1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 161.3 × 78.1 × 8.2 mm | The Moto G 5G is taller and thicker, making it feel bulkier in hand, while the A34 is wider and thinner. |
| Weight | 212g | 199g | The A34 is slightly lighter, which may be more comfortable for long-term use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone builds. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Moto G 5G has a slightly larger screen for slightly more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have similar sharpness, negligible difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 393 | 390 | Both have similar pixel density, negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The A34 offers much richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the Moto G 5G, enhancing overall viewing experience, especially in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The A34 offers noticeably smoother scrolling, gaming, and animations, leading to a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, and this value is not valid. Brightness differences are unknown |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | The A34's chipset is newer and built on a smaller process, offering better power efficiency and performance. |
| Antutu Score | 390,000 | 532,300 | The A34 performs significantly better in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs, with the Mali-G68 in the A34 generally offering better graphics performance for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7 | 48MP f/1.8 | The Moto G 5G has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better for low-light performance, however the A34 uses a Sony IMX582 sensor which is better in most scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.2 | The Moto G 5G has a higher resolution front camera; however, the A34 uses a sensor with larger pixels. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | The Moto G 5G offers a higher resolution wide angle camera for more detail in group shots or landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 5MP f/2.4 | The A34 has a dedicated depth sensor, offering better portrait mode effects with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The Moto G 5G offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS; No stabilization | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps; Yes stabilization | The A34 has better video stabilization and better slow-motion quality. |
| DxoMark Score | N/A | 92 | The A34 has been tested by DXOMark and has a score of 92. |
| Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW | OIS, Ultra Stable Video, Continuous autofocus, manual focus | The A34 has better video stabilization and a more robust feature set for photography. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The A34 charges faster, which is convenient for users with time constraints. |
| Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Both are non-removable |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Slightly larger display: A 6.7" screen offers a more immersive viewing experience compared to the A34's 6.6" display, although not significantly.
- Higher resolution front camera: The 16MP front camera could result in slightly more detailed selfies.
- Dedicated macro lens: Useful for capturing close-up detail of small objects.
- Wider main camera aperture: Could provide slightly better low light performance.
- Phase detection and laser autofocus: The addition of these technologies can assist with faster and more accurate focusing.
- RAW support: For photography enthusiasts, this can allow for a higher level of post-processing control.
Samsung Galaxy A34 Advantages:
- Superior AMOLED display: Offers much better contrast, richer colors, and more efficient power consumption, significantly enhancing the viewing experience.
- 120Hz refresh rate: Provides a much smoother user experience, particularly in animations, scrolling, and gaming.
- Significantly faster processor: The Mediatek Dimensity 1080 provides better overall performance and efficiency.
- Better video stabilization: The addition of OIS and ultra stable video mode allow for smoother and more stable video footage.
- More advanced camera features: OIS, continuous autofocus, and manual focus offer a more versatile photography experience.
- Portrait mode: Dedicated depth sensor for enhanced bokeh effect
- Newer Bluetooth Version: The A34 uses Bluetooth 5.3 whereas the Motorola uses 5.1
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box with a higher maximum version compared to the Moto G 5G's Android 10.
- Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support: Offers superior audio experience.
- Faster charging: 25W charging allows for a quicker recharge compared to 20W on the Motorola.
- More storage and RAM: Offers more internal storage, and more RAM compared to the Moto G 5G.
- Better video recording capabilities: Higher slow-motion frame rate.
- Better GPS: Has more GPS satellites.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Moto G 5G is a less performant device overall, and has a worse display for most applications.
- The Samsung A34 does not have a Macro lens, which some users may miss.
- The Motorola G 5G has a slightly larger screen and slightly better front camera resolution but is overall the less well-equipped device.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing cost-effectiveness.
- Users who value a larger screen: Although not by much.
- Users who primarily use the phone for basic tasks like calls, messages, and social media, and are not heavy gamers or content consumers.
- Users who use their phone camera frequently and want the convenience of a Macro lens and RAW support.
Use Cases for Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Everyday browsing, social media, calling.
- Casual photography (primarily in daylight).
- Users who need an affordable phone with 5G connectivity.
- Users who are not demanding of their phone performance.
Samsung Galaxy A34 Ideal User:
- Users who value screen quality: Enjoy watching videos and gaming.
- Users who prioritize smooth performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Users who want advanced camera capabilities, especially better video stabilization.
- Users who prefer faster charging.
- Users who are not particularly concerned with Macro cameras.
- Users who want a long term phone due to better software support.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A34:
- Mobile gaming, content creation, and consumption.
- Users who need better video capabilities for personal or professional use.
- Users who want a reliable phone with longer software support and regular updates.
- Users who need a fast and reliable phone for daily use.
- Those who enjoy high-quality audio through speakers.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G 5G offers an entry-level 5G experience at a lower price point, but its technology is less modern.
- The Samsung Galaxy A34 provides much more value for the price given its superior display, performance, camera features, and software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If an AMOLED display with vibrant colors and a high refresh rate is a must, the A34 is the clear choice.
- What is your primary use case? If your main goal is smooth multitasking, gaming, and video recording, the A34 is better suited. If you're on a tight budget and need basic features, the Moto G 5G is suitable.
- How much do you value longevity and future-proofing? The A34 is newer and has better software support and hardware, making it a more future-proof option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Shopper: If you need a 5G phone at the lowest possible price, and don't need high performance or quality, then the Motorola Moto G 5G is a suitable option.
- Casual User: If you mainly use your phone for social media, basic apps, and occasional photos, the A34 provides a significantly better experience with improved smoothness and display quality.
- Power User: For heavy multitasking, gaming, and video creation, the Samsung Galaxy A34's superior performance and camera system make it the obvious choice.
- Multimedia Consumer: If you watch a lot of videos on your phone, or play mobile games, the superior display, audio, and smoothness of the Samsung Galaxy A34 make it the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A34. The AMOLED display with the 120Hz refresh rate provides a far better user experience than the Moto G 5G's IPS LCD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. The performance difference, as highlighted by the Antutu scores, is also significant and affects day-to-day usage, making the A34 feel much smoother and snappier. I also value the newer software version, better video stabilization, and overall improved feature set that the A34 provides. While the Moto G 5G offers a macro lens, which is useful in some scenarios, the overall package that the A34 provides is more compelling.
