Motorola Moto G 5G vs ZTE nubia Z50S Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 7, 2020 July 27, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 125.14 cm³ 103.8 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.16 "/g 2.98 "/g
Weight 212 g 228 g
Height 166.1 mm 163.9 mm
Width 76.1 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 9.9 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Frosted Silver
  • Volcanic Gray
  • Black
  • Khaki
  • Silver/White

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1260 x 2800
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.7 % 89.3 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 452 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1200 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 111.38 mAh/in² 110.29 mAh/in²
Battery Density 39.96 mAh/cm³ 49.13 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5100 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 619 Adreno 740 (719 MHz)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.1
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 3.1

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 13
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. ZTE nubia Z50S Pro

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GZTE nubia Z50S ProPractical Impact
Dimensions166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm163.9 × 76.3 × 8.3 mmThe Nubia is slightly shorter and significantly thinner, likely feeling more pocketable and comfortable. The Motorola is a bit bulkier.
Weight212g228gThe Motorola is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and less tiring to hold.

Display

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GZTE nubia Z50S ProPractical Impact
Size6.7"6.8"Minimal difference in screen size; both offer a large viewing area.
Resolution1080x24001260x2800The Nubia's higher resolution results in noticeably sharper images, text, and more detail when viewing high-resolution content.
PPI393452The Nubia's higher pixel density will provide a visibly sharper screen with less pixelation.
TechnologyIPS LCDAMOLEDThe Nubia's AMOLED screen will have richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast ratios, making for a more enjoyable visual experience, especially for media consumption. It also offers better power efficiency for dark themes.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzThe Nubia’s 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences, making the phone feel more responsive and fluid.
Brightness0 nits1500 nitsThe Nubia offers superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Motorola Moto G 5G's brightness specification is missing/incorrect.

Performance

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GZTE nubia Z50S ProPractical Impact
ChipsetQualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4 nm)The Nubia's significantly more powerful chipset results in much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, more graphically intensive gaming, and an overall snappier experience. It's also more future-proof.
AnTuTu Score390,0001,579,720The Nubia has more than 3 times higher performance for demanding tasks, including gaming, video editing and intensive app use.
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 740The Nubia's superior GPU means much better graphics performance in demanding applications and games.

Camera

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GZTE nubia Z50S ProPractical Impact
Standard Camera48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm pixel size54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49" sensor, Sony IMX800, 1.00 µm pixel sizeThe Nubia should perform better in low light with the larger sensor and larger pixel size, capturing more light and detail.
Telephoto + PortraitNone8MP, f/2.4, Hynix HI-847, 1.00 µm pixel sizeThe Nubia allows for optical zoom and dedicated portrait shots. The Motorola lacks this versatile camera feature.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm pixel size16MP, f/2.5, 1/3.06" sensor, Omnivision OV16A10, 1.00 µm pixel sizeThe Motorola's slightly wider aperture might perform marginally better in low-light selfies, but the Nubia's sensor may result in better overall quality.
Wide-Angle Camera8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.88" sensor, Omnivision OV50D40, 0.61 µm pixel sizeThe Nubia's wide angle has superior resolution, resulting in much more detailed shots. Its wider aperture should also perform better in low-light wide-angle scenarios.
Macro Camera2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel sizeNoneThe Motorola has a dedicated macro camera for very close-up shots; the Nubia lacks this feature.
Video Recording4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS; No Video Stabilization8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps with EIS; Yes Video StabilizationThe Nubia offers far superior video capabilities with 8K recording and higher frame rates, plus more advanced video stabilization technology.

Battery

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GZTE nubia Z50S ProPractical Impact
Capacity5000mAh5100mAhSimilar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life for everyday use, however, real-world battery life depends heavily on usage patterns.
Charging20W fast charging80W fast chargingThe Nubia charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and getting users back to their activities sooner.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:

  • Lighter Build: The phone is significantly lighter (16g less) which may be preferable for users who prefer a more lightweight device.
  • Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens allows for extreme close-up photography, a feature the ZTE nubia lacks.
  • Slightly Wider Selfie Aperture: The f/2.2 aperture on the selfie camera might offer slightly better low-light performance, though this may not be very noticeable due to other sensor differences.
  • Lower Price: Given it is an older and less powerful device, the Motorola Moto G 5G will likely be significantly cheaper.

ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED screen with much higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a far superior viewing experience.
  • Massively Improved Performance: The newer, much more powerful chipset delivers significantly better performance across all tasks, from gaming to app loading.
  • Enhanced Camera System: Offers superior image quality with larger sensors, better aperture, and more versatile shooting options (telephoto, superior wide-angle), as well as advanced video features (8K recording, 120fps, optical image stabilization and gimbal).
  • Faster Charging: Significantly faster 80W charging reduces charging time, making it more convenient for everyday use.
  • Greater Internal Storage: Offers much higher storage options (256GB/1TB) compared to the Motorola (64GB/128GB).
  • Advanced Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards, offering faster speeds and better connection stability, as well as more satellite systems for precise location tracking.
  • Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio quality over the single speaker found in the Motorola Moto G 5G

Trade-offs:

  • The ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is heavier and slightly bulkier, which some users might find less comfortable.
  • The Motorola Moto G 5G, while offering lesser performance, provides a dedicated macro camera.
  • Motorola uses a standard proximity sensor, while ZTE uses an ultrasonic virtual sensor. There is no clear winner for which sensor type is "better" as they are often implemented differently.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:

  • Budget-conscious: Those looking for a basic 5G smartphone at a lower price point.
  • Light user: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, messages, social media, and light browsing.
  • Macro Photography enthusiasts: Those who enjoy taking close-up macro photos.
  • Users with Physical Limitations: May prefer a slightly lighter device.

Use Cases:

*   Everyday browsing, social media, and messaging
*   Casual photography
*   Basic mobile gaming
*  As a backup phone or for users who do not require a high-performance device

ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Ideal User:

  • Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who demand top-tier performance and responsiveness.
  • Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, movies, and enjoying vibrant visuals.
  • Photography and Videography Focused Users: Those who want a versatile camera system with excellent image quality and advanced video capabilities.
  • Users who value cutting-edge technology: Those who prefer having the latest features in terms of connectivity, storage and charging speed.

Use Cases:

*   High-end mobile gaming
*   Professional photography and videography
*   Mobile content creation
*   Intensive multitasking
*   Enjoying high-resolution media
*   Frequent travel and navigation using multiple satellite system tracking

Price-to-Value: The Motorola offers good value if the cost is a priority, focusing on basic functionality at a lower price point. The ZTE offers a premium experience and top-tier specifications that will provide greater value for power users but may come with a significantly higher price.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is my budget? The price difference between these two phones will likely be significant.
  2. How important is performance to me? Do you need the highest performance for gaming, video editing, and intensive apps, or will basic performance suffice?
  3. How important are camera features and quality? Do you need advanced shooting options, or will basic camera features be sufficient?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget-Conscious Buyer: If price is the primary concern and your needs are basic (calls, social media, light browsing), the Motorola Moto G 5G is a more affordable choice.
  • Performance & Display Enthusiast: If you demand the best performance, a superior display, and an excellent camera for high-end gaming, photography, and media consumption, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the clear choice.
  • Practical, Everyday User: If your priority is ease of use and comfort in handling the phone, and you don't need the very best specs, the Motorola Moto G 5G's lighter weight may sway your decision.

What I Would Choose

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro.

Here's why:

  • Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 is a huge leap in performance over the Snapdragon 750G, making the phone much more fluid and responsive for daily use and demanding tasks.
  • Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution and brightness is a game-changer, particularly for media consumption and gaming. I value visual fidelity.
  • Enhanced Camera System: The vastly improved main camera, the inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens, and much better wide-angle lens provide more versatility and should result in higher quality shots and video overall. 8K recording is another notable advantage.
  • Faster Charging: The 80W fast charging is a huge convenience for me, as I can quickly top up my phone during the day and reduce downtime.
  • Future-Proofing: The newer chipset, advanced connectivity and greater storage will make this phone remain relevant longer.

While the Motorola Moto G 5G might be suitable for a user who has a smaller budget, the ZTE offers a premium experience that aligns with my needs for high performance, a great display, and a versatile camera system. The minor weight difference is a worthwhile trade off for the vastly improved experience it provides.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.