Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. OnePlus 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | The OnePlus 9 is more compact and pocketable, while the Moto G 5G is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 192g | The OnePlus 9 is noticeably lighter, improving comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | The Moto G 5G has a slightly larger screen, better for users who prefer a larger viewing area. The difference is small and unlikely to make a huge difference to most users |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness; the difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 393 | 402 | Similar pixel density means both displays are equally sharp; no practical difference. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on OnePlus 9 offers superior color, contrast, and power efficiency for dark themes compared to the IPS LCD on the Moto G 5G. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The OnePlus 9 provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience significantly. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | OnePlus 9 screen is much brighter, offering dramatically better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | The OnePlus 9's chip is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 880,900 | The OnePlus 9 demonstrates much faster speeds in real-world use, especially for intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 660 | The Adreno 660 in the OnePlus 9 provides significantly better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The Moto G 5G has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life on a single charge for general usage. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | The OnePlus 9 charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W Wireless Charging | OnePlus 9 offers the convenience of wireless charging, which the Moto G 5G lacks |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 48MP, f/1.79, 1.12µm, IMX689 | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor and pixel size that results in better low light and dynamic range. It has a slightly narrower aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm, IMX471 | Moto G 5G has a slightly wider aperture. Both have the same pixel size. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm, IMX766 | The OnePlus 9 has a significantly higher resolution wide-angle camera, resulting in much more detailed photos. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | N/A | The Moto G 5G offers a dedicated macro lens, while the OnePlus 9 does not, which is beneficial for close-up photography enthusiasts. |
| B&W Camera | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | The OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white sensor. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps | The OnePlus 9 offers much higher video quality with up to 8K resolution and slow-motion at 240fps. |
| Features | Laser AF, RAW | 4K/8K Video, Ultra-stable video, manual focus, CDAF, RAW 12 bits | The OnePlus 9 offers more advanced video features while the Motorola offers some additional focus features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | The OnePlus 9 has a newer OS and can be upgraded to Android 13, while Moto G 5G may not receive the same level of software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | The OnePlus 9 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi, especially in congested network environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus 9 has a newer standard, plus higher quality audio codecs for better sound when using wireless headphones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | The OnePlus 9 has more accurate GPS due to more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | The OnePlus 9 provides more storage for apps and media. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 8/12GB | The OnePlus 9 offers significantly more RAM, supporting more demanding tasks and better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | The OnePlus 9 provides a much better audio experience, especially with its stereo speakers and noise-canceling microphones, also it supports Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Features | rear fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer fingerprint sensors for security, with similar implementation. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | The OnePlus 9 has Gorilla Glass 5 for a more durable screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Full suite | Full suite | Both devices have a standard suite of sensors for normal phone functions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: A 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, suitable for heavy users who are away from power sources for extended times.
- Macro Lens: Inclusion of a dedicated macro lens provides specialized close-up photography capabilities, which is lacking on the OnePlus 9.
- Wider Primary Camera Aperture: The f/1.7 aperture on the main camera allows slightly more light compared to the OnePlus' f/1.79, although the sensor size is smaller.
- Lower Price: Generally, the Moto G 5G is positioned as a budget-friendly option with mid-range specifications.
- Laser Autofocus: The inclusion of laser autofocus can make for faster and more reliable focusing in some situations.
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a significantly better viewing experience with vibrant colors, smooth animations, deeper blacks and much higher outdoor brightness, especially in direct sunlight.
- Far Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset delivers much higher performance for gaming, multitasking, and general use than the Snapdragon 750G in the Moto G 5G.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging will get you from empty to full in less than half an hour, a game-changer in everyday use. The inclusion of wireless charging adds an extra level of convenience.
- Higher Quality Cameras: Larger sensor sizes and higher megapixel counts across the main and ultra-wide sensors provide significantly better picture quality, particularly in low light.
- Higher Quality Video: The ability to record video up to 8K with HDR support, coupled with superior slow-motion capabilities makes it suitable for more advanced video recording.
- More Storage and RAM: With options for 12GB of RAM and 256GB storage, OnePlus 9 is much better suited for power users who need more resources for demanding tasks.
- Better Audio Quality: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos with stereo speakers greatly enhances the audio experience.
- Newer Software: Starting with Android 11 and upgrades to Android 13 means longer and more robust software support.
- Modern connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more reliable wireless connections.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Moto G 5G sacrifices display quality, performance, and camera capabilities for a larger battery and budget price.
- The OnePlus 9 sacrifices battery capacity and a dedicated macro lens for superior performance, display, camera quality and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize a low price and basic features over top-tier performance.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: People who need all-day battery life without frequent charging and are less concerned about high-end features.
- Macro Photography Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy taking close-up photos and appreciate a dedicated macro lens.
Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and communication
- Basic gaming and multimedia consumption
- Long days without access to power outlets
- Close-up photography for creative hobbyists
OnePlus 9 Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who need the best performance and responsiveness.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who want a high-quality display for watching videos, playing games and enjoying HDR content, especially outdoors.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value camera quality, especially in low light and want to be able to capture high-quality 8K video.
- Users Seeking Premium Experience: Those who want the latest features and a faster, more responsive device.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming at high settings
- Video editing, photo editing, and other demanding tasks
- High-quality video and HDR media consumption
- Professional-level photography and videography
- Daily use in bright, sunny conditions
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Moto G 5G is a much more budget-friendly phone, while the OnePlus 9 sits in a higher price segment.
- What do you value most in a smartphone? Are battery life and basic features sufficient, or do you prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities?
- What are your primary use cases? How will you primarily use your smartphone (social media, browsing, or gaming, photography, media, etc)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Daily User: If you primarily browse the web, use social media, and want a long-lasting battery, the Motorola Moto G 5G is sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer & Multimedia Fanatic: If you enjoy high-performance games, watching HDR content and want the best quality display, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: The OnePlus 9 with its superior camera system is much better for general photography and video recording. However, if you are specifically interested in macro photography, you may miss the dedicated macro sensor that the Moto G 5G offers.
- Scenario 4: Power User on the Go: If you need to be as efficient as possible throughout the day and require fast charging, smooth multitasking and a high-quality display while needing to capture quality video, the OnePlus 9 is the clear winner.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 9. While the Motorola Moto G 5G has a larger battery, the significantly better performance, AMOLED display, superior cameras, and faster charging of the OnePlus 9 outweigh the slight advantage in battery life and the inclusion of a macro lens. As a mobile gamer, multimedia consumer, and general user who values a fast and fluid experience, the OnePlus 9's advantages are worth the higher cost.
