Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Nothing Phone (1)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 mm | Moto G30 is taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use; Nothing Phone (1) is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 200g | 193.5g | Nothing Phone (1) is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.55" | Negligible difference; both offer a similar screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Nothing Phone (1) offers significantly sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 402 | Nothing Phone (1)'s display looks much clearer and detailed. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Nothing Phone (1) has vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (1) provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) has much better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) has a more scratch and shatter resistant display |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Nothing Phone (1) is significantly faster, smoother for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 624,253 | Nothing Phone (1) has much better performance overall, with faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 642L | Nothing Phone (1) offers superior graphics performance, better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7, 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor, 1.00µm pixel (Sony IMX766) | Nothing Phone (1) sensor has superior low-light performance and potentially better dynamic range despite lower resolution. |
| Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13" sensor, 1.00µm pixel (Sony IMX471) | Nothing Phone (1) selfie camera has more detail and a slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | No dedicated | Motorola has a dedicated Wide Angle lens camera. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No dedicated | Motorola Moto G30 has a dedicated portrait mode lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No dedicated | Motorola Moto G30 has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No dedicated | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm pixel (Samsung S5KJN1) | Nothing Phone (1) offers a wide-angle macro camera in one module. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (HDR, EIS) | Nothing Phone (1) offers much better video quality with 4K recording and electronic image stabilization. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes, EIS & OIS | Nothing Phone (1) has better stabilization. |
| Slow Motion | 60fps | 120fps | Nothing Phone (1) can record in higher frame rate for smoother slow-motion. |
| Additional Features | Quadruple camera, Laser autofocus (LAF) | 4K Video, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Manual focus, Night Mode | Nothing Phone (1) provides more versatile and stable camera setup for complex scenarios. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Motorola Moto G30 potentially offers longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 33W | Nothing Phone (1) charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, No charger in box, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 5W | Nothing Phone (1) offers more flexibility with wireless charging and reverse charging but does not come with charger in box. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 15) | Nothing Phone (1) provides a more modern Android experience and longer software support. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Nothing Phone (1) has faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE (A2DP, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | Nothing Phone (1) has a newer Bluetooth version with better audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC | Nothing Phone (1) has better location accuracy using multiple satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both offer Dual Sim support. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Nothing Phone (1) offers a higher maximum storage option. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | Nothing Phone (1) has much more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports MicroSD card. |
| Audio Quality | Basic | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Nothing Phone (1) has immersive stereo speakers for better audio experience. |
| Security & Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | rear-mounted | Basic | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Nothing Phone (1) features a compass and RGB sensor adding more functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer usage time between charges.
- Dedicated Lenses: Offers separate wide-angle, macro and portrait lenses, though these are lower resolution than main sensor.
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable than the Nothing Phone (1).
- Charger in Box: Comes with a charger in the box.
Practical Implications: The Moto G30 is a budget-friendly option that can last a long time on a single charge, with some camera versatility through dedicated sensors.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and refresh rate provides a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ 5G chipset provides much higher performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Better Camera Quality: The Sony IMX766 main camera sensor offers better image quality, especially in low light, and 4K video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and modern connectivity options.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Offers more storage and RAM.
- Better Software Support: Longer software support and updated Android version.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes stereo speakers and additional microphones.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass protection and more modern connectivity options
Practical Implications: The Nothing Phone (1) is a premium mid-range device with a great display, fast performance, and a good camera for users who value a high-quality experience.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G30: Lower performance and display quality for better battery life and a more affordable price.
- Nothing Phone (1): Higher price, smaller battery capacity, and the charger is not included in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and basic smartphone functionality, users who prefer having a charger included.
- Use Cases:
- Long battery life for extended use without frequent charging.
- Basic photography and video.
- Daily browsing, social media, and communication.
Nothing Phone (1):
- Ideal User: Users who value performance, display quality, and a better camera, with willingness to pay a premium.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming, video editing, and other performance-intensive tasks.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Multimedia consumption.
- Users who want a modern device with faster connectivity
- Users who appreciate cutting edge tech and design.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Motorola Moto G30: Excellent value for budget-conscious users seeking long battery life.
- Nothing Phone (1): Offers a premium experience for a mid-range price, justifying the higher cost for performance and display quality, though charger is not included in the box.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: What is your maximum price range?
- Priorities: Do you prioritize performance, display quality, or battery life?
- Use Case: How will you primarily use your smartphone (basic communication vs. gaming and content creation)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Long Battery Life: If your priority is long battery life at an affordable price, the Motorola Moto G30 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Display: If you value a great display and high performance, the Nothing Phone (1) is the superior option, even with its higher price and smaller battery.
- Scenario 3: Camera Quality: If camera quality and video performance is a must, the Nothing Phone (1) is the better choice.
- Scenario 4: All Rounder: For a balance between performance and features with a more premium design and user experience the Nothing Phone (1) is the way to go.
My Choice
I would choose the Nothing Phone (1).
While the Moto G30 offers longer battery life, the Nothing Phone (1)'s strengths in crucial areas such as display quality, performance, and camera far outweigh the battery advantage of the Motorola. The OLED screen alone offers a substantial upgrade in the viewing experience which I value. The faster processor, advanced camera features and wireless charging make it a more modern device with a longer lifespan.
As someone who uses my phone for a variety of tasks, including some gaming, photo-taking and video consumption, the Nothing Phone (1) better meets my needs. The performance boost from the better chipset is noticeable, and I am willing to trade the marginal increase in battery life for the improved user experience the Nothing Phone (1) offers.
