1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2020-12-07 | 2021-12-06 | The Moto G31 is a newer device, potentially having better software support. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | The Moto G31 is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. The G 5G is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 181g | The Moto G31 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone builds; no foldables. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | The Moto G 5G offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution for similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 393 | 411 | Both have similar pixel density, no major difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Moto G31's AMOLED screen offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have the standard refresh rate, no difference in smoothness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness not provided, so comparison is not possible. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | The Snapdragon 750G in the G 5G offers significantly higher performance for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 225,154 | The Moto G 5G is much faster, more suitable for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Adreno 619 in the G 5G is superior for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Moto G31 has higher resolution; the Moto G 5G's wider aperture may allow better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The Moto G 5G has higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | The Moto G31's wide angle lens has a wider aperture potentially better in low light. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable macro performance. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | The Moto G 5G can record in 4K, better for higher-quality video. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS | Both have stabilization, reducing shakiness. |
| Slow-motion | 60fps | 120fps | The Moto G31 offers better slow-motion recording. |
| Additional Features | Night Mode | Optical Zoom | The Moto G 5G offers a dedicated night mode, the G31 offers optical zoom |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Not Available | Can't compare without these scores. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | The Moto G 5G charges significantly faster, saving time. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-polymer is often seen as slightly more efficient, but practical differences are minor |
Other
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | The Moto G31 has a newer operating system out of the box. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | The Moto G 5G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, potentially more efficient and with better compatibility. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | The Moto G31 includes Beidou for enhanced location accuracy in certain regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM for better network management. |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB | The Moto G 5G may offer a higher RAM variant (6GB) which will be better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD expansion. |
| Audio | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | The Moto G31 offers slightly better audio quality with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side mounted fingerprint sensors are often preferred for usability. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Hall | The Moto G31 offers additional hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset offers substantially better processing power and graphics performance, making it much better for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Faster Charging: The 20W fast charging will charge the phone much quicker compared to the 10W in the G31.
- Higher Video Recording Resolution: The ability to record in 4K is a major plus for those who want better video quality.
- Potentially better low-light Main Camera: The wider aperture may provide better results in low light conditions.
Motorola Moto G31 Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers much better contrast, colors, and power efficiency for dark mode.
- More compact and lighter: Better for handling and using with one hand.
- Newer OS: Comes with a more recent version of Android, potentially with better support.
- Better Slow Motion: Offers higher frame rate slow-motion video capabilities at 120fps.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Offers enhanced audio experience for media consumption and calls.
- Additional sensor: Hall sensor gives additional capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G 5G: Trades display quality for raw power. Bulkier and heavier.
- Moto G31: Trades processing power for a better display and newer software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, or anyone who prioritizes performance and speed.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games smoothly.
- Multitasking between many apps without slowdowns.
- Capturing higher-quality videos in 4K.
- Users needing faster charging.
- Value: Offers very good processing power for the price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
Motorola Moto G31:
- Ideal User: Media consumers, casual users, or those who prioritize display quality and design.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies with a vibrant and immersive display.
- Browsing social media and reading with deep blacks for reduced eyestrain.
- Everyday tasks with a lighter and more comfortable to hold phone.
- Taking slow-motion videos for fun.
- Value: Provides excellent display quality and design at an affordable price point, making it a good value for media consumption.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is gaming and demanding app performance to you? If performance is crucial, the Moto G 5G is the clear winner.
- How much do you value display quality? If you prioritize a vibrant display with deep blacks, the AMOLED screen of the Moto G31 is significantly better.
- How important is charging speed? If you want faster charging, Moto G 5G will be preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Power User: Choose the Motorola Moto G 5G for its superior processing power and graphics performance.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast: Choose the Motorola Moto G31 for its superior AMOLED display, great for watching movies and videos.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User with Budget Constraints: Choose the Motorola Moto G31 if the price is better and the performance is adequate for daily use with the added bonus of better screen. The Motorola Moto G 5G provides good value for gaming, but the display is a downgrade.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would choose the Motorola Moto G31. While the Moto G 5G has a significantly more powerful processor, the benefits of the Moto G31's AMOLED screen are more impactful in my daily usage, making it an overall better choice for me. I don't play demanding games on my phone, therefore the processor is not as important to me as the display and other features.
