1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G 5G and TCL 50 SE, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm | The TCL 50 SE is slightly taller and significantly thinner, making it feel more modern and potentially easier to hold, despite being slightly taller. The Moto G 5G is bulkier |
| Weight | 212g | 195g | The TCL 50 SE is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to use for extended periods and easier to carry |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Both have very similar large screen sizes, offering a similar viewing experience. The slight difference is hardly noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both provide a sharp image with minimal visual difference. The slightly higher resolution of the TCL is negligible. |
| PPI | 393 | 396 | Nearly identical pixel density resulting in similar sharpness levels. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same LCD technology which means you will get similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The TCL 50 SE will have slightly smoother animations and scrolling, a noticeable difference in everyday use, especially for those sensitive to screen refresh rates. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The TCL 50 SE offers significantly better outdoor visibility with its much higher brightness. The Moto G 5G brightness is unknown, likely less than the TCL 50 SE, making it a challenge to use in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | The Snapdragon 750G offers better overall performance for gaming, multitasking, and app loading, especially compared to the Helio G88. The 8nm process is more efficient too. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 250,000 | The Moto G 5G will have noticeably faster performance in everyday tasks, gaming, and intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Adreno 619 provides a significant advantage in graphics performance, leading to smoother gaming and faster rendering. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64 µm | The TCL 50 SE has slightly higher resolution; The Moto G 5G has a slightly wider aperture, which could result in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm | The Moto G 5G takes higher-resolution selfies. The TCL 50 SE's wider aperture and larger pixel size could result in better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | N/A | The Moto G 5G offers more shooting versatility with a wide-angle lens for group photos and landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | Both feature a basic macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 1080p@30fps | The Moto G 5G offers higher video quality with 4K resolution, and it can also record smooth 60fps 1080p video. |
| Features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Laser autofocus, RAW, Night Mode | Dual camera | The Moto G 5G offers more advanced features such as laser autofocus, night mode for low-light photography, and digital image stabilization for smoother videos. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, leading to comparable battery life for typical use. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The TCL 50 SE charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Both are non-removable. The Li-Polymer is a slightly more modern and better technology. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | TCL 50 SE has a much newer Android version. This means more features, security and extended support. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Similar Bluetooth functionality on both phones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | TCL 50 SE has better GPS with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM capabilities, ideal for managing two numbers. |
Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | The TCL 50 SE has higher base storage and a larger max storage variant, suitable for users with extensive media. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB | Both phones offer sufficient RAM for normal multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage options. |
Audio and Security
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio | 2 microphones | Stereo speakers | TCL 50 SE provides better audio experience through Stereo speakers. Moto G 5G offers dual mic recording for better calls. |
| Security | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are often more convenient and faster. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Moto G 5G has more sensors, which will enable more advanced features and app support. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset provides better overall performance than the Helio G88 in the TCL 50 SE, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Better Camera Versatility: Includes a wide-angle lens, digital image stabilization, and laser autofocus, offering more shooting options and better quality images and videos, as well as night mode.
- Higher quality video recording: Capable of 4K 30fps and 1080p 60fps video recording.
- More sensors: Includes gyroscope and compass.
TCL 50 SE Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: The TCL 50 SE comes with Android 14 out of the box compared to Android 10 on the Moto G 5G, offering more modern features and extended software support and security.
- Significantly Brighter Display: 900 nits max brightness makes the TCL 50 SE much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, improving the user experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging charges the phone much faster, reducing downtime.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides an enhanced audio experience with better audio separation and immersion.
- More Base Storage: Offers 128GB/256GB internal storage compared to Moto G's 64GB/128GB.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to handle and carry around.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G 5G offers better performance and camera features but lacks the bright display, fast charging, and modern Android version of the TCL 50 SE.
- The TCL 50 SE has a newer Android version and a brighter display but sacrifices some raw performance and camera versatility compared to the Moto G 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, Photography enthusiasts, Users who prioritize performance.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with smoother graphics and processing
- Taking detailed photographs in various scenarios (due to the wide angle lens and night mode)
- Recording high-quality videos in 4K.
- Users who need the gyroscope and compass features.
- Users who prioritize smooth 60fps video recording.
TCL 50 SE:
- Ideal User: Casual users, Media consumers, Users who prioritize screen brightness and battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Extended web browsing and social media use.
- Users who prefer faster charging and do not want to spend time plugged into the wall.
- Enjoying media with immersive stereo speakers.
- Users who want the latest android version for a better user experience and security.
Price-to-Value:
- The TCL 50 SE offers a more modern experience overall and might be a better value for those who prioritize a bright screen, fast charging and newer software and don't need the performance that comes with the Snapdragon chipset. The performance on the TCL 50 SE is fine for normal usage.
- The Moto G 5G is better for performance-intensive tasks and video/photo enthusiasts, so the value comes from having better raw performance and a more comprehensive camera system.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance for gaming and demanding apps, or is casual use your main focus? (This will determine whether the chipset difference matters.)
- How important is screen brightness for outdoor visibility? (This will highlight the importance of the display difference.)
- Do you need features like a wide-angle lens, laser autofocus and a night mode, or is a basic camera sufficient? (This clarifies camera use cases.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a gamer or need a phone that can handle multitasking, the Motorola Moto G 5G will serve you better due to its superior chipset and GPU.
- Scenario 2: If you mostly browse social media, watch videos outdoors and you need a phone with a modern android version, the TCL 50 SE will be better for you due to its brighter display, faster charging, and updated OS.
- Scenario 3: If you care about video quality, the Motorola Moto G 5G will be your choice with its 4K and 60fps video recording options, along with the wide-angle lens.
- Scenario 4: If you prefer a thin, lightweight device with modern software, the TCL 50 SE is the better choice.
What would I choose and why?
I would choose the TCL 50 SE. While the Motorola Moto G 5G has advantages in raw performance and camera versatility, the TCL 50 SE addresses my primary concerns for a daily driver: a significantly brighter screen for outdoor use, faster charging, and modern software. I value these practical benefits more than the extra performance I might rarely fully utilize. The stereo speakers and lighter design are also bonuses that enhance my overall experience, especially when consuming media and being on the go. While I occasionally take photos, the trade off of the better performance in the Moto G 5G for the practicality of a brighter display, faster charging and updated software in the TCL 50 SE is worthwhile. Finally the additional base storage option is a better fit for my usage habits.
