and cracks. The type of screen protection of Moto G 5G is not specified, suggesting that it may be less protective. |
Sensors
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | The Pixel 6 includes additional sensors like a barometer and magnetometer allowing for use cases like altimeter and a more accurate compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages
- Larger Display: A 6.7" screen can be better for media consumption.
- Larger Battery: A 5000mAh battery may offer longer battery life, ideal for users who prioritize this.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated macro lens provides more flexibility for creative photography.
- Lower Price Point: Typically available at a more affordable price, offering good value for budget-conscious users.
- Dual Sim (Nano + Nano): Allows for the use of two physical sim cards simultaneously.
Practical Implications: The Moto G 5G is a good choice for users looking for a large screen and long battery life at an affordable price. The macro lens provides a feature for photography enthusiasts.
Google Pixel 6 Advantages
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate offers a significantly better visual experience with vibrant colors and smooth animations.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Google Tensor chip provides faster processing power, which is ideal for gaming and intensive applications.
- Superior Camera System: Better main camera sensor, optical stabilization and higher quality video recording capabilities results in superior image quality, especially in low light.
- Better Software Support: Runs on a newer Android version with guaranteed updates for longer, ensuring the latest features and security.
- Wireless Charging: Wireless charging capabilities add convenience.
- More RAM: 8GB RAM provides smooth multitasking and enhances the overall user experience.
- More Storage: Larger storage options allow for more pictures, videos and apps to be installed on the phone.
- Better Connectivity: Support for newer WiFi and bluetooth standards provides better connectivity and audio quality for wireless headphones.
- eSIM Support: Greater flexibility in using digital carriers.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides better audio separation.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior protection against scratches and cracks.
Practical Implications: The Pixel 6 excels in performance, camera quality, and display, making it the ideal choice for users who value a premium smartphone experience.
Significant Trade-offs
- Motorola Moto G 5G: Offers larger display and battery but compromises on performance, display quality, and camera performance compared to the Pixel 6.
- Google Pixel 6: Comes at a higher price point, has a smaller display and battery compared to the Moto G 5G, and does not have a macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, a larger screen, and do not need high-end performance or the latest software features.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Users who spend a lot of time streaming videos and movies.
- Individuals who need a phone that lasts a full day with heavy usage.
- Users who need a macro lens for photography of small objects and subjects.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for those looking for a large screen phone on a budget.
Google Pixel 6
- Ideal User: Users who value premium features, exceptional camera quality, top-tier performance and a high-quality display.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Photography enthusiasts who require a high-quality camera.
- Gamers and power users who need smooth, responsive performance.
- Users who value a modern OS and the latest software updates.
- Individuals who utilize wireless charging often.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price point, but provides a premium smartphone experience with top of the line specs.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for potential buyers to consider:
What is your budget?
- If cost is the primary concern, the Moto G 5G offers a more affordable option.
- If you are willing to pay more for better features and performance, the Pixel 6 is a better choice.
What is your primary use case?
- If you prioritize a large screen and long battery life, the Moto G 5G might be more suitable.
- If you need a high-quality camera, excellent performance, and a premium display, the Pixel 6 is ideal.
How important is software and connectivity?
- If you want a phone that is up to date with the latest operating system and has access to cutting edge features, and has superior wireless connectivity then the Pixel 6 is a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Media Consumption
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G 5G. Its larger screen and battery make it suitable for watching videos and browsing while being budget-friendly.
- Scenario 2: Photography and High Performance
- Recommendation: Google Pixel 6. It offers a superior camera, performance, and display, making it ideal for those who prioritize these features.
- Scenario 3: All round value conscious user
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G 5G if you can settle for a slightly lower end performance and camera experience and are on a tight budget.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally opt for the Google Pixel 6. Despite the slightly smaller screen and battery compared to the Moto G 5G, the advantages the Pixel 6 offers are significant and outweigh its disadvantages for my personal use cases. The superior AMOLED display, powerful performance of the Google Tensor chip, and significantly better camera system make it a compelling choice. I also value having the latest version of Android and the assurance of future software updates. Wireless charging is also a very important feature for me. Finally, the superior connectivity, with newer bluetooth and WiFi standards is also a big plus. While the Moto G 5G offers a larger battery, the overall experience provided by the Pixel 6 justifies its higher price.
