1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Nokia G100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-17 | 2022-10-01 | Nokia G100 is newer, potentially offering longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | Similar size and weight; Nokia G100 slightly taller and thinner. Minimal practical difference. |
| Weight | 200g | 195.1g | Both phones feel similar in hand, minor weight difference is negligible. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.52" | Virtually identical screen sizes; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Identical sharpness; both are HD+ displays, may appear less sharp than FHD for some users. |
| PPI | 269 | 269 | Identical pixel density, similar sharpness for both screens. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color accuracy and viewing angles; both are standard LCD panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Motorola G30 offers a smoother scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither phone's peak brightness is specified; hard to comment on outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Identical performance profiles; both offer similar CPU processing power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 201,615 | Nokia G100 scores slightly higher, may translate to marginally smoother app performance and slightly faster load times. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Identical graphics performance; both will handle basic games but not demanding titles at high settings. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7 | 13MP, f/2.0 | Motorola G30 has much higher resolution and wider aperture, suggesting better low-light performance and more detail in photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.4 | Motorola G30 has higher resolution and wider aperture, implying better selfies and low-light performance compared to Nokia G100 |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Motorola G30 has higher resolution for wider angle photos. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth sensors; both provide basic portrait mode capabilities. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola G30 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps; 60 fps slow-motion | 1080p@30fps; 120 fps slow-motion | Motorola offers 60fps standard video recording; Nokia offers slightly higher framerate in slow-mo recording. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF, LAF, RAW | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Night Mode | Motorola has more advanced focusing tech and RAW capture while Nokia includes night mode and stabilization |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life; both should easily last a full day for moderate usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Both phones have standard 15W charging, may take some time to fully charge. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 12 | Nokia G100 has a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | Nokia G100 additionally supports Wi-Fi Display feature. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP | 5.0 LE, A2DP | Both have same bluetooth version for standard use. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Motorola G30 has better location accuracy with more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Identical dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 32GB/128GB | Nokia G100 has a lower storage variant of 32GB; both offer a 128GB option. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 3GB/4GB | Motorola G30 can have more RAM potentially better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | 2 microphones | Nokia G100 likely provides better voice capture quality. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nokia G100's sensor location is often preferred for convenience. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G100 has better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Nokia G100 has barometer sensor adding functionality for outdoor users. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Superior Main Camera: 64.4MP sensor with wider f/1.7 aperture for better detail and low-light performance.
- Better Selfie Camera: 13MP front camera with f/2.2 aperture, capturing more detail and light than the Nokia G100's 8MP, f/2.4 camera.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: Offers close-up photography not available on the Nokia G100.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 90Hz display provides a smoother visual experience compared to the Nokia G100's 60Hz.
- More RAM Option: Up to 6GB RAM allows for better multitasking capabilities for demanding users.
- More Satellite Support: Includes SUPL and Galileo for improved location accuracy.
- 60fps standard video recording: Motorola G30 allows for 60fps video recording, useful for smoother footage and faster paced scenes.
- PDAF, LAF & RAW: Includes more advanced autofocus system and the ability to capture raw image files.
Practical Implications (Moto G30): Better photography in various conditions, smoother scrolling, slightly better multitasking, and more accurate location services.
Nokia G100 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Launched with Android 12 out of the box, potentially providing longer software support and updated features.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Considered more convenient by some users compared to the rear-mounted sensor on the Moto G30.
- Digital Image Stabilization & Night Mode: Enhanced camera performance in low light with Night mode and provides image stabilization for recording video.
- Wi-Fi Display: Supports Wi-Fi display for easy screen mirroring.
- Barometer: Includes a barometer for environmental readings.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3: Better screen protection against scratches and minor damage.
- 120 fps slow-motion recording: Allows for more detailed slow-motion recording.
- Slightly Higher AnTuTu Benchmark: Suggests marginally smoother performance.
- 2 Microphones: Provides better audio quality during voice recording.
Practical Implications (Nokia G100): More up-to-date software, slightly more intuitive security, added protection and more advanced camera modes, and better voice capturing.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Moto G30: Loses out on side fingerprint sensor, slightly less refined software experience, and lacks screen protection and better night photography.
- Nokia G100: Lacks higher refresh rate and macro lens. Main camera sensor is inferior to Motorola G30's in detail and low light performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30:
- Ideal User: Individuals who prioritize photography, smoother display, and multitasking.
- Use Cases:
- Users who take a lot of photos and want quality images.
- Users who often browse social media or web pages and appreciate a smoother display.
- Users who engage in moderate multitasking.
- Users who need accurate location for navigation.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for camera capabilities and higher refresh rate if purchased at lower price point.
Nokia G100:
- Ideal User: Individuals who prioritize software updates, security, and build quality.
- Use Cases:
- Users who prefer newer Android versions.
- Users who value a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users who need basic screen protection.
- Users who want better audio recording quality and Night Mode.
- Users who do not need high performance games.
- Price-to-Value: Good value if screen protection, software updates, and design elements are more important than camera and refresh rate.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Photography Needs: How important is camera quality, especially in low-light, and do you need a macro camera?
- Display Preferences: Do you value a smoother refresh rate more or screen protection?
- Software & Security: Do you prioritize the latest Android version and side mounted sensor?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User & Social Media: If you primarily use your phone for social media, browsing, and light photography, the Nokia G100 is a reasonable choice with its newer software, better screen protection, and good audio capture.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast on a Budget: The Motorola Moto G30 is ideal for users who want better photos, a macro lens, and a smoother display. The additional camera features and higher refresh rate justify the trade off.
- Scenario 3: User Focused on Durability and Convenience: The Nokia G100 is preferable for its side mounted sensor, screen protection, and newer software features if performance isn't the highest priority.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would lean towards the Motorola Moto G30. Here's why:
While both phones are very similar, the Moto G30's strengths align with my personal priorities for a smartphone in this category. I value a smoother display experience, which the 90Hz refresh rate offers, and I prefer a better main camera sensor with more megapixels to allow for flexibility in different lighting situations, especially when the low light shots are better with wider aperture, along with macro lens for flexibility. Although the Nokia has newer software, better screen protection, and other features like night mode, the improvement in camera and refresh rate outweighs those advantages in my personal use case.
