Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Fold4 offers a unique, large-screen experience when unfolded, while Moto G 5G is a traditional smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm (unfolded) | Z Fold4 is wider when unfolded, while Moto G 5G is taller and thicker. Folded Z Fold is narrower and thicker. |
| Weight | 212g | 263g | Moto G 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 7.6" | Z Fold4 has a significantly larger display, providing more screen real estate for content consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1812x2176 | Z Fold4 has a higher resolution, resulting in sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 393 ppi | 373 ppi | Moto G 5G has a slightly sharper display, but the difference is minor. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Not specified | Moto G 5G display offers accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Z Fold4 offers smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable in fast-paced content and games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have unknown peak brightness levels |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Fold4 has a much more powerful chip, leading to faster performance in demanding applications and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 1,232,800 | Z Fold4 is significantly faster overall, with drastically better performance for gaming, and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Z Fold4 has a more powerful GPU, offering better graphics performance in games and GPU-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | Moto G 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering better battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging (Li-Ion) | 25W fast charging (Li-Polymer) | Z Fold4 has faster charging; Both have non-removable batteries. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless 15W, Reverse 9W, Bypass, Non-removable, Reverse | Z Fold4 offers more charging options, including wireless and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Z Fold4 main camera has a higher resolution, larger sensor, and bigger pixel size for better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 10MP, f/2.2 | Moto G 5G has a higher resolution for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4 | Z Fold4 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Z Fold4 has a higher resolution wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 8K@24fps, EIS | Z Fold4 supports higher video resolutions and frame rates with HDR recording capabilities. |
| DxoMark Score | Not tested | Mobile: 124 (Photo 131, Video 122) | Z Fold4 has undergone testing that suggests a higher quality camera setup overall. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, PDAF, LAF, HDR, Night Mode | 4K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, Manual focus, Laser AF, Dual front camera, Under display camera, HDR, Night Mode | Z Fold4 has more advanced features including optical zoom, optical image stabilization and manual focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Z Fold4 runs on a newer version of Android with newer features and security updates. |
| Max Version | Not specified | Android 16 | Z Fold4 is expected to have support for several more OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | Z Fold4 has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi support. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Z Fold4 has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | Z Fold4 supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Z Fold4 offers the option for an eSIM in addition to the traditional physical SIM card. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB, 512GB, or 1024GB | Z Fold4 has significantly more internal storage space. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 12GB | Z Fold4 has much more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Z Fold4 has higher audio quality with Dolby Atmos support and Stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear fingerprint sensor | Side fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer fingerprint sensors as biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Z Fold4 offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Z Fold4 has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry.
- Larger Battery: Offers slightly better battery life.
- More Affordable: Significantly cheaper than the Z Fold4.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Advantages
- Foldable Design: Unique large-screen experience when unfolded and improved portability when folded.
- Superior Performance: High-end chipset for demanding tasks.
- Larger and Better Display: More screen real estate and higher resolution.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother animations and scrolling.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens, higher resolution sensors, optical zoom and image stabilization.
- More RAM and Storage: Improved multitasking and storage capacity.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: More convenient power management options.
- Up-to-date Software: Newer Android version with additional updates
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for better audio immersion.
- Advanced Features: Under display camera, newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards
Trade-offs
- Moto G 5G: Sacrifices performance and advanced features for affordability.
- Z Fold4: Significantly more expensive and heavier than a standard smartphone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who want a reliable 5G phone with a decent camera and good battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Daily communication, web browsing, social media.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Users who prefer a lighter device for one-handed use.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for those not needing top-tier performance.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, professionals, and power users who want cutting-edge technology, high performance, and a large screen for productivity and multimedia.
- Use Cases:
- Multitasking, running productivity apps, creating content.
- Gaming and enjoying media.
- Users who want a tablet-like experience on a phone.
- Those who want top of the line camera quality
- Price-to-Value: Premium device with a very high price tag, but provides unique features and top-tier specs for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Z Fold4 is significantly more expensive.
- What are your primary use cases? Do you need top performance and multitasking, or are basic tasks and casual use sufficient?
- Do you need the foldable design or a standard phone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You want a reliable 5G phone for everyday use without breaking the bank. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G 5G.
- Scenario 2: You need a phone for productivity, gaming, and content creation, and don't mind paying a premium for the best experience. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
- Scenario 3: You prioritize battery life above all else. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G 5G due to having a larger battery.
- Scenario 4: You need the best mobile camera system. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
What I Would Choose and Why
Based on my needs and preferences, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
Here's why:
I Value Performance: As someone who uses a smartphone for a variety of tasks, from casual browsing to some gaming, the Z Fold4's significantly more powerful processor and graphics capabilities are a major draw. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip will offer smoother performance across the board.
I'm Drawn to the Foldable Design: The unique form factor of the Z Fold4 offers a unique experience that a standard phone can't replicate. The ability to transition from a standard phone to a larger tablet-like screen, would be valuable in a variety of scenarios.
Camera Capabilities Matter: As an avid photographer, the more advanced camera system with its telephoto lens, higher resolution sensors, OIS, and improved low light capabilities are necessary.
Long Term Usage: With a newer OS, expected future updates, and more storage and RAM, the Z Fold 4 will be more capable of keeping up with the rapidly changing demands of technology and software.
While the Motorola Moto G 5G is undoubtedly the more budget-friendly choice and would likely serve some very well, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4's top-tier performance, unique design, and superior camera capabilities make it a better fit for my needs and preferences. Although expensive, the advanced technology and versatile use cases would be worth the investment in the long run. The Z Fold4 is better suited for power users who need top-tier performance.
