1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm, 212g | 163.9 × 75.9 × 8.9 mm, 210g | The Moto G 5G is slightly taller and thicker, making it feel a bit bulkier. The Pixel 6 Pro is more compact and slightly lighter. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard non-foldable devices. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3120 | The Pixel 6 Pro has a significantly sharper and more detailed display due to its higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density | 393 ppi | 512 ppi | The Pixel 6 Pro's display will look noticeably sharper, with finer text and clearer images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Pixel 6 Pro has superior display quality with deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors. It's also more power-efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Pixel 6 Pro offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical at 0 nits, however real world brightness results are not available for comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Google Tensor (5nm) | The Pixel 6 Pro's Google Tensor chip offers significantly better performance in everyday tasks, gaming, and AI-related functions. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 721,000 | The Pixel 6 Pro is substantially faster in benchmarks, translating to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G78 MP20 | Pixel 6 Pro has the superior GPU for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging, 23W Wireless Charging | The Pixel 6 Pro charges faster with its 30W wired and 23W wireless charging capability. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Pixel 6 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly, adding convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31", 1.20µm pixel size | The Pixel 6 Pro has a larger sensor and bigger pixels resulting in better low-light performance. It also benefits from better processing. Moto G 5G has a slightly wider aperture but smaller pixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm pixel size | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.93", 1.22µm pixel size | The Pixel 6 Pro's larger pixel size leads to superior low-light selfies. The Moto G 5G has slightly higher resolution but smaller pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2", 0.80µm pixel size | The Pixel 6 Pro offers optical zoom for sharper zoomed photos. The Moto G 5G does not have a telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm pixel size | The Pixel 6 Pro provides higher resolution and larger pixel size wide angle photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | N/A | The Moto G 5G offers a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS; No; Slow-motion: 60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps with OIS & EIS; Yes; Slow-motion: 240fps | The Pixel 6 Pro has more versatile video capabilities and better stabilization through OIS & EIS and more slow motion options. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Mobile: 134, Selfie: 138 | The Pixel 6 Pro has a confirmed high DxOMark score indicating excellent camera performance. The Moto G 5G was not tested. |
| Camera Features | Basic Features | Additional Features: Optical Zoom, OIS, Ultra Stable Video, Continuous AF, Manual Focus, Google Lens | The Pixel 6 Pro offers more advanced camera features for greater control and better image quality in various scenarios. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | The Pixel 6 Pro ships with a newer Android version and will receive more updates, resulting in the latest features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | The Pixel 6 Pro has a newer WiFi standard for faster and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Pixel 6 Pro has a newer bluetooth standard offering slightly better connectivity options and better audio quality with additional codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | The Pixel 6 Pro supports additional satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The Pixel 6 Pro has eSIM capabilities, offering more flexibility in managing carrier plans, while the Moto G 5G can have two physical SIMs |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | The Pixel 6 Pro offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 12GB | The Pixel 6 Pro has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and better overall system performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both devices don't offer expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | The Pixel 6 Pro offers stereo speakers for better audio output and an additional microphone for improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have fingerprint sensors for biometric authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Pixel 6 Pro has superior screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | The Pixel 6 Pro has more sensors, including a barometer for atmospheric pressure readings and a magnetometer for enhanced compass functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, useful for detailed shots of small objects.
- Physical Dual SIM: Supports two physical SIM cards for easier management of multiple phone numbers.
Google Pixel 6 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate provides a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Google Tensor chip results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Superior standard, telephoto, and wide-angle lenses; larger sensors, optical zoom, and OIS leading to better image and video quality.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Capabilities: 30W fast charging and 23W wireless charging, plus reverse charging.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 with guaranteed updates up to Android 14 for future features and security.
- More Storage and RAM: Larger internal storage options and significantly more RAM for smoother operation.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 with more audio codecs for better wireless performance.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for improved screen durability.
- Additional Sensors: Barometer and Magnetometer for advanced functionalities.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Moto G 5G: Lacks the high-quality display, superior processing power, advanced camera features, and faster charging of the Pixel 6 Pro.
- Pixel 6 Pro: Does not include a macro lens, and the second SIM is eSIM, which might not be convenient for all users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable 5G smartphone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and occasional photography. Users who prefer physical dual SIM support.
- Use Cases:
- Long battery life is a priority.
- Basic smartphone use with macro photography.
- Users not interested in high-performance gaming or demanding apps.
Google Pixel 6 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who demand the best display, performance, and camera capabilities. Professionals, content creators, and tech enthusiasts who need a versatile phone.
- Use Cases:
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming and demanding applications.
- Users who value a premium user experience with the latest features.
- Users who desire the latest software and fast updates.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G 5G is a good budget option for basic smartphone needs.
- The Google Pixel 6 Pro offers a premium experience and top-tier features, which come at a higher cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If budget is a primary concern, the Moto G 5G is more affordable. The Pixel 6 Pro is a considerable investment.
- What are my primary use cases? Do I need a superior camera and display for content creation or gaming, or is basic functionality sufficient?
- How important is software and future updates? The Pixel 6 Pro has a clear edge with its newer OS and promised upgrades.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Shopper: If you need a 5G phone and are on a tight budget, the Moto G 5G provides good value for the price.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: If you are a basic user with general phone needs, the Moto G 5G is adequate, but the Pixel 6 Pro will enhance your daily experience and deliver significantly better performance in almost every aspect of usage.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you prioritize camera quality, the Pixel 6 Pro is the clear choice with its advanced sensors, lenses, processing, and stabilization.
- Scenario 4: Performance Seeker: If you want the best performance for demanding games and apps, the Pixel 6 Pro is the superior option with its powerful chipset and RAM.
What would I choose and why?
I would choose the Google Pixel 6 Pro. While the Motorola Moto G 5G offers a more budget friendly approach for everyday tasks, the Google Pixel 6 Pro provides an overall premium experience that is better tailored to my use cases.
Here's why:
- Superior Display: As someone who consumes a lot of media, the AMOLED display with its higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate is a significant advantage. It provides a more immersive and enjoyable visual experience.
- Performance: The Google Tensor chip offers considerably better performance. This translates to a smoother experience across the board, from everyday tasks to more demanding games and applications. I value a fast and responsive smartphone, and the Pixel 6 Pro excels in this area.
- Camera Capabilities: I frequently use my smartphone for photography, and the Pixel 6 Pro's camera system is far superior. The combination of better sensors, lenses, OIS, and video capabilities makes it the obvious choice for anyone who values great image quality.
- Software Experience: I prefer the latest software and security updates, which are assured on the Pixel 6 Pro. Additionally, the Pixel UI is very good and a plus.
- Overall Premium Feel: The combination of build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus and a more comprehensive feature set makes the Pixel 6 Pro a better phone than the Motorola Moto G 5G.
While the Moto G 5G does have a dedicated Macro lens, that is the only area where it can be considered better, and since this is not something that is high on my requirements list, it doesn't outweigh the benefits of the Pixel 6 Pro.
