Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-07 | 2022-03-16 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro is a newer device, potentially offering more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Motorola Moto G 5G is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use and pocketing. |
| Weight | 212g | 179.5g | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | Motorola Moto G 5G has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 393 | 409 | Both have very similar pixel density; differences are negligible. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro has superior display technology with deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, ideal for multimedia viewing. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, improving the user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness; the value is likely missing since 0 nits would mean the phone's screen can't be turned on. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro has a newer chipset which translates to potentially better single core performance. The 8nm fabrication of the SD750g will make it more power efficient than the 12nm of the Helio G96 |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 438,700 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro has slightly better performance for daily tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both are mid-range GPUs; the Adreno 619 is commonly considered to be slightly more capable. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life for daily use. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Ion Polymer | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro offers a higher resolution main camera but with a smaller pixel size; Motorola's larger pixels and wider aperture may perform slightly better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.00µm | Motorola Moto G 5G has a wider aperture front camera, potentially performing slightly better in low-light conditions for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Both are similar; however the Xiaomi has a slightly larger pixel size. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Motorola Moto G 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while the M4 Pro does not. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Motorola Moto G 5G offers higher resolution video recording. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro runs on a newer version of Android, potentially offering more features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, dual-band | 802.11ac, dual-band | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE, A2DP, EDR | 5.1, LE, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, AAC | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro offers more advanced Bluetooth codecs for higher quality audio, especially useful with wireless headphones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | Unknown | Motorola Moto G 5G offers specific storage options. The M4 Pro's storage options are unknown |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | Unknown | Motorola Moto G 5G offers specific RAM options. The M4 Pro's RAM options are unknown |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro offers superior audio quality with stereo speakers and enhanced sound processing. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are more ergonomic for many users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro has better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones have comprehensive sensor suites. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption and gaming.
- 4K Video Recording: Captures higher-resolution videos with Electronic Image Stabilisation.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Phase Detection and Laser Autofocus: Potentially faster and more accurate focusing.
- Wider Aperture Front Camera: Better low-light selfies
- RAW Support: Greater flexibility for photographers who want to edit photos.
- Triple Camera: A versatile camera system with more shooting options.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Device: Potentially better software and more up-to-date features.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for extended use.
- Superior AMOLED Display: Better color accuracy, contrast, and brightness.
- 90Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother animations and transitions, enhancing the user experience.
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker battery top-ups.
- Higher AnTuTu Score: Marginally better performance for general use and gaming.
- Advanced Bluetooth Audio Codecs: Higher quality wireless audio with compatible headphones.
- Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Superior audio immersion and sound quality.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Ergonomically placed for unlocking the phone.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3: Better screen protection against scratches.
- More Precise GPS: Supports multiple satellite systems for better location accuracy.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Motorola has a larger screen but it's an IPS LCD screen and the phone is bulkier, while the Xiaomi has a smaller AMOLED with 90hz and it is much thinner.
- The Motorola has a higher resolution camera video and more camera features, whereas Xiaomi has a dual-camera setup with more advanced Bluetooth codecs and audio output.
- The Motorola has older software than the Xiaomi.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a larger display and 4k video recording.
- Users who prioritize photography with its macro lens and RAW support.
- Users who value a large screen for media consumption, such as movie watching.
- Users who prefer a wider-aperture camera for improved low-light photography.
- Users who enjoy basic to mid-range gaming with more emphasis on battery life.
- Users coming from older Motorola devices who are familiar with the user interface.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who value multimedia experience with AMOLED display and superior audio.
- Users who want smooth performance for daily tasks and light gaming.
- Users who need quick charging and longer-lasting battery life.
- Users who use Bluetooth audio devices frequently and value high-quality wireless sound.
- Users who prefer portability with the lighter and thinner design.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for ergonomic access.
- Users looking for a more modern phone with an up-to-date Android version.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and refresh rate? (AMOLED vs. IPS LCD, 90Hz vs 60Hz)
- Do you prefer larger screens or portability? (Size and weight of the devices)
- What are your video recording needs? (4K vs. 1080p)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Media Enthusiasts: If you watch a lot of videos or play games, the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro's AMOLED display, 90Hz refresh rate, and stereo speakers are ideal, and it charges faster.
- For Photographers: The Motorola Moto G 5G with its 4k Video, macro lens, and RAW support is a better choice, however, the camera sensor is slightly older.
- For Everyday Users: The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro provides a better balance of performance, display quality, and battery life for most common tasks.
- For Casual users: The Motorola is a better fit if budget is an issue.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro. Although the Motorola offers some appealing camera features and a larger screen, the Xiaomi presents a better overall experience. The AMOLED display with its 90Hz refresh rate, coupled with the stereo speakers and advanced Bluetooth codecs provides a superior media consumption experience. The faster charging is also a significant plus in my book. While the Motorola's camera has a macro lens, a wider front camera aperture and the 4k video recording are benefits; the newer chip and superior software in the Xiaomi make it the more compelling choice for me, outweighing the slightly less versatile camera. Ultimately, the Xiaomi's lighter build, superior display, faster charging, and better audio make it the more practical choice for my needs.
