Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco F4
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications of the Motorola Moto G 5G and the Xiaomi Poco F4, focusing on real-world implications:
Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 163.2 × 76 × 7.7 mm | Poco F4 is more compact and slimmer, making it easier to handle and carry. Moto G 5G is bulkier. |
Weight | 212g | 195g | Poco F4 is significantly lighter, offering better comfort during extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in size; both are large for immersive media consumption. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals for everyday use. |
PPI | 393 | 395 | Very similar pixel density; both offer comparable sharpness. |
Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Poco F4 provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and superior power efficiency, particularly with dark themes. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Poco F4 has noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more fluid user experience. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Poco F4 offers much better visibility in bright sunlight, making it more usable outdoors. Moto G 5G brightness unknown. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) | Poco F4 offers significantly faster processing and better performance in demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. |
AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 861,200 | Poco F4 has much higher performance in benchmarks, indicating superior speed and responsiveness. |
GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 650 | Poco F4 offers a better graphics experience, ideal for gaming and visually intensive applications. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 64MP, f/1.79 | Poco F4 captures more detailed photos; Moto G 5G might perform slightly better in low-light due to wider aperture. |
Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 20MP, f/2.4 | Poco F4 captures slightly more detailed selfies; Moto G 5G might perform slightly better in low-light due to wider aperture. |
Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar performance in wide-angle photography; differences in sensor size may lead to minor variations in image quality. |
Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer basic macro capabilities. Differences in sensor size may lead to minor variations in image quality. |
Video | 4K@30fps w/ EIS | 4K@60fps | Poco F4 has higher quality video capabilities at 60FPS; Poco F4 has better stabilization options, including OIS; different EIS. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Moto G 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
Charging | 20W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Poco F4 charges much faster, allowing users to get back up and running quickly. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Poco F4 offers a more modern operating system and potentially a longer software support lifespan. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Poco F4 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Poco F4 supports a more modern bluetooth standard; slight improvements in range, speed and reliability. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Poco F4 has significantly better location accuracy using more systems. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Poco F4 offers more internal storage options, ideal for users with large media libraries. |
RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Poco F4 has significantly more RAM in some configurations which leads to much better multitasking performance. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD cards. |
Audio | |||
Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco F4 offers better sound quality and more features for an enhanced audio experience. |
Security | |||
Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco F4 has better side-mounted fingerprint sensor, faster unlock and better ergonomics. |
Build Quality | |||
Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco F4 has a superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 5. |
Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Ultrasonic Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Slight differences in proximity sensor; both support features like motion and rotation detection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers a slightly larger 5000mAh battery which could result in longer battery life compared to the Poco F4, though this may be offset by the more efficient AMOLED display on the Poco F4.
- Potentially Wider Aperture Main Camera: The main camera has a slightly wider f/1.7 aperture compared to f/1.79 on the Poco F4, which could give marginal advantages in low light photography (though other factors also play a large part).
Xiaomi Poco F4 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness offers a much better visual experience with vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, and better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 870 chipset results in significantly higher benchmark scores and better performance in day-to-day tasks, gaming and multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces the time spent plugged in.
- Better Camera Capabilities: Offers higher resolution main and selfie cameras, with 4K@60fps video recording, and optical image stabilization (OIS) for video.
- Superior Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers for a superior multimedia experience.
- More Modern Software: Ships with Android 12 and expected upgrade to Android 13, offering a more current OS and longer potential software support.
- Improved Connectivity: Offers newer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for better wireless performance.
- Better Build Quality: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for improved screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Moto G 5G sacrifices performance and display quality for potentially longer battery life, while the Xiaomi Poco F4 excels in performance, display, and camera but might have slightly shorter battery life.
- The Poco F4 is a more modern phone and this is visible across the board, but the Moto G 5G may be more budget friendly.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a larger battery and are less concerned about high-end performance, display quality, or camera capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Daily browsing, social media, and basic app usage.
- Users who need a phone to last through a full day of basic usage without frequent charging.
- Those who prefer a simple, no-frills experience.
- Individuals who value a larger display over display quality.
Xiaomi Poco F4:
- Ideal User: Performance-oriented users who prioritize a high-quality display, powerful processor, better camera system, and a premium experience.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Users who want a vibrant display for consuming media.
- Users who prioritize a good camera system for high-quality photos and videos.
- Those who want the best possible performance in the price range.
- Users who need fast charging for quickly topping up the battery.
- Users who like to listen to high-quality music with the built in Dolby Atmos speakers.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco F4 offers a higher price-to-value ratio for users looking for premium features, superior performance, and a high quality display at a more budget friendly price point compared to other phones in the market.
- The Motorola Moto G 5G may offer better value for price conscious users who don't need the features and performance of the Poco F4.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions a buyer should consider when choosing between these two phones:
What is my primary use case?
- If the primary use case is battery life and basic functionality, the Moto G 5G could be sufficient.
- If the primary use case is gaming, media consumption, or high performance, the Poco F4 is a much better option.
How important is display quality?
- If a vibrant AMOLED display with a high refresh rate is important, the Poco F4 is the obvious choice.
- If display quality is less important, the LCD on the Moto G 5G is sufficient.
What's my budget?
- If budget is the primary concern, the Moto G 5G may be the more affordable option.
- If you want better performance and a higher-quality experience, and can spend slightly more, the Poco F4 is worth the extra cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious User): If you're looking for a basic smartphone with long battery life, and cost is a major concern, the Motorola Moto G 5G is a reasonable choice.
- Scenario 2 (Power User): If you need top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and good camera capabilities for gaming or other demanding tasks, the Xiaomi Poco F4 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3 (Media Enthusiast): If you consume a lot of video and audio content, the Xiaomi Poco F4 with its AMOLED display, stereo speakers, and Dolby Atmos support is superior.
Conclusion
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F4. The significantly better display, much faster performance, significantly faster charging, better camera capabilities, and more modern features and connectivity options outweigh the slightly larger battery on the Motorola Moto G 5G. The Poco F4 offers a much better overall experience for modern smartphone usage, making it the better choice despite its slightly smaller battery capacity, which is partially offset by a more efficient AMOLED panel. The Poco F4 also offers a higher price-to-value ratio considering the superior features it offers over the Moto G 5G.