1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G52 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-07 | 2022-04-20 | Moto G52 is newer, likely with more recent software and potentially better long-term support. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 160.1 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Moto G52 is more compact and easier to handle, especially for smaller hands. Moto G 5G is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 169g | Moto G52 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Moto G 5G has a marginally larger screen, offering slightly more viewing area for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp images. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 402 PPI | Both are sharp, negligible difference to the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Moto G52 has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Moto G52 has smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is the same for both phones, but we are missing the actual value. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Moto G 5G offers significantly better overall performance, faster app loading, and smoother gameplay. Moto G52 is adequate for daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 216,000 | Moto G 5G offers noticeably faster performance, better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Moto G 5G has better graphics performance suitable for gaming and graphic-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, typically enough to last a full day. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Moto G52 charges faster, meaning less time waiting for the phone to power up. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64 µm pixel size | Moto G52 has a higher resolution and a larger sensor, but slightly smaller aperture and pixel size. Potential for slightly better low-light performance on the G 5G. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm pixel size | 16MP, f/2.45, 1.00 µm pixel size | Moto G 5G has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.2, Unknown pixel size | Both have similar wide-angle capabilities. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown pixel size | Both have comparable macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Moto G 5G can record higher-resolution video. Both have EIS for stabilization. Moto G52 has limited slow-motion. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, HDR, Night Mode, RAW, EIS | PDAF, HDR | Moto G 5G offers more advanced camera features and recording options. Moto G52 only records at 1080p. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Moto G52 has a newer Android version, providing more features, security updates, and improved user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual Band, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct | Moto G 5G offers dual band and Wi-Fi display; Moto G52 offers Wi-Fi hotspot. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP, APT-x | Moto G 5G has a newer Bluetooth version; Moto G52 has more advanced Bluetooth profile support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB | Moto G52 has more storage options with the 256 GB variant. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 4GB or 6GB | Both offer similar RAM options, suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G52 offers better audio quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. Moto G 5G has only 2 mics. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G52's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is often more ergonomic. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Moto G52 provides better screen protection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 750G offers superior CPU and GPU performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience.
- Higher Video Recording Quality: Capable of recording videos in 4K resolution, which is ideal for capturing higher-quality footage.
- More Advanced Camera Features: Includes features like Laser Autofocus, Night Mode, and RAW capture, offering more flexibility for photography.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Offers Bluetooth 5.1 which provides slightly faster and more reliable connections.
Practical Implications:
- Ideal for users who prioritize performance, gaming, and video recording capabilities.
- Suitable for those who need more control over photography with the RAW feature.
- The 5G connectivity could also be a factor if the user is in an area with good 5G coverage.
Motorola Moto G52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen provides better colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles than the IPS LCD on the Moto G 5G.
- Smoother Display: Offers a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother visual experience.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging fills the battery quicker than the 20W charging of the G 5G.
- More Storage Options: Has a 256GB variant and it's also offered with 64GB and 128GB.
- Better Audio: Includes stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, which enhance the audio experience.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, with better software experience than the older Android 10 of G 5G.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass 5 for improved durability.
- More Bluetooth Profile Support: Offers more features for a better Bluetooth experience.
Practical Implications:
- Ideal for users who prioritize display quality, audio, portability, and a smooth experience.
- Suitable for everyday tasks, media consumption, and users who prioritize a more modern design.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G 5G: Trades a better display and audio experience for higher processing performance and better camera features.
- Moto G52: Trades the ultimate performance and 4k video recording for a smoother display, lighter design and better audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 750G provides a significantly better gaming experience.
- Video Content Creators: 4K video recording and stabilization features.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Offers features like RAW, Night Mode and laser autofocus for advanced photography.
- Users Who Want 5G Connectivity: If 5G network coverage is a major concern.
- Users Who Need A Phone With Good Performance: The overall performance of the phone is way better.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Recording high-resolution videos.
- Taking photos in various lighting conditions.
Motorola Moto G52 Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: For general use, social media, browsing, media consumption, with a better display.
- Media Consumers: The AMOLED display and stereo speakers enhance video watching and music listening.
- Users Who Prefer a Lighter Device: More comfortable for extended use.
- Users who prefer modern software: The Android 12 system provides better software support than the older Android 10.
Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies.
- Listening to music with enhanced audio.
- Daily tasks and casual use.
- Frequent use in various lighting conditions thanks to better power efficiency of AMOLED.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G 5G likely offers a better price-to-value ratio if performance and 4K video recording capabilities are crucial and if the 5G connection is an advantage.
- The Motorola Moto G52 offers better value if you prioritize a better display, modern OS, lighter device, faster charging, and enhanced audio, but you're willing to trade off ultimate performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance for you?
- If you play games or use demanding apps, the G 5G is a better choice.
- What do you prioritize more: display or camera performance?
- If you value display quality over camera features, the G52 is better.
- Is having a lighter phone important to you?
- If you prioritize portability and comfort, the G52 is more suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer/Power User: Choose the Motorola Moto G 5G. The Snapdragon 750G offers a substantial performance advantage for demanding tasks.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast/Everyday User: Choose the Motorola Moto G52. The AMOLED screen, better audio, lighter design, and faster charging are ideal for media consumption.
- Scenario 3: Photographer/Videographer: Choose the Motorola Moto G 5G, because it offers significantly more features for photography and video recording.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious Buyer: Evaluate prices. Depending on current market prices, both are budget-friendly devices.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I would go with the Motorola Moto G52. Although the Motorola Moto G 5G has better performance, as a user who values a good display, a lightweight design, and better audio, I believe the G52 offers a better all-around experience for daily use. The AMOLED screen is significantly better for media consumption, and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor and lighter design add to user convenience.
While the 4K video recording of the Moto G 5G is appealing, the better charging speeds, more recent Android OS, and the enhanced audio features of the G52 make it a better fit for my typical use case which does not involve gaming or intensive video production. The significantly lighter weight is also a factor, and also the better screen protection. I find the trade-offs in processing power to be acceptable for a superior display and overall smoother experience.
