1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | Poco X5 is slightly thinner (1.9mm), making it feel less bulky in hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 189g | Poco X5 is significantly lighter (23g), offering more comfortable long-term use, especially for one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in size, both offer large screen experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness, both offer crisp images. |
| PPI | 393 | 395 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Poco X5's AMOLED display provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency with dark themes, leading to more vibrant and immersive visuals. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Poco X5 offers significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Poco X5 is dramatically better for outdoor viewing and in bright sunlight (no brightness value for the Motorola makes its outdoor usability questionable). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Both offer 5G connectivity; the Snapdragon 695 (Poco X5) has better power efficiency (6nm), but the performance is slightly higher on the 750G (Moto G 5G) as shown below. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 422,900 | Poco X5 is expected to perform marginally better in day-to-day tasks and gaming, although difference is very small. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Identical GPU, meaning similar graphics processing capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 48MP f/1.7 | 48MP f/1.8 | Moto G 5G's wider aperture (f/1.7) allows slightly more light, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 16MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.45 | Moto G 5G has a higher resolution and wider aperture for potentially better and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Comparable wide-angle performance. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Comparable macro capabilities. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Moto G 5G offers higher video recording quality (4K) and smoother 60fps 1080p recording for action shots; both have EIS for more stable recording. |
| Features | LAF, Cont. Shooting, RAW, NM | Night Mode 2.0 | Motorola has more features in still photo processing while Poco X5 has a dedicated better night mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life can be expected. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Poco X5 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Both are non-removable, no practical implication for the user. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Poco X5 has a more recent version of Android out of the box, getting better software features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, dual band | 802.11ac, dual band, MiMO | Both offer similar Wi-Fi speeds, with Poco X5 having more robust connections with MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE, HID | Similar Bluetooth performance, with Poco X5 adding support for Human Interface Devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco X5 has wider satellite support (Beidou) for potentially better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both allow the use of two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Poco X5 provides significantly more storage options for media and files. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | Poco X5 offers better multitasking due to more RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Basic | Moto G 5G should offer slightly better voice call quality with more microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Poco X5's side-mounted fingerprint is generally faster and more easily accessible. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Light sensor | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola Moto G 5G features an additional light sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Main Camera Aperture: The wider f/1.7 aperture allows more light for potentially better low-light photos, but real-world performance will depend on image processing.
- Selfie Camera: Higher resolution (16MP) and wider aperture (f/2.2) which should result in more detailed selfies, but real-world quality will depend on image processing.
- Video Recording: Supports 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps (both with EIS), which provides higher quality video.
- Audio: Features an extra microphone for better voice call clarity.
- Additional Features: Includes a light sensor for automatic brightness control and more still photo processing features (RAW, LAF).
Xiaomi Poco X5 Advantages:
- Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate offers superior color, contrast, brightness, smoother motion and improved outdoor visibility compared to the Moto G 5G’s IPS LCD 60Hz screen.
- Performance: Marginally higher Antutu benchmark, 6nm efficient processor, should perform a tiny bit better.
- Charging Speed: Significantly faster 33W charging reduces downtime and increases convenience.
- Software: Comes with a newer version of Android (12) out of the box.
- RAM and Storage: Higher storage capacity options (256GB vs 128GB) and RAM (8GB vs 6GB) for better multitasking and storage of media.
- Security: Side-mounted fingerprint is generally more accessible.
- Connectivity: Supports WiFi MiMO and the Beidou GPS system.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G 5G: Sacrifices display quality and charging speed for slightly better camera features and audio quality (additional microphone). The user might be stuck with a very dim screen outdoors.
- Poco X5: While it has a superior display, it loses the additional still image processing features, additional microphone and slightly worse main and selfie camera performance than the Moto G 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Photographers: Users who prioritize camera features for still photos and video recording quality, and can tolerate a less impressive display and slower charging.
- Users Who Prioritize Audio Clarity: Users who depend on good voice call quality and don't mind the other sacrifices.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality video footage in various scenarios, especially where 4K recording is needed.
- Taking advantage of the RAW image capabilities for detailed photo editing.
- Users who take many calls and value the slightly enhanced audio clarity with two microphones.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who value a vibrant, smooth display for watching videos and playing games.
- Gamers: Users who will benefit from the 120Hz refresh rate for smoother motion.
- Multitaskers: Users who require more RAM for smooth app switching and handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Users Who Want Fast Charging: Users who want the convenience of quick battery top-ups.
Use Cases:
- Watching high-definition videos and movies with vibrant colors and smooth motion.
- Playing graphic-intensive games with smooth and responsive graphics.
- Multitasking between multiple apps seamlessly.
- Users who frequently charge their phone and value fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Quality: How important is a vibrant display with smooth motion to you? Are you willing to sacrifice camera quality for a better screen?
- Charging Speed: Do you need faster charging to get the battery topped off quickly? How important is convenience to you?
- Camera Features: Do you prioritize advanced still image processing features like RAW, or do you prefer a superior display and overall experience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User, Media Consumption Focus: If you primarily use your phone for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing casual games, the Xiaomi Poco X5 is the better choice due to its superior display, RAM, storage, and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Photography-Focused, Budget-Conscious User: If you are on a tight budget and require a phone with better still image processing and video recording capabilities and are willing to tolerate the IPS display and slower charging, the Motorola Moto G 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 3: All-Around User, balanced performance: If you want an all around phone with a better experience, it would be wise to choose the Xiaomi Poco X5 due to its better display, efficient processor, faster charging, more storage and more RAM and side mounted fingerprint sensor.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X5. While the Motorola Moto G 5G offers slightly better still image and video recording on paper, the practical advantages of the Poco X5 are more compelling for most users. The AMOLED 120Hz display alone makes a huge difference in the daily user experience, providing superior viewing quality for any kind of content consumption. The faster 33W charging is also a significant convenience, as is the extra RAM and storage. While the Moto G 5G has some potential advantages in certain camera situations, the overall package of the Poco X5 is superior for modern smartphone usage.
The trade-off in the camera performance and audio clarity are minimal and do not outweigh the benefits offered by Poco X5. The slightly better performance from the Poco X5 chipset, especially with the 6nm node, also contributes to a smoother overall experience.
In summary, for most users, the Xiaomi Poco X5 is the better choice due to its vastly superior screen, faster charging, more RAM and storage, and newer OS.
