1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | Realme 9 Pro is slightly thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand, with a slightly smaller overall volume. |
| Weight | 200g | 195g | Realme 9 Pro is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable over extended periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal difference in screen size. Both provide a good viewing area, negligibly different in everyday use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 9 Pro provides much sharper images and text. Noticeably clearer for reading, media, and general usage. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 400 | Realme 9 Pro's screen will look significantly sharper and more detailed. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both have similar color reproduction and viewing angles, with no practical difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 9 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations. Noticeable during gaming and fast-paced app navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown for both, so no comparison of practical impact is possible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Realme 9 Pro is significantly faster. Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 402,916 | Realme 9 Pro has much better performance, suitable for more demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | Realme 9 Pro has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance, especially in games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for both devices under comparable usage conditions. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Realme 9 Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7 | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | Moto G30 has a slightly wider aperture, which may result in better low light performance. The Realme 9 Pro has a slightly larger sensor size. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | Realme 9 Pro has a higher resolution and a wider aperture, resulting in potentially better selfies, especially in low light. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV08D10 | Both offer similar wide-angle photo capabilities |
| Portrait Mode Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Moto G30 includes a dedicated depth sensor, for more realistic portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Both offer similar macro capabilities |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G30 can record 1080p at 60fps, providing smoother video than Realme's 30fps. Realme offers slow-motion video at 120 fps. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, PDAF, LAF | Triple camera, 4k video, image stabilisation, Manual focus | Realme 9 Pro offers 4K video and digital image stabilization, whilst Motorola offers Quad Camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Realme 9 Pro has a newer version of Android out of the box and one additional update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-Band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11ac, Dual-Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | Realme 9 Pro offers additional Wi-Fi Display and MiMO functionality. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Realme 9 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version and supports higher-quality audio codecs for better wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Both provide similar location tracking. Motorola has SUPL and Galileo, Realme has Beidou. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both allow the use of two SIM cards simultaneously |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB | Both have a 128GB option. Moto G30 has an additional option of 64GB. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Realme 9 Pro generally offers more RAM, which enhances multitasking capabilities and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, 2 Mics | Realme 9 Pro provides much better audio quality with Hi-Res Audio support and noise cancellation for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Realme 9 Pro’s side-mounted fingerprint sensor may offer slightly more convenient unlocking than a rear sensor. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Realme 9 Pro has an extra geomagnetic sensor for compass functionality and related applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Slightly wider main camera aperture: Potentially better low-light performance on the main camera.
- Dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode: Likely provides better portrait mode photos with more natural bokeh.
- 1080p@60fps video: Captures smoother video footage.
- Laser autofocus: Offers faster and potentially more accurate autofocus, especially in low light.
- Additional SIM support: Both support dual sim, but Motorola allows use of two SIMs simultaneously
Realme 9 Pro Advantages:
- Higher resolution display: Significantly sharper images and text, a much better viewing experience.
- Higher refresh rate (120Hz): Smoother scrolling and animations, a more responsive experience.
- Significantly more powerful chipset: Provides much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Faster charging (33W): Significantly reduces battery charging time.
- Higher resolution front camera: Potentially better selfies, especially in low light.
- More RAM (8GB Option): Better multitasking capabilities and app performance.
- Newer version of Android: Comes with Android 12 out of the box (upgradeable to 13) which offers more features and security.
- Better Bluetooth: Offers higher-quality audio codecs for better wireless audio.
- Hi-Res Audio and noise cancellation: Provides better audio quality for music and calls.
- Additional sensors: Includes a geomagnetic sensor, useful for apps requiring direction, navigation and compass applications.
- 4k Video and digital image stabilization: Significantly better video features compared to the Motorola phone.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G30 sacrifices overall performance and display quality for a slightly better main camera and additional features.
- Realme 9 Pro prioritizes performance, display quality and charging speed at the expense of the additional features that the Motorola camera offers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize camera features and are on a tight budget. People who need the additional SIM option that the Motorola provides.
- Use Cases: Casual photography, users that need a portrait mode, users who do not do much gaming.
- Value: Offers decent camera features and battery life at a lower price point.
Realme 9 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and fast charging. Users who will use 4K video, and need great sound and better audio.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, users who watch a lot of videos, anyone who uses their phone heavily for day-to-day tasks, including content creation.
- Value: Provides a much more premium experience with superior performance and display quality and a focus on video at a slightly higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize sharper visuals for reading, media consumption, and overall screen experience, the Realme 9 Pro is the clear winner.
- How much do you value performance? If you're a gamer, multitasker, or use demanding apps, the Realme 9 Pro's significantly more powerful processor is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize battery charging speed or camera features? If you need fast charging, Realme 9 Pro is better. If you prioritise camera features, the Motorola Moto G30 has some additional features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you need the cheapest option, and value the additional portrait mode and features that the Motorola provides, the Moto G30 is the budget-friendly option. However, be prepared for a less sharp display and slower performance.
- Scenario 2: Performance Seeker: If you're looking for a phone that handles demanding tasks, games, and provides a smoother experience, the Realme 9 Pro is the best choice due to its performance and display.
- Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast: If you are looking for additional camera features, you may consider the Motorola G30 for the portrait mode, laser autofocus, and 60fps video recording. The Realme 9 Pro has 4k video and digital image stabilization, as well as better low light performance due to the front-facing camera, however.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 9 Pro. While the Motorola G30 offers some compelling camera features, the overall experience of the Realme 9 Pro is much better. The significantly sharper display, smoother performance, faster charging, and better audio are crucial for my needs as a frequent user of various apps, games, and media. The 4K video capture also appeals more to my requirements than a dedicated depth sensor that the Motorola provides. The newer OS and Bluetooth versions, along with additional sensors, make the Realme 9 Pro the better long-term investment. The minor trade-offs in the main camera are acceptable considering the benefits the Realme 9 Pro provides.
