Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Motorola Moto G51 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | G51 is taller and slightly thinner; G 5G is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 208g | Negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Very similar screen size; 0.1" difference is barely noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both provide a detailed viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 387 PPI | Minimal difference in pixel density, resulting in comparable clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | G51 provides much smoother scrolling and animations; noticeable in daily usage and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to determine real-world brightness as nits are unavailable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | 750G offers slightly better overall performance; both are capable for everyday tasks and most apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 381,000 | Nearly identical performance, meaning similar speed for most tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Equivalent graphics performance, which means both will handle games similarly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | G51 has slightly more MP, but G 5G has a slightly wider aperture, impacting low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | G 5G has a higher resolution sensor, while G51 has slightly larger pixels, both with the same aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, 1.12µm | Comparable performance. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, 1.75µm | Comparable performance. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps EIS | 1080p@30/60/240fps | G 5G supports 4K recording; G51 has faster slow-motion. |
| Features | DIS, Night Mode | None of These | G5G has additional image processing features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life, suggesting similar usage time. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | G 5G charges significantly faster; less time plugged into the charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | G51 offers a more recent version of Android and will likely receive updates longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual-band | 802.11ac, Dual-band | Similar Wi-Fi connectivity; equivalent speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR | 5.1 LE, A2DP | Similar Bluetooth functionality; G 5G has EDR. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | G51 supports Beidou for potentially better GPS accuracy in some regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Identical SIM card support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Similar storage options; enough for most users. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 4/8 GB | G51 has an option for 8 GB of RAM which is better for multitasking, and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | No options for adding additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | G51 offers enhanced audio for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | G51 fingerprint is more convenient due to the more natural placement. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | G5G has a compass sensor for better navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 20W charging is noticeably quicker, reducing downtime.
- 4K Video Recording: Offers higher resolution video for better quality recordings.
- Slightly better main camera aperture: Allows more light into the sensor, impacting low-light photography.
- Additional Camera Features: Has digital image stabilization and Night Mode, which improves picture quality.
- Compass Sensor: Better for map navigation and location based games.
- Bluetooth EDR Improves data transmission speeds.
Practical Implications: Ideal for users who prioritize camera quality and faster charging.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Advantages:
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Significantly smoother display, improving the overall visual experience.
- More RAM (8GB option): Offers better multitasking and gaming capabilities.
- More recent Android Version: Likely to get more software updates and has more features.
- Dolby Atmos Audio Provides a more immersive audio experience.
- Beidou Support Improved GPS accuracy.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: A more natural and ergonomic fingerprint reader.
Practical Implications: Better for users who want a smooth display and are keen on audio quality and latest software.
Trade-offs:
- G 5G sacrifices refresh rate for better video recording and charging, while G51 sacrifices 4k video recording and charging for a higher refresh rate screen.
- G51 sacrifices some camera features for better audio and refresh rate.
- G5G provides a compass, whilst G51 doesn't.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Casual Content Creators: Users who need a phone with good video recording capabilities and prefer faster charging.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Benefit from the wider aperture and extra camera features, along with faster charging to spend less time charging.
- Users Who Prefer Faster Charging: Those who value quick power-ups over a high refresh rate display.
- Users Who Need a Compass: Those who use their phones for mapping and orienteering.
Use Cases:
- Recording videos for social media or personal use.
- Taking photos in various lighting conditions.
- Long days out where you need to recharge quickly.
- Using the phone for orienteering and mapping based games.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Ideal User:
- Social Media Scrollers: Users who prioritize a smooth, fast-refresh display for a great viewing experience.
- Mobile Gamers: Benefit from higher refresh rate and increased RAM for better performance.
- Audio Lovers: Benefit from Dolby Atmos.
- Users Who Value Latest Software: Those who want to be on the latest Android version and value more updates.
Use Cases:
- Browsing social media and websites.
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Enjoying media on the go.
- Need better navigation in areas with less GPS.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize display smoothness (120Hz) or camera quality (4K video & better low light)? If you prefer a smoother display, go for the G51. If a better camera and faster charging is your focus, the G 5G is better suited.
- Do you need the best battery charging time or do you prefer the latest software? G5G charges faster, while the G51 has the newer software.
- Is having the latest Android version more important than other features? If yes, then G51 is better suited. If you want a compass sensor, the G 5G is better suited.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent social media user who games occasionally? Recommendation: Motorola Moto G51 5G due to the 120Hz screen.
- Scenario 2: User who often takes videos and photos and prefers less charging time? Recommendation: Motorola Moto G 5G due to the better camera quality, faster charging and extra camera features.
- Scenario 3: User who wants the most up-to-date software and cares about audio quality? Recommendation: Motorola Moto G51 5G for the Android 11 and Dolby Atmos audio.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Motorola Moto G51 5G. While the Moto G 5G offers better charging and 4K video capabilities, the 120Hz display is a much more impactful feature for my daily usage, making general navigation and browsing much more pleasant. The Dolby Atmos audio is a nice to have that is beneficial for media consumption. Also having the option for 8 GB RAM is important for me as I tend to switch between different apps a lot which the G5G doesn't have. The slightly less advanced camera features and slower charging don't bother me as much as the 120hz screen would benefit me day to day.
