Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-07 | 2023-10-16 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is significantly newer, implying potentially longer software support |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard form factor, non-folding smartphones |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 285.4 × 185.4 × 6.5 mm | The Tab S9 FE+ is much larger, more like a tablet, making the Moto G 5G more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 212g | 627g | The Moto G 5G is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 12.4" | The Tab S9 FE+ has a substantially larger display, offering an immersive viewing experience for media consumption, but is less practical for portability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1600x2560 | The Tab S9 FE+ has a higher resolution, leading to a slightly sharper and more detailed picture. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 243 | The Moto G 5G has higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper display per inch. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both utilize the same display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Tab S9 FE+ has a slightly smoother scrolling and animation experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown for both devices, which may impact outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The Tab S9 FE+'s chipset is newer and fabricated on a smaller process (5nm vs 8nm), providing better power efficiency and performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 507,000 | The Tab S9 FE+ demonstrates higher performance in benchmarks, indicating smoother multitasking and more responsive apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The Tab S9 FE+ is equipped with a more potent GPU, providing superior graphics capabilities for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 10090mAh | The Tab S9 FE+ has more than double the battery capacity, which should allow for significantly longer usage, especially for media and productivity tasks. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 45W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | The Tab S9 FE+ offers faster charging speeds and more efficient battery technology, allowing for quicker charging times. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | The Tab S9 FE+ has bypass charging which can benefit intensive usage while plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP, f/1.7 | 12MP, f/2.0 | The Moto G 5G has a higher resolution sensor and a wider aperture, leading to theoretically better low-light performance and more detailed photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP, f/2.2 | 8MP | The Moto G 5G has a higher resolution front-facing camera, offering potentially better selfie detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both devices have comparable wide-angle lenses. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Moto G 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while the Tab S9 FE+ lacks this feature. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Both devices offer 4k video recording, with the Moto G 5G having a higher fps for 1080p recording. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes (EIS) | Yes | Both devices have stabilization features for smoother video capture. |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 60fps | Yes, 60fps | Both devices offer slow-motion video capture. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Night Mode | Dual camera, 4K video | The Moto G 5G offers more advanced camera features like PDAF, LAF, RAW capture and Night Mode. The Tab S9 FE+ has features for 4K recording. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 13, upgradeable to 17 | The Tab S9 FE+ has a significantly newer version of Android, and the potential for upgrades offering access to the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | The Tab S9 FE+ supports the faster WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard and Wi-Fi MiMO, whereas the Moto G 5G supports Wi-Fi Hotspot. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 | The Tab S9 FE+ has a newer version of Bluetooth, providing faster transfer speeds and more advanced features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS | The Moto G 5G supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | N/A | The Moto G 5G supports dual SIM functionality for using two numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB/128 GB | 128 GB/256 GB | The Tab S9 FE+ offers more internal storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB/6 GB | 8 GB/12 GB | The Tab S9 FE+ offers higher RAM options, allowing for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Tab S9 FE+ has enhanced audio features, while the Moto G 5G has dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer fingerprint sensor security; the Tab S9 FE+ uses side mounted, which can be more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Specifics on screen protection are missing for both devices. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | The Moto G 5G has a more comprehensive set of sensors, offering richer AR and VR experiences and compass functionality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Portability: Significantly lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry and use one-handed.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (393 PPI) means sharper text and images on its screen.
- Camera Features: Includes a dedicated macro lens, phase-detection autofocus (PDAF) and laser autofocus (LAF) for better focus, and RAW capture for advanced photo editing.
- GPS: Supports multiple satellite navigation systems for more accurate location data.
- Dual SIM: Allows the use of two SIM cards, useful for separating work and personal calls.
- More sensors: Compass and Gyroscope offer additional features and functionality in navigation and gaming.
- Lower Price: It's an older device so it is expected to be significantly cheaper, offering better value for the budget-conscious user.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Display: The 12.4-inch screen offers an immersive viewing experience, ideal for media consumption, browsing, and multitasking.
- Higher Performance: A more powerful chipset with a better AnTuTu score, providing smoother operation, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- Larger Battery: A much larger battery capacity means significantly longer usage times, especially for power users.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging allows for quick replenishment of the large battery.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support offer a superior audio experience.
- Newer Android: Ships with a newer Android version and can be upgraded further, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer WiFi standard ensures faster wireless speeds and more stable connectivity. Newer Bluetooth with more profiles.
- Higher RAM and Storage Options: Offers higher RAM and storage options, which allows for better multitasking and storage for large files.
- Bypass Charging: This feature allows you to use the device while plugged in without degrading the battery over long periods.
- Slightly smoother display: 90Hz refresh rate over the Moto G's 60Hz screen.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G 5G: Sacrifices a large, high-resolution display and processing power for better portability and lower cost. The older Android and software support might also be a factor for some users.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+: Sacrifices portability and single-hand usability for a much larger screen and more features and is significantly heavier. It's a less practical device for daily portability.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a light and portable device for everyday use and appreciate a sharper display for reading and social media.
- Use Cases:
- Daily communication: calls, texts, social media.
- Casual gaming and basic multimedia.
- Photography enthusiasts who want to experiment with macro shots and manual settings.
- Users who need the ability to use two phone numbers simultaneously.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for users on a tight budget who still want good all-around capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a large display for media consumption, productivity, or gaming and are willing to trade off portability.
- Use Cases:
- Streaming videos and movies, browsing the web, and playing graphic-intensive games.
- Productivity tasks like document editing, note-taking, and email management.
- Multitasking users who need multiple apps running simultaneously.
- Users who need excellent sound quality.
- Those who need longer battery life for extensive use.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for power users who need a premium media consumption and productivity device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your primary use case? Do you prioritize portability or screen size?
- What is your budget? How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- How important are the latest features and performance? Do you need the latest Android version and the fastest performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Portability and Budget): If you prioritize a lightweight, pocketable phone and have a limited budget, the Motorola Moto G 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Media Consumption and Productivity): If you prioritize a large screen for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks, and are willing to sacrifice some portability, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Power User): If you are a power user who needs top-tier performance, battery life, and modern software, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is the clear winner.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. While I appreciate the portability of the Moto G 5G, my primary use case is media consumption and some productivity tasks. The significantly larger and higher resolution screen, along with its better processing power, larger battery, and faster charging, make it a better fit for my daily usage patterns. The more modern software and enhanced audio are also significant advantages for me. Although it's less portable, the immersive experience of the larger display justifies this trade-off for my needs. The additional RAM is also an advantage.
