Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. ZTE nubia Z50S Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 163.9 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | The Nubia is slightly shorter and significantly thinner, likely feeling more pocketable and comfortable. The Motorola is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 228g | The Motorola is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and less tiring to hold. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Minimal difference in screen size; both offer a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | The Nubia's higher resolution results in noticeably sharper images, text, and more detail when viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 393 | 452 | The Nubia's higher pixel density will provide a visibly sharper screen with less pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The 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 Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Nubia’s 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences, making the phone feel more responsive and fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | The Nubia offers superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Motorola Moto G 5G's brightness specification is missing/incorrect. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm 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 Score | 390,000 | 1,579,720 | The Nubia has more than 3 times higher performance for demanding tasks, including gaming, video editing and intensive app use. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | The Nubia's superior GPU means much better graphics performance in demanding applications and games. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm pixel size | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49" sensor, Sony IMX800, 1.00 µm pixel size | The Nubia should perform better in low light with the larger sensor and larger pixel size, capturing more light and detail. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | None | 8MP, f/2.4, Hynix HI-847, 1.00 µm pixel size | The Nubia allows for optical zoom and dedicated portrait shots. The Motorola lacks this versatile camera feature. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm pixel size | 16MP, f/2.5, 1/3.06" sensor, Omnivision OV16A10, 1.00 µm pixel size | The 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 Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.88" sensor, Omnivision OV50D40, 0.61 µm pixel size | The 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 Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | None | The Motorola has a dedicated macro camera for very close-up shots; the Nubia lacks this feature. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS; No Video Stabilization | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps with EIS; Yes Video Stabilization | The Nubia offers far superior video capabilities with 8K recording and higher frame rates, plus more advanced video stabilization technology. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5100mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life for everyday use, however, real-world battery life depends heavily on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 80W fast charging | The 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:
- What is my budget? The price difference between these two phones will likely be significant.
- How important is performance to me? Do you need the highest performance for gaming, video editing, and intensive apps, or will basic performance suffice?
- 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.
