1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 161.6 × 73.8 × 8.1 mm | G55 is more compact and easier to handle, fits better in pockets. G30 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 179g | G55 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. G30 is heavier, potentially causing fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.49" | Virtually identical screen size. The slight difference is negligible for most users. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | G55 offers a sharper and more detailed viewing experience, making text and images clearer. G30 can appear pixelated in comparison. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 405 | G55 has much sharper text and images, better for reading, viewing photos and watching videos. G30 display will look less crisp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Same technology on both, meaning similar color reproduction and viewing angles, however, this does not factor in quality of panels or calibration |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | G55 display feels smoother and more responsive, especially when scrolling or gaming. G30 is still smooth, but less so. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness, however this is an inaccurate measurement. No way of knowing which phone has brighter display. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7025 (6 nm) | G55 offers significantly faster processing speeds and is more energy-efficient. G30 can be slow in comparison and less battery effecient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 470,000 | G55 provides much better performance, better for demanding apps and games. G30 is better for basic tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | IMG BXM-8-256 | G55 has a better GPU meaning higher frame rates and detail in games. G30 is adequate for basic gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, should last a full day for most users under normal use. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 30W fast charging, Li-Polymer | G55 charges much faster, so less time plugged in. Both have good longevity, but the battery composition differs. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | G55 can charge other devices, G30 can not. Both are non-removable. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8 | G30 has a higher megapixel count, but the differences are negligible. Both will capture good daytime images. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.4 | G55 provides better selfie images due to slightly higher resolution and is better for social media. G30 is adequate for basic selfies. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Both have similar wide angle performance with same resolution and aperture |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP f/2.4 | None | G30 has dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effects. G55 relies on software for portrait mode which might be less accurate. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | G30 offers macro lens for extreme close up shots. G55 does not. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps; No stabilization; 60fps slow-mo | 1080p@30/60fps; Yes stabilization; 120fps slow-mo | G55 offers more stable video recording with better slow motion capture. G30 is more basic. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF, LAF, etc. | Dual camera, OIS, 4K video, etc. | G55 has more advanced video and night mode, including digital and optical stabilization. G30 has an extra sensor, but worse overall quality |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | G55 has the latest Android version and will likely receive more updates. G30 is less secure and feature-rich due to its older OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11ac, Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MIMO | G55 supports additional WiFi features: Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | G55 has newer Bluetooth, offers better sound quality with compatible devices using APT-x, LDAC, AAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, L1+L5, B1 | G55 has better positioning with support for more satellite systems, resulting in better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | G55 has support for eSIM, which allows for dual sim use without using 2 physical sim cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | G55 has more internal storage space available at maximum configurations, which is great for media hoarders. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB | G55 has more RAM, which is important for smooth multitasking and app switching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phones have expandable storage, therefore storage is limited. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | G55 has superior audio quality with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer good security with fingerprint sensor, but side mounted is more ergonomical. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | G55 has better screen protection, less prone to scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | G30 has a Gyroscope for motion tracking, G55 has a compass for orientation, different use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Offers a dedicated macro camera for extreme close-up shots and a depth sensor for better portrait mode. This caters to users who enjoy detailed photography and bokeh effects.
- Gyroscope Sensor: It includes a Gyroscope which is good for motion tracking and motion related experiences.
Motorola Moto G55 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 7025 chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds and better energy efficiency. This means smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density result in a much clearer and more detailed display, providing a better visual experience for all tasks.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups, significantly reducing time spent tethered to a charger.
- Better Video Recording: Includes optical image stabilization, 4K recording, and better slow-motion capture for enhanced video quality.
- Modern OS: Running Android 14 offers the latest features and security updates, along with likely continued software support.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience.
- More Storage: Higher maximum storage capacity at 256GB offers more space for photos, videos, and apps.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Bluetooth with higher quality audio codecs (aptX, LDAC, AAC), as well as Wi-Fi Display, and more satellite systems for location.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Camera: The G30 has a dedicated macro and depth sensor while the G55 omits these and goes for a dual camera configuration. The G55 has superior overall imaging and features despite missing a macro lens.
- Software: The G30 runs on an older software, while the G55 runs on the newer software and will receive more updates.
- Sensor: The G30 has a gyroscope for motion tracking whereas the G55 has a compass for orientation.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability over cutting-edge performance.
- Basic Photography Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate macro and portrait photography but don't require top-tier image quality.
- Casual Gamers: Users who mainly play simple, less demanding games.
- Users content with older software who aren't bothered by having an older version of Android.
- Users who need a Gyroscope.
Use Cases for Moto G30:
- Everyday browsing and social media.
- Basic photo and video capture.
- Simple gaming.
- Long battery life for prolonged use without demanding tasks.
- Budget-friendly option for students or secondary phone.
Motorola Moto G55 Ideal User:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who value speed, responsiveness, and multitasking capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos or play games and appreciate a high-quality display and audio.
- Photography and Video Creators: Individuals who want good quality photos and video recording with optical image stabilization and better features.
- Future-Proof Users: Those who prefer newer software and will require it to function well into the future.
Use Cases for Moto G55:
- Demanding app usage and multitasking.
- High-quality video streaming and gaming.
- High-resolution photo and video capture for social media or sharing.
- Longer software update support.
- Traveling with reliance on navigation and GPS
- Wanting a modern phone with latest features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and smooth multitasking? If the answer is very important, G55 is the better option.
- How often do you capture video and take photos? If often and high-quality is important, the G55 would be better suited.
- Is having the latest software important? If so, the G55 would be better suited as the G30 is stuck on an old Android version.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget & Basic Use: If you need a budget phone with basic photography and no concern for software updates, choose the G30.
- Performance & Media: If you're a heavy user, value smooth performance, enjoy multimedia consumption, and need a good camera, go with the G55.
- Value Seekers: If you prefer the best overall experience and modern features, the G55 provides better value for the money if the price is similar.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Moto G55. While the G30 might be appealing for its macro lens and lower price, the advantages offered by the G55 are more compelling for my typical use case. The higher performance, sharper display, better video capabilities, more recent software, enhanced audio, and faster charging are worth the extra cost, if any.
Specifically, I frequently switch between apps, watch videos, and use my phone for navigation, all of which the G55 would handle significantly better. The faster charging is also a practical advantage.
While I appreciate the macro lens, the overall camera quality and stabilization offered by the G55 is more essential to my needs. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is also a slight convenience over the rear one. The modern software will ensure that I can continue using the phone for longer, which is an advantage for me.
Therefore, the Moto G55 provides a more well-rounded, future-proof experience for me.
