Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. OnePlus Nord N20 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 163.8 × 75 × 8 mm | OnePlus Nord N20 SE is slightly smaller and thinner, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 187g | OnePlus Nord N20 SE is lighter, which could be preferable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Minimal difference; both offer similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Essentially the same sharpness; both are HD+ displays. |
| PPI | 269 | 269 | Identical pixel density; similar display clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Motorola G30 has smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical. Both could struggle in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Helio G35 (12 nm) | OnePlus Nord N20 SE has a higher benchmark score, potentially smoother performance in daily use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 221,000 | OnePlus Nord N20 SE likely has a small advantage in app loading and overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 | Different GPUs. OnePlus Nord N20 SE scores slightly higher on benchmarks, which might translate to slightly better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 64.4MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Motorola G30 captures slightly more detailed images and excels in low-light. |
| Front (Selfie) | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | OnePlus Nord N20 SE captures slightly brighter selfies; Motorola G30 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Motorola G30 has the advantage of including an ultrawide-angle lens for creative shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar depth sensors for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola G30 has the ability to take close-up macro shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, Slow-motion: Yes, 60 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: No, 30 fps | Motorola G30 captures smoother video. |
| Camera Features | Quad, PDAF, LAF, RAW | Dual, PDAF, CDAF, Digital image stabilization | Motorola has more features including RAW capture for advanced editing; OnePlus has digital image stabilization for smoother videos |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | OnePlus Nord N20 SE charges significantly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 12 | OnePlus Nord N20 SE has the latest Android software out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band | 802.11ac, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Display | OnePlus Nord N20 SE supports the Wi-Fi Display feature for easy screen sharing. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus Nord N20 SE has newer Bluetooth version with more codec support for better wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus Nord N20 SE offers more accurate positioning via more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 64/128GB | Similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 4GB | Motorola Moto G30 has a 6GB RAM variant, potentially better for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus Nord N20 SE has better audio capabilities, clearer calls and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint on OnePlus Nord N20 SE may be more convenient |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gravity, Geomagnetic | OnePlus Nord N20 SE offers additional sensors, suitable for more complex features and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid visual experience.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes ultrawide and macro lenses, offering more shooting options.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 64MP main sensor captures more detail.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: 13MP selfie camera captures more detail.
- Slightly better video recording: 1080p @60fps for smoother video compared to 30fps on OnePlus.
- Optional 6GB RAM: potentially better for multitasking.
- Additional Camera Features: Supports features like RAW capture and Laser Autofocus.
- Slow Motion Video: 60 fps recording is available for smoother slow-motion shots.
OnePlus Nord N20 SE Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 33W charging speeds up battery refills.
- Potentially Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score, suggesting quicker performance.
- Stereo speakers and Noise Cancelling microphone: for immersive audio experience and clearer calls.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 with higher quality codec support for enhanced audio.
- More Accurate GPS: offers more positioning capabilities via more satellite systems
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 12, while the Moto G30 needs an update.
- Wi-Fi Display Feature: for easy screen sharing
- Slightly Lighter and Thinner Design: More pocketable design
- Additional Sensors: Gravity and Geomagnetic sensors.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G30: sacrifices charging speed and overall performance for a smoother display and a more versatile camera.
- OnePlus Nord N20 SE: sacrifices the smooth display and versatile camera, for faster charging, and better overall performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:
- Budget Photographer: Users who want a versatile camera system with wide angle, macro, and high detail images.
- Casual Gamers: Users who will value a smoother display and also want to be able to play games casually.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who value smooth scrolling and want a more fluid UI experience.
- Users who prefer the option of 6GB RAM: For improved multitasking capabilities.
Specific Use Cases for Motorola Moto G30:
- Landscape photography using the ultrawide lens.
- Detailed close-up photography using the macro lens.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- Social media enthusiasts who want to capture high-detail images.
OnePlus Nord N20 SE Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who prioritize performance and faster charging.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users that value a more immersive audio experience, better call quality.
- Travelers: Those who need fast charging and accurate GPS.
- Android Purists: Prefer the latest version of Android with less bloatware.
- Users that want to easily share their screen to larger devices: Wi-Fi Display allows for this.
Specific Use Cases for OnePlus Nord N20 SE:
- Quickly charging the phone on the go.
- Music listening and watching movies with stereo speakers.
- Navigation and mapping, which benefit from more accurate GPS.
- Demanding apps and multitasking.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Both phones are in the budget segment. The better price-to-value depends on the user's priority:
- If camera and display are more important, the Motorola Moto G30 may be a better value.
- If performance, fast charging and audio quality are more important, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE provides a better value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display smoothness and camera versatility for you? If high, prioritize the Motorola Moto G30.
- Do you prioritize performance, audio quality and faster charging speed over camera versatility and a smoother display? If so, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE is the better choice.
- Do you need the flexibility of a wide-angle and macro lens or is overall processing power and quick charging more of a priority? The Motorola has additional lenses while the OnePlus has fast charging and a faster processor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Casual Photographer: You enjoy taking pictures and want versatility: Motorola Moto G30 is the more appropriate choice because of the versatile camera system.
- Scenario 2: The On-the-Go Power User: You need fast charging and the latest software: OnePlus Nord N20 SE is the more suitable device due to better processing power and faster charging speeds.
- Scenario 3: The Budget-Conscious User: You just need a basic smartphone and do not have a preference for camera, performance or display: both phones are in the budget segment and have similar price to value ratios. This would depend on local pricing.
Personal Choice
Personally, I would choose the OnePlus Nord N20 SE.
Here's why: While the Motorola G30 offers a smoother 90Hz display and more versatile camera options, the performance boost offered by the OnePlus Nord N20 SE , coupled with the much faster 33W charging, stereo speakers, noise cancelling microphone, better Bluetooth codec support, latest android version, and more accurate GPS is more valuable to me for day-to-day usability. I value the ability to quickly charge my phone, and I also value the performance increase. The extra camera functionality is a nice to have but ultimately the OnePlus better matches what I personally need and value in a smartphone.
