Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Realme 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Realme 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | Realme 9 is more compact and easier to handle, especially for smaller hands and in pockets. The Moto G30 is bulkier, potentially less comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 178g | Realme 9 feels lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for longer durations. Moto G30's added weight may lead to fatigue during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Minimal difference in screen size. Both are suitable for media consumption and general use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 9 displays much sharper images and text, leading to a better viewing experience for web browsing, reading, and watching videos. Moto G30's display may appear less crisp. |
| Pixel Density | 269 ppi | 411 ppi | Realme 9 has a visibly sharper display with finer details. Moto G30's lower pixel density results in less clarity and sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 9's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, which is especially noticeable when watching videos or using dark mode. Moto G30's LCD is less vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 9 is significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight due to its much higher peak brightness. Moto G30 screen may be difficult to see outdoors in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 680 (6 nm) | Realme 9's newer chipset is more power-efficient, potentially extending battery life and providing slightly faster processing speed for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 216,850 | Realme 9 offers noticeably better performance in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading and slightly smoother performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Both phones use the same GPU; however, the Realme 9 has a newer configuration. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7 | 108MP, f/1.75 | Realme 9 captures significantly more detail due to its much higher resolution sensor. Moto G30's wider aperture could provide slightly better low light images, although this advantage is out weighed by the increased image sensor size of the realme 9. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Realme 9 captures slightly more detailed selfies. Moto G30 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low light selfies, although the increased sensor size of the Realme 9 would be a more notable improvement. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Comparable wide-angle camera performance on both devices. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G30 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. Realme 9 relies on software for portrait mode depth effects |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro camera capabilities on both devices. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G30 can record video at 60fps which may provide more fluid motion in the recording. Realme 9 records in 30fps. |
| Slow-motion | 60 fps | 120 fps | Realme 9 can capture slow-motion video at higher frame rate, allowing for more dramatic slow-mo footage |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Realme 9 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and getting you back to using your phone sooner. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Realme 9 can be used to charge other devices (low power), which is useful in a pinch. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 12 | Realme 9 comes with a more recent version of Android and may receive future updates longer than the G30. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band | 802.11ac, Dual-band | Both support the same Wi-Fi standards, allowing for the same wireless speeds. Realme 9 has additional Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 | Realme 9 supports a newer version of Bluetooth, which may provide better connection stability and power efficiency. Realme 9 also supports more audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Realme 9 supports more satellite systems, for more accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two numbers on the same device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128 GB | Both offer 128GB options; Moto G30 may be found in 64GB configuration. Both phones have the same maximum storage capacity of 128GB. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 6GB or 8GB | Realme 9 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and potentially better gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, 2 microphones | Realme 9 has better audio features for both output and input, for better sound during music playback and better voice capture in noisy environments. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar fingerprint security, with the rear mount of the Moto G30 offering a slightly faster unlock |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 9 offers superior screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Realme 9 offers additional sensor, which is geomagnetc sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, potentially providing more accurate background blur compared to software-based solutions.
- 60fps Video Recording: Can record video at 60 frames per second at 1080p resolution, offering a smoother video experience.
- Wider aperture for main camera: Wider aperture allows for more light to hit the sensor, especially useful for low light situations.
- Laser Autofocus: May provide faster autofocus speeds.
- RAW image capture: Allows for greater flexibility in photo editing.
Realme 9 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with higher resolution and brightness offers a much better visual experience, particularly outdoors and with vibrant content.
- Faster Performance: The newer Snapdragon 680 provides a performance boost and improved power efficiency.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Better Main Camera: The 108MP sensor captures more detail, and the larger image sensor size will offer much better image quality in a variety of scenarios.
- More RAM Options: Up to 8GB of RAM allows for smoother multitasking.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 12, offering the latest features and potentially longer update support.
- Better Audio Features: Offers Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones, enhancing the audio experience.
- More accurate location services: Includes Beidou satellite navigation system for increased accuracy.
- Reverse Charging: Allows the phone to be used as a power bank for other devices.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers greater protection from scratches and impacts.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G30 offers a slightly larger display (by 0.1") and has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, but it's not as sharp as the Realme 9, and it lacks the visual benefits of an AMOLED panel.
- The Moto G30 is larger and heavier but has a slightly larger battery, though the advantage is negated by the more power efficient chipset in the Realme 9
- The Moto G30 offers 60fps video, but the Realme 9 offers slow-motion at 120 fps
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30:
Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious user.
- Users who prioritize battery life with a basic smartphone experience.
- Individuals who want a depth sensor.
- Users who may benefit from video recording at 60fps.
- Users who may want RAW images.
Use Cases:
- Basic daily tasks, social media, and casual browsing.
- Users who need a phone that can last through the day with less frequent charging.
- Users who need laser autofocus capabilities
- Price-to-Value: Offers a lower price point but compromises on display quality, performance, and charging speed.
Realme 9:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality and sharpness.
- Users who want a smoother, more responsive user experience.
- Users who value fast charging.
- Users who appreciate good audio features
- Users who want a phone for social media, content creation, and photography.
- Users who appreciate higher frame rate slow-motion recording.
Use Cases:
- Watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web.
- Taking photos and videos for social media.
- Daily tasks that benefit from a smoother experience.
- Users who need good location services.
- Users who need better screen protection.
Price-to-Value: Provides superior features in display, performance, camera quality and charging speed, potentially worth the extra cost for the enhanced experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If you prioritize vibrant colors, sharp visuals, and good outdoor visibility, the Realme 9's AMOLED screen is the clear winner.
- How much do you value smooth performance? If you want a phone that's responsive and has fast charging, the Realme 9 with its Snapdragon 680 and 33W charging is preferable.
- How important is a dedicated depth sensor and 60fps video recording to you? If you need this feature, the Moto G30 may appeal to you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Shopper: If your budget is extremely tight and you need a functional smartphone for basic daily use, the Moto G30 is a viable budget-friendly option.
- Content Consumer: If you watch a lot of videos, browse the web, or play games, the Realme 9's superior display will offer a much better experience.
- Social Media Enthusiast: The Realme 9's sharper main and selfie cameras, as well as its display will be better suited for capturing and viewing content.
- On-the-Go User: If you need to charge your phone quickly, the Realme 9's faster charging will be more convenient.
- Image Editing User: If you prefer the ability to capture raw images, and utilize a laser autofocus system, then the Moto G30 will be more suitable.
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the Realme 9. While the Motorola Moto G30 has some advantages, such as a dedicated depth sensor, the Realme 9 provides a vastly superior user experience overall. The combination of an AMOLED display with much higher resolution and brightness, faster performance, superior main camera sensor, faster charging, a newer Android operating system and better audio features, make it the more compelling option in most scenarios. The practical impact of these advantages is considerable: the Realme 9 provides a visibly better visual experience, is more responsive, charges more quickly and captures better images. The Motorola Moto G30 has some benefits that could be useful for certain users, however the benefits of the Realme 9 will be appreciated by the vast majority of users.
