1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | Almost identical, negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 200g | 188g | Samsung is slightly lighter (12g), may be noticeable during extended use, but overall both phones are similar in weight.. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both offer the same screen real estate for viewing content. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same HD+ resolution, adequate for daily use but not as sharp as higher-resolution screens. |
| PPI | 269 | 270 | Practically identical pixel densities, so sharpness is perceived similarly. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS LCD on the Moto G30 generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD on the A04e. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Moto G30's 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smoother and more responsive compared to the 60Hz display on the A04e. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. This suggests it might be difficult to use these in very bright sunlight conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 662 in Moto G30 is more powerful for app loading, gaming and multitasking compared to the Helio P35 in the A04e, it is more energy efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 121,345 | Moto G30's significantly higher score suggests noticeably better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 in Moto G30 offers better graphics performance than the PowerVR GE8320 in the A04e, improving gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.7, 0.70 µm pixel size | 13MP, f/2.2, pixel size not available | Moto G30's higher resolution and wider aperture suggest better detail, low-light performance, and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 5MP, f/2.2, pixel size not available | Moto G30's significantly higher resolution selfie camera should produce sharper, more detailed self-portraits. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | Not Available | Moto G30 has a wide angle lens, allowing for more versatile photo compositions. The A04e lacks this feature. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size not available | Both phones offer similar depth sensing capabilities for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | Not Available | Moto G30 has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. The A04e lacks this feature. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps, Slow-motion: 60 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: No | Moto G30 offers smoother video recording at 60fps and slow motion options which are not available on the A04e. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Continuous shooting, More | Dual camera | Moto G30 has more advanced focusing systems and shooting modes for greater versatility. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life with typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | No Fast Charging | Moto G30 charges faster with its 15W fast charging support, reducing downtime. The A04e will take longer to charge. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion | Both phones use non-removable Li-Ion battery. |
Software
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 12 | A04e has newer version of android with enhanced features. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Direct | 802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi Hotspot | Moto G30 has better WiFi, offering faster and more stable connections with dual-band support and WiFi Direct |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Both have identical Bluetooth connectivity |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Moto G30 can use more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both have the same dual SIM functionality. |
Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128 GB or 64 GB | 32 GB, 64GB or 128 GB | Both offer a 128 GB maximum internal storage option. The Moto G30 comes only with 64GB or 128GB options and A04e has 32GB, 64GB or 128GB options. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | Moto G30 has more RAM options, suitable for moderate multitasking and running apps smoothly, especially with the 6GB option. |
| Expandable | No expandable storage | No expandable storage | Neither phone supports microSD cards for additional storage, limiting storage to internal memory only. |
Audio & Security
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones offer basic audio capabilities. |
| Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | Moto G30 has fingerprint scanner, offering convenient biometric security, but Samsung has no fingerprint scanner for convenience. |
Sensors
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | Motorola Moto G30 includes a Gyroscope which is not available in Samsung A04e. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset and higher AnTuTu score offer a noticeably smoother and faster experience, better for multitasking and gaming.
- Better Display: The IPS LCD panel with 90Hz refresh rate provides improved viewing angles, color accuracy, and smoother visuals compared to the A04e's PLS LCD with 60Hz.
- Enhanced Camera System: The 64MP main camera, 13MP selfie camera, wide-angle lens, and macro lens offer greater versatility and better image quality.
- Faster Charging: The 15W fast charging capability reduces downtime significantly.
- More RAM: The 6GB RAM option provides an advantage in multi tasking and running apps smoothly.
- Additional Sensors: Gyroscope and fingerprint sensors add to user convenience.
- Better Wifi: Supports better wifi standards
Samsung Galaxy A04e Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12, possibly offering newer features, and better battery optimization.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G30: Is slightly heavier, but the performance trade-off is significant.
- Samsung A04e: sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera versatility for a slightly newer version of Android but loses fingerprint sensor, better display, faster processor and wide-angle and macro lenses.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 is Ideal For:
- Casual Gamers: The better chipset and GPU provide a smoother gaming experience.
- Media Consumers: The 90Hz display and IPS panel offer a more enjoyable experience for watching videos and browsing social media.
- Photography Enthusiasts (Budget): The versatile camera system captures better quality images than the A04e.
- Multitaskers: More RAM for smoother transitions when switching between apps.
Samsung Galaxy A04e is Ideal For:
- Basic Users: Those with very basic smartphone needs might not notice the performance and display differences and might prefer the slightly lighter build and newer Android version.
- Users on a Tight Budget: The A04e might be more affordable depending on the region.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance: How important is smooth and responsive performance for your daily usage? (Heavy, Medium, or Basic)
- Camera Quality: How important are good quality photos, versatile lens options, and image detail? (High, Medium, or Low)
- Screen Experience: Is smooth scrolling and vibrant colors more important, or is a basic display sufficient? (High, Medium, or Low)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Usage & Gaming
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G30. The stronger processor, GPU, and 90Hz display will provide a better overall experience.
- Scenario 2: Basic Usage & Budget-Conscious
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A04e. It covers basic functions and is generally more affordable if you don't care about performance, display or camera quality.
- Scenario 3: Balancing Performance and Features
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G30 - Given its superior performance, display and camera, the Moto G30 offers better value for most users.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G30.
Reasoning:
While the Samsung Galaxy A04e has the advantage of a newer Android version, the Motorola Moto G30 offers a far superior overall experience due to its significantly better performance, smoother 90Hz IPS LCD display, and versatile camera system. The slightly heavier weight is a worthwhile trade-off for these advantages. As a user who values a smooth experience and decent photos, the Moto G30 simply delivers a much better package at a similar price point. The inclusion of faster charging, a wide-angle lens, macro lens and additional RAM are also features I would prefer in my day to day usage.
