Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Flip4 is much more pocketable when folded. The Moto G 5G is a standard slab design. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 165.2 × 71.9 × 6.9 mm | Moto G 5G is larger, wider, and thicker, making the Z Flip4 more ergonomic. |
| Weight | 212g | 187g | Z Flip4 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use and single-hand operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size, but the viewing experience differs. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Z Flip4 has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 426 PPI | Z Flip4's higher PPI results in slightly clearer text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Moto G 5G uses LCD; Z Flip4's display type is not specified, which is a limitation | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Z Flip4's 120Hz display is much smoother, ideal for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Z Flip4 offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Flip4 has a much faster chipset, resulting in significantly better performance for apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 1,050,371 | Z Flip4 is over twice as fast, providing better responsiveness and gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Z Flip4's superior GPU provides enhanced graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3700mAh | Moto G 5G has a larger battery for potentially longer battery life; though actual battery life depends on usage |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Fast Wireless 15W | Z Flip4 charges slightly faster with wired charging, also offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, Fast charging 25W, 50% in 30 min, Fast wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Z Flip4 has a more complete charging feature set, including wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | Moto G 5G captures higher resolution photos, but Z Flip4 has larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Front Selfie | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | Moto G 5G has higher resolution but Z Flip4 has larger pixel size. |
| Rear Wide | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | Z Flip4's wide-angle lens has higher resolution. |
| Rear Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G 5G includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which the Z Flip4 lacks. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@60fps, HDR | Z Flip4 offers superior video recording with HDR and higher frame rate, offering more flexibility in recording and editing. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | Samsung's OIS and digital stabilization provides smoother video |
| DxOMark | Not Available | 112 (Mobile), 125 (Photo), 113 (Video) | Z Flip4 has good camera performance, as evaluated by DxOMark; Moto G 5G's camera is untested. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, LAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Tracking AF, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, OIS, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Z Flip4 offers advanced features like OIS, while Moto G 5G includes additional features like Laser Autofocus, RAW and Night Mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Z Flip4 runs a more recent version of Android and has a longer software support lifespan. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6), MIMO | Z Flip4 supports newer Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and better connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE, APT-x, ANT+ | Z Flip4 has a more comprehensive Bluetooth feature set for a wider range of device support and advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Flip4 offers dual-band GPS, supporting more satellite constellations for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Z Flip4 has an eSIM for digital flexibility, while Moto G 5G offers a traditional second SIM slot. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB | Z Flip4 has more storage options and a higher base storage, Moto G 5G has lower storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB | Z Flip4 has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Stereo Speakers | Z Flip4 offers better audio immersion due to its stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Z Flip4 features a more accessible side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Z Flip4's screen is more durable and resistant to scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Z Flip4 has a comprehensive suite of sensors for advanced functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life than the Z Flip4.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro camera allows for close-up photography, lacking in the Z Flip4.
- Lower price: The Moto G 5G is significantly less expensive than the Z Flip4
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Compact and unique form factor, enhancing portability.
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster chipset (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1) and more RAM (8GB) for better app loading, gaming, and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a fluid user experience.
- Brighter Display: 1200 nits display is much better for outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Charging: Faster wired and wireless charging capabilities, including reverse wireless charging.
- Better Cameras: Better low light performance and video capabilities with OIS and HDR video recording.
- Up-to-date Software: Newer Android version with future software support.
- Stereo Speakers: Better audio experience compared to the Moto G 5G's microphones.
- More Storage: Higher internal storage options.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G 5G: Larger, heavier, less pocketable, slower performance, and outdated software in exchange for lower price, a larger battery and a dedicated macro lens.
- Samsung Z Flip4: Smaller battery, higher price, and lacks a dedicated macro camera while offering superior performance, foldable design, and advanced features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users, those prioritizing battery life and basic functionality, those who require a macro lens
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, media consumption, casual gaming, users seeking a basic 5G smartphone for communication and social media.
- Price-to-Value: Offers reasonable performance and features for its price point.
- Considerations: The less than premium experience should be kept in mind, including performance issues with more demanding apps and games
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4:
- Ideal Users: Those who desire a compact, unique, and powerful phone, users who prioritize performance, camera capabilities, and design.
- Use Cases: High-performance gaming, content creation, social media enthusiasts, users who prioritize portability and premium features.
- Price-to-Value: The price is steep, but justified with advanced features, premium design and higher performance
- Considerations: High price and smaller battery compared to some non-foldable options should be kept in mind.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? The Moto G 5G is significantly more affordable than the Z Flip4.
- Form Factor: Do you prefer a standard smartphone or the unique folding design of the Z Flip4?
- Performance & Features: Do you need top-tier performance and advanced features, or is basic performance sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a tight budget and need a 5G device with long battery life for basic tasks, the Motorola Moto G 5G is a solid choice.
- Portability & Style: If a unique form factor and pocketability is important, the Z Flip4 will be much more attractive.
- Performance Enthusiast: If you need top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is the better choice.
- Camera Focused: While the Moto G has a high res main sensor and a macro, the Z Flip4 provides more consistent, quality images and better video.
- Battery Focused: While the Motorola has a larger battery, the Z Flip4 can charge much faster, and has additional wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. While the Motorola Moto G 5G has a larger battery and a much lower price, the improvements that the Z Flip4 offers are far more important for my own needs and priorities.
Here's why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a huge jump in performance compared to the Snapdragon 750G in the Moto G 5G. As someone who regularly uses demanding apps and plays mobile games, the faster performance and smoother experience offered by the Z Flip4 is a crucial factor.
- Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness of the Z Flip4 would result in a much more pleasant viewing experience.
- Form Factor: While not a requirement, I am very intrigued by the foldable design of the Z Flip4 and the portability it offers.
- Cameras: The main camera and video capabilities, including the stabilization of the Z Flip4 are far superior, resulting in better photos and videos.
- Software: The Android 12, with update potential to 14, and better support is a large plus for longevity.
- Charging: The faster and wireless charging capabilities are also a large bonus, as is the bypass charging when gaming or using the phone while it is charging.
While the Moto G 5G has the advantage of a much lower price and larger battery, the Z Flip4's combination of top-tier performance, premium design, foldable nature and overall better user experience make it a clear winner for me, despite the much higher price point.
