Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Motorola Moto G52
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G52 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | 160.1 x 74.5 x 8 mm | G52 is more compact and thinner, potentially more comfortable to hold, especially for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 200g | 169g | G52 is noticeably lighter, making it easier to carry and use for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible size difference in real-world use. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | G52 has a significantly sharper display; text, images, and videos will appear clearer and more detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 269 ppi | 402 ppi | G52 has a visibly sharper screen. Individual pixels are less noticeable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | G52's AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better contrast, making media consumption more enjoyable. It's also more power-efficient, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both have smooth scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown for both phones, which makes a comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | G52's newer 6nm chipset is more power-efficient and offers better performance, resulting in slightly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and overall better responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 216,000 | G52 has better performance, which will result in better user experience with demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Similar GPU performance, but combined with G52's newer chipset, gaming may be slightly smoother on the G52. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.4MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8 | G30 has a higher resolution, but G52 has a newer sensor, which may improve image quality. G30's wider aperture may result in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.45 | G52 has a slightly higher resolution for selfies. G30's wider aperture may allow for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle lens performance. |
| Portrait mode | 2MP f/2.4 | None | G30 has a dedicated depth sensor that allows for better portrait mode background blurring. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | G30 can record smoother video with 60fps at full HD resolution. However, G52 has 4K video recording not available in G30. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Laser autofocus (LAF), RAW | Triple camera, 4K video | G30 includes Laser AF, which may result in faster focusing. G30 allows more photography options with RAW. G52 allows for 4K video, which is useful for higher quality video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for both phones. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 30W fast charging | G52 charges significantly faster, which reduces downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 12 | G52 has a more up-to-date operating system out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Hotspot, Direct | Both phones share similar WiFi, but the G30 is dual band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP | 5.0 LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP, APT-x | G52 has a wider range of Bluetooth profiles which results in better compatibility with various Bluetooth devices, including specific audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Similar GPS performance for navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both phones allow for two SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | G52 has an option for larger 256GB storage. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB | Similar RAM options for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | G52 has superior audio output and quality, providing a more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G52's side-mounted sensor is generally more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | G52 has better screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | G52 has a compass for improved navigation and orientation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Wider aperture on main and selfie cameras: May provide slightly better low-light photos compared to Moto G52.
- Laser Autofocus (LAF): Potentially faster and more accurate focusing in some situations.
- RAW image capture: More flexibility for photo editing for photography enthusiasts.
- 1080p@60fps Video recording: Smoother video.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Better hardware portrait mode.
Practical Implications of G30 Advantages:
- Better low-light photography.
- More manual control over photography and videography.
- Better portrait mode.
Motorola Moto G52 Advantages:
- Significantly sharper AMOLED display: Improved viewing experience with better colors and contrast.
- Newer, more power-efficient chipset: Offers slightly better performance and better battery life.
- Faster 30W charging: Reduces charging time and downtime.
- Higher pixel density: Sharper text, images and videos.
- Better Bluetooth: Wider range of supported audio codecs.
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos: Better audio experience.
- Optional 256GB storage: More storage space for media, apps, and files.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient placement for unlocking.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5: Better screen protection against scratches and damage.
- Compass Sensor: Improved navigation.
- 4K video: Captures video at higher quality.
Practical Implications of G52 Advantages:
- Better multimedia experience.
- Better performance, especially with apps.
- Faster charging.
- More immersive audio.
- More convenient to use and unlock.
- Better navigation and more durable.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G30 has a dedicated depth sensor for portraits, but G52 has superior image quality with a newer sensor and AMOLED display.
- The Moto G30 offers 1080p@60fps video recording whereas the G52 is limited to 1080p@30fps. However the G52 offers 4k recording.
- The Moto G30 has laser autofocus, while the G52 does not.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a reliable phone with a capable camera at a lower price.
- Users who prioritize camera features: Users who prefer manual camera controls and have photography as a core function.
- Users who do not prioritize screen quality: Those who do not require a sharp screen.
Use Cases for Moto G30:
- Everyday photography, especially in low light situations.
- Basic multitasking and social media.
- Users who want manual camera controls.
Motorola Moto G52 Ideal User:
- Users who value display quality: Those who want a vibrant and sharp screen for media consumption.
- Users who value audio: Those who want good audio from their phones
- Users who want better performance: Those who want a smoother experience, especially with apps.
- Users who prioritize convenience: Those who want faster charging and better security features.
- Users who prefer a more modern phone: Users who value newer technology and features.
Use Cases for Moto G52:
- Streaming videos, gaming and browsing.
- Users who need fast charging.
- Users who prioritize ease of use and convenience.
Price-to-Value:
- The Moto G30 offers good value for basic users due to its lower price point. It still provides a decent experience for day to day tasks.
- The Moto G52 offers a more premium experience with features such as the AMOLED display, faster charging and better audio. For users who prioritize these features it will provide better value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? (If crucial, the AMOLED screen of the G52 is a significant advantage.)
- How important is low-light photography and manual camera control? (If critical, the G30’s features are preferable.)
- What's more important: a lower price or a more modern and convenient experience? (The G30 will be cheaper whereas the G52 is a more modern phone)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: The Budget Photographer
- Recommendation: Moto G30 due to its superior low light photography features.
Scenario 2: The Multimedia Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Moto G52 due to its superior screen quality and audio.
Scenario 3: The Everyday User
- Recommendation: Moto G52, its superior display, faster charging, better performance and overall better experience will provide a better experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Motorola Moto G52. While the Moto G30 offers some advantages in the camera department (laser autofocus and RAW capture), the G52's superior AMOLED display, faster charging, better performance, improved audio, and overall more modern features provide a far better user experience for daily use. I value the enhanced media consumption experience that the AMOLED display provides, and the faster charging will definitely be more practical. The G52's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is also a more convenient placement for me. Though the G30 is slightly cheaper, I would pick the G52 for a slightly premium experience.
