1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm | Very similar size, minimal difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 200g | 192g | Samsung is slightly lighter, might feel more comfortable for long periods. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size for similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Similar sharpness. Text and images will look similar on both phones. |
| PPI | 269 | 270 | Virtually identical pixel density, negligible difference in clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS LCD on G30 generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD on A04. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Moto G30 will have smoother scrolling and animations making it feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness at 0 nits which is very low and can cause visibility issues outdoors and is therefore likely an error in the dataset. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 | Mediatek Helio P35 | Snapdragon 662 is noticeably more powerful, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 124,000 | Moto G30 is significantly faster in general use. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 offers better graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Moto G30 captures more detail, performs better in low light due to wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Moto G30 produces clearer, higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | Not Available | Moto G30 captures wider scenes, useful for group photos or landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Similar depth-sensing capabilities for portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | Not Available | Moto G30 allows capturing detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p@60fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Moto G30 can record smoother video and has 60fps capability |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Both offer similar video stabilization |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 60 fps | No, 30fps | Moto G30 is capable of slow-motion recording at a higher framerate |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, Quad Cam, RAW | Dual Cam | G30 has more advanced focus and shooting options with better control and photo quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer a similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | Moto G30 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Removable | No | No | Neither phone allows easy battery replacement. |
Software
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | A04 comes with a newer version of Android out of the box and one additional future upgrade. |
Other Features
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Moto G30 has additional dual-band capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Moto G30 offers more accurate location tracking. |
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Security | Moto G30 offers a more convenient and secure way to unlock the phone. |
| Expandable storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Better Performance: Significantly more powerful Snapdragon 662 chipset and better GPU for smoother overall usage, faster app loading, and improved gaming.
- Superior Display: Smoother 90Hz refresh rate and IPS LCD screen, resulting in a better visual experience.
- Enhanced Cameras: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus a wide-angle and macro lens for more versatile photography. Additionally, more features like PDAF, LAF and RAW offer better photography results.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging reduces charging time.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems for improved location tracking.
- Fingerprint sensor: Added security and convenience
Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 12 out of the box (upgradable to 13) compared to Android 11 (upgradable to 12) on the Moto G30.
- Slightly Lighter: 8 grams lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use.
- More Storage Options: Available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB compared to 64GB and 128GB in the Moto G30.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G30 sacrifices the newer Android version for significantly better performance, a superior screen, and a more versatile camera system.
- The Samsung Galaxy A04 offers a newer Android version at the expense of performance, camera quality, display experience, and fast charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 is Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize performance: Those who frequently use demanding apps, play games, or multitask.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera with wide-angle, macro capabilities, and higher resolution photos.
- Users who value a better viewing experience: Those who want smoother scrolling and better colors.
- Users wanting a fast charge.
Use Cases for Moto G30:
- Casual gaming and social media use.
- Capturing high-quality photos in various scenarios.
- Smoothly running multiple apps simultaneously.
- People who like to take advantage of the multiple camera options.
Samsung Galaxy A04 is Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for the most affordable phone with basic smartphone functionality.
- Users who prefer a newer version of Android.
- Users who don't require high performance.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A04:
- Basic communication (calls, texts).
- Light social media use and browsing.
- Users who value having the latest android version.
- Users who prefer a slightly lighter phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- If the price difference is minimal, the Moto G30 offers significantly more value for the price due to its superior performance and features.
- If the A04 is considerably cheaper, it may be a good option for users with very basic needs and a tight budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- How important is performance and gaming? If it is a priority, the Moto G30 is the better choice.
- How important is camera quality and versatility? The Moto G30 offers better quality images, multiple lenses, and more features, making it the clear winner.
- How important is having the latest Android version? The A04 offers a newer version of Android out of the box.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you primarily use your phone for social media, browsing, and light tasks, and want the most affordable option with the latest android, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is sufficient.
- Scenario 2: If you want a smoother, more responsive experience, play games, or care about taking better photos, the Motorola Moto G30 is the better choice, even at a slightly higher price.
- Scenario 3: If you are looking for the best value, the Motorola Moto G30 provides significantly better performance and features making it a worthwhile investment.
My Choice
Based on the provided specifications and my analysis, I would choose the Motorola Moto G30. While the Samsung Galaxy A04 has a slightly newer Android version and is a bit lighter, the Motorola Moto G30 offers a significantly better overall user experience. The performance boost from the Snapdragon 662, the superior display with a 90Hz refresh rate, the more versatile camera system, faster charging and the fingerprint scanner make it the clear winner in my view. The practical impact of these features far outweighs the slight advantage of a newer operating system, which can often be upgraded anyway. For anyone who uses their phone for more than basic tasks, the Moto G30 is the better option and provides the best overall experience.
