1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | Motorola is slightly taller and thicker; Poco M4 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 212g | 200g | Poco M4 is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.58" | Motorola has a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both have similar sharpness; differences are negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 401 PPI | Both have very similar pixel density, resulting in comparable image clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar display technology; no significant visual difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Poco M4's 90Hz refresh rate will offer smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits; likely a data error and requires further verification. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Different processors; Snapdragon 750G is generally slightly more powerful for gaming, while Dimensity 700 is very similar in performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 381,300 | Very similar overall performance; neither has a clear advantage in raw speed. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs; both are suitable for casual gaming but may differ in graphics-intensive tasks, however performance is similar. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, indicating comparable battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Motorola charges slightly faster; difference is likely minimal. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Poco M4 can act as a power bank, potentially useful in emergencies. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 48MP, f/1.7 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Motorola captures more detailed shots and performs better in low light; Poco M4's image quality will be lower. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Motorola takes higher-resolution selfies with better detail; Xiaomi may not be suitable for social media posting. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Motorola provides more versatile photo options with a wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco M4 allows for a depth of field effect, however image quality will likely be low due to the low resolution. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Motorola can capture close-up shots, although quality may be limited. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Motorola allows for higher-resolution videos with smoother framerates and better stabilization, Poco is more basic. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Panorama | Dual camera, 4K Video | Motorola provides more manual control, while Poco M4 has 4k video support, although not on par with Motorola's due to limitations. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Poco M4 has a more recent version of Android, providing newer features and better security, though this will depend on ongoing updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities; Poco M4 supports Wi-Fi MiMO for potentially better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | Poco M4 offers slightly more Bluetooth options with HID. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco M4 uses more satellite systems for better location accuracy in some regions; Motorola has SUPL support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM cards; no significant difference. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Both offer similar internal storage options; no expandable storage on either device. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Both offer the same RAM options, suitable for basic multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports additional memory cards; users should select a storage variant which they think is appropriate. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Basic audio | Motorola has slightly better audio recording capabilities; Poco M4 may be lacking audio recording quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear fingerprint sensor | Side fingerprint sensor | Poco M4 uses a more modern side-mounted sensor, which many may find more convenient; Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M4 offers better screen protection and durability. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Both have the necessary sensors for common smartphone functions such as biometric authentication, auto brightness and motion sensing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, and 4K video recording capability provide more versatility and better image quality.
- Faster Charging: 20W fast charging is slightly quicker than Poco M4’s 18W, reducing charging time by a small amount.
- Enhanced Audio Recording: Includes 2 microphones which should improve the quality of recorded audio.
- More manual camera controls: Includes features such as RAW capture, which may appeal to people who like to edit their images after shooting.
- Slightly more powerful chipset: The Snapdragon 750G is generally a bit better for gaming than the Dimensity 700.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations compared to Motorola's 60Hz.
- Modern OS: Android 12 offers newer features and potentially better security than Motorola’s Android 10.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices is a convenient feature.
- Improved Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers better protection from scratches and minor impacts.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: A more modern sensor that many users find more convenient than a rear-mounted one.
- Better GPS: Better GPS due to the inclusion of Beidou for accurate and reliable navigation.
- Additional features: Includes extra features like HID for Bluetooth and MiMO for WiFi.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Superior camera capabilities and slightly better gaming performance come at the cost of a less modern OS, slower display, and basic design.
- Xiaomi: A smoother and more modern experience but sacrifices camera quality and manual controls.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Ideal User: Casual photographers and those who value a versatile camera system, prefer manual camera controls, and care slightly more about gaming performance than display refresh rate.
- Use Cases: Capturing higher quality photos and videos, playing graphically intensive games, and for users who record their voice using their smartphones.
- Value: Good performance and camera capabilities for the price.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Ideal User: Those who want a smooth and responsive phone experience, value a modern OS, and prioritize screen protection.
- Use Cases: Social media browsing, casual gaming, and those who desire modern features such as reverse charging.
- Value: Good value for a smoother, more modern experience, with added features for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality? If capturing detailed photos and videos is a priority, the Motorola is the better choice.
- Is a smoother display important? If a smoother experience with a higher refresh rate is preferred, the Poco M4 is the better choice.
- Is a modern OS, reverse charging and screen protection important? If a more up-to-date software, modern features and protection are important, then the Poco M4 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Enthusiast: If you love taking photos and videos, and you want the best image quality, the Motorola Moto G 5G is more suitable.
- Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for browsing, social media, and some light gaming, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G offers a smoother experience and more modern features.
- Budget-conscious user: If price is a major concern, check current market pricing as either phone may offer a slightly better price to value ratio.
Personal Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. While the Motorola boasts a superior camera system, the Poco M4's smoother 90Hz display, more modern Android version, and added features like reverse charging and better screen protection make it a more compelling option for my everyday use. The improvement in screen smoothness would significantly enhance my daily interactions with the device, and the added convenience of reverse charging could come in handy. I believe the slight sacrifice in camera quality is a trade-off worth making. Ultimately it depends on how much value is placed on camera quality vs. other factors. For a user who takes a lot of photos and videos, the Moto G 5G may be a better option.
