1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | The G31 is noticeably smaller and thinner, making it more comfortable to hold and pocket, especially for users with smaller hands. The G30 is bulkier and may feel less convenient to carry. |
| Weight | 200g | 181g | The G31 is significantly lighter (19g difference), which makes a difference during long periods of holding the phone, making it less tiring to use. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | A negligible difference in screen size of 0.1 inches; both screens are large enough for comfortable media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | The G31's higher resolution results in a noticeably sharper and clearer image. Text and images are significantly more defined, making it better for reading, browsing, and viewing media. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 411 | The G31's higher PPI results in crisper details and less pixelation, leading to a better viewing experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The G31's AMOLED screen provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the IPS LCD on the G30. This is especially noticeable when viewing dark-themed content or in darker environments. AMOLED also tends to be more power-efficient with darker colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | The G30's 90Hz refresh rate results in slightly smoother scrolling and animations, which some users may perceive as a more fluid experience, especially while gaming or browsing fast-moving content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same brightness, which is concerning. This indicates that either this data point is missing or both devices have an unfeasibly low brightness, and this should be taken with a grain of salt. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | The G31’s Mediatek Helio G85 offers slightly better general performance, which translates to smoother app loading, slightly better multitasking capabilities and better overall responsiveness than the G30. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 225,154 | The G31 achieves significantly higher benchmark scores, indicating better overall performance in daily tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | While both can handle basic games, the G31's Mali-G52 is better for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | The G30 has a higher megapixel count, which may translate to more detailed photos in ideal lighting. However, the sensor quality and processing also play a huge role. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | The G30's slightly wider aperture could allow a tiny bit more light into the sensor, potentially improving performance in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Not Specified | Samsung S5KJN1 | The G31's use of a known sensor may provide more predictability for image quality based on reviews and known strengths. The sensor size of the G31 is also noted (1/2.76"). |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 0.64 µm | The G30's larger pixel size could help with low-light photography, though sensor size is also a factor. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | Both front cameras are comparable. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixels | The G31's wider aperture might allow slightly better low-light wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | N/A | The G30 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots, while the G31 relies on software processing. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | Both phones offer a basic macro lens with similar capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps | The G30 can record video at 60 fps, which is better for smoother capture of motion. Both can record video at 1080p resolution, which is the most common resolution for social media. |
| Slow-motion Video | 60 fps | 120 fps | The G31's slow-motion video capability allows for a smoother and more detailed slow-motion effect. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, PDAF, LAF | Triple Camera, Digital Image Stabilization, PDAF, LAF | Both phones have PDAF and LAF, the G30 has a quadruple camera, and the G31 has digital image stabilization and a triple camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, meaning they should have comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | The G30 charges slightly faster with its 15W charger. This will result in shorter charging times when compared to the G31. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Both types of batteries are comparable. |
Software
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 12 | Android 11 | The G30 has a confirmed upgrade path to Android 12, while the G31 doesn't have a confirmed upgrade, potentially providing a longer lifespan in terms of software updates. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Wi-Fi Display | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards. The G31 has the additional Wi-Fi Display feature, allowing the user to display their screen on compatible devices. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE | Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE | Both offer standard Bluetooth features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | The G31 offers additional Beidou satellite support, which may increase GPS accuracy in certain regions |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both devices support the use of two SIM cards at the same time. |
Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both phones come in 64 or 128 GB versions. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 4GB | The G30 offers an optional 6 GB RAM version, which may allow for slightly better multi-tasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has an SD card slot for expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Features | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | The G31 has superior audio features with Dolby Atmos, enhancing the audio experience and providing better noise cancellation during voice calls with dual microphones. |
Security
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are usually more convenient and reliable than rear-mounted sensors. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither have any confirmed protection for the screen. |
Sensors
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The G31 includes a compass, which can be useful for navigation. The Gyroscope will be better for playing mobile games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Smoother Display (90Hz): Offers a slightly smoother user experience, especially for scrolling.
- Potentially Faster Charging (15W): Charges slightly faster, reducing the time spent plugged into an outlet.
- Quad Camera Setup: Includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography.
- Optional 6GB RAM: Offers a variant with higher RAM, suitable for multitasking.
- Confirmed Upgrade path: Has a confirmed upgrade path to Android 12.
Motorola Moto G31 Advantages:
- Superior Display (AMOLED, 1080p): Provides a much sharper, more vibrant, and color-accurate viewing experience with deeper blacks and better contrast.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more pocketable.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates a more responsive and smoother experience.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones provide better sound quality and call clarity.
- Better slow motion: Shoots video at 120fps, which is better for slow-motion capture
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and usually more reliable than rear-mounted sensors.
- Improved GPS: Includes Beidou support for more accurate location tracking in some regions.
- Additional Sensors: Has a compass sensor.
Trade-offs
- The Moto G30 has a smoother display but is bulkier, heavier, and has a lower resolution display. It also has a lower score in benchmarks, and the software updates might be limited compared to its competitor.
- The Moto G31 has a higher-quality display and superior performance but lacks the 90Hz refresh rate and faster charging seen in the G30. It also doesn't have an upgrade path for Android versions.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal Users:
- Users on a Very Strict Budget: Who prefer a smoother display at the expense of display quality and performance.
- Casual Gamers For whom a smoother refresh rate is more desirable.
- Users Who Value Faster Charging: Prioritizing charging speed over overall display and performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Browsing social media and online content.
- Basic gaming that benefits from a smoother refresh rate.
- Users who value smoother scrolling, although at the expense of screen quality.
- Users who do not prioritize having the best image quality on the screen.
Motorola Moto G31 Ideal Users:
- Users Who Prioritize Display Quality: Who want the best viewing experience for media consumption, web browsing, and general use.
- Users Who Value Performance: Users that value smoothness and responsiveness.
- Users Who Prioritize Audio Quality: Those who frequently consume media with audio and want a better experience.
- Users Who Value a Compact and Ergonomic Design: Those that prefer lighter and slimmer phones.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching videos, movies, and TV shows.
- Playing games that benefit from a good screen and faster processing.
- Everyday phone use where having a better quality screen makes a difference.
- Listening to music and having a good call quality.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The Motorola Moto G31 is likely to offer a better value for most users due to its superior display quality, performance, and enhanced audio features.
- The Motorola Moto G30 may offer better value for users who prioritize the smoother display and slightly faster charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider
- How important is display quality to you? If screen quality is a priority, the G31 is the clear choice due to its AMOLED display and higher resolution.
- Do you prioritize smoother animations or overall performance? The G30 offers a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, while the G31 provides better overall system performance.
- Is fast charging a crucial factor? If yes, the G30 is slightly better than the G31, although this difference is not huge.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1 (Media Consumption): Choose the Moto G31 for its superior AMOLED display and enhanced audio.
- Scenario 2 (Basic Usage, Limited Budget): Choose the Moto G30 for its smoother display and a potentially lower price.
- Scenario 3 (General Use & Gaming): Choose the Moto G31, for the extra performance and better display.
What I Would Choose
I would choose the Motorola Moto G31.
Here's why:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with its higher resolution is a significant upgrade. The practical impact of sharper text, vibrant colors, and deep blacks is noticeable in daily use. This is more important to me than a 90 Hz refresh rate.
- Better Performance: The G31's superior benchmark scores suggest a more responsive experience, which matters for everyday tasks and occasional gaming.
- Ergonomics: The G31’s lighter and more compact design is more practical for daily usage and carrying around in my pocket.
- Enhanced Audio: The addition of Dolby Atmos and dual microphones makes a difference for media consumption and voice calls.
While the Moto G30 does offer a higher refresh rate and slightly faster charging, the G31's overall experience is superior due to the superior screen and better performance, and these are aspects that I value more than having a smoother screen. The G31 offers a much better all-around experience.
