Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Samsung Galaxy A55
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm | Moto G30 is taller and thicker, A55 is wider. A55 may feel slightly more comfortable in hand due to the thinner profile, though taller phones can be easier to read. |
| Weight | 200g | 213g | A55 is slightly heavier, which might be noticeable during extended holding. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A55 has superior screen protection for better scratch and damage resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2340 | A55's higher resolution offers much sharper images and text, better for reading and detailed viewing. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 390 | A55 will have a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A55 has superior display with deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, especially noticeable when viewing photos/videos. AMOLED is also more power-efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A55 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, though the difference may not be noticeable for casual users. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, which is unusual and likely incorrect. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) | A55's 4nm chip is much more powerful and efficient, offering significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 713,393 | A55 has significantly higher benchmark performance, indicating a much smoother and responsive experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Xclipse 530 | A55's GPU is much more powerful, resulting in better gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | A55 offers more RAM options. This translates to better multitasking, running more apps simultaneously and smoother performance with intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Moto G30 has a higher resolution sensor, but A55 has a larger sensor, which may lead to better image quality in low-light conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | G30's wider aperture may allow slightly more light in but differences are negligible. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.56" | A55's larger sensor will capture more light. | |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 32MP | A55 has much higher resolution front-facing camera for better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 8MP | 13MP | A55 has higher resolution for wider shots. |
| Portrait Mode Camera | 2MP depth | G30 has a dedicated depth sensor. A55 uses software to simulate depth effect. | |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | 5MP | A55's macro has slightly higher resolution. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | A55 can record in 4K with electronic image stabilization (EIS). |
| Slow-motion | 60 fps | 240 fps | A55 has significantly better slow-motion capture. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 108 (Photo 110, Video 117) | A55's camera has a confirmed score, implying better overall performance. | |
| Additional Features | PDAF, LAF | OIS, Ultra Stable Video, Night Mode | A55 has additional features such as Optical Image Stabilization which will greatly help video quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have the same battery capacity. |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | A55 charges significantly faster, reducing charging times. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | A55 supports faster WiFi 6, resulting in improved network speeds and performance, especially in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 | A55 has a newer Bluetooth for better speed and efficiency, plus more features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A55 supports more satellite systems resulting in more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | A55 has an eSIM option, allowing for easier switching between carriers. |
Other
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | A55 offers more storage options, especially useful for photos, videos and large apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No expandable storage on either device. |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A55 has superior audio quality with better spatial audio. |
| Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have similar fingerprint sensor for basic biometric security. |
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradeable to 12) | Android 14 (Upgradeable to 18) | A55 has a much newer OS and will receive more updates in the future. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | A55 has additional sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Potentially lower price: The Moto G30 is an older, budget-oriented device and likely has a lower price than the A55.
- Dedicated depth sensor: Offers a separate sensor for portrait mode effects, though software can often simulate this well.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with much higher resolution and refresh rate for a better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: More powerful processor, GPU, and RAM for much smoother, faster performance in all tasks.
- Better Camera Quality: Larger sensor with better video capabilities (4K, OIS, better slow-mo) and a higher resolution front camera for sharper selfies.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- eSIM Support Easier to switch between networks with eSIM.
- Superior Audio: Enhanced audio quality with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support.
- Modern Software: Ships with a newer Android OS and will receive more updates, offering improved features, security, and longevity.
- More Storage: Offers a 256GB storage option.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi standard and Bluetooth version.
Trade-offs:
- The A55 is heavier and slightly larger, and might not be as comfortable for those who prefer smaller and lighter phones.
- The A55 will be more expensive due to its superior components and newer technology.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 - Ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize affordability above all else and need a basic smartphone for daily communication.
- Casual users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, social media, and light browsing.
- Users who don't prioritize advanced features: Those who do not need the best possible camera, performance, or display quality.
Use Cases:
- Basic daily smartphone tasks.
- Primary communication and social media.
- Light web browsing.
Samsung Galaxy A55 - Ideal for:
- Users who value performance: Those who need a fast and responsive phone for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts: Individuals who want to capture high-quality photos and videos with better low-light capabilities.
- Multimedia consumers: Those who enjoy streaming videos, watching movies, and listening to music and want the best possible experience.
- Users who want longevity: Those who want a phone that will receive more software updates and is more future proof.
- Users who travel and want eSIM support: Those who require an eSIM for switching between networks.
Use Cases:
- Gaming.
- Photography and videography.
- Streaming high-resolution content.
- Productivity and multitasking.
- Long term use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If price is the primary concern, the Moto G30 will likely be the cheaper option.
- How important is performance to me? If you plan to use your phone for anything more than basic tasks, the A55 provides far better performance.
- What is the expected lifespan of the phone? The A55 has a more recent release date and is more future-proof, likely to be relevant for longer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs If your budget is very limited and you only need a phone for basic tasks like calling and messaging, the Motorola Moto G30 may suffice, as the A55 is likely to cost more and provide features that won't be required.
- Scenario 2: Moderate Budget, Performance Matters: If you're looking for a phone that provides good performance without breaking the bank, and are willing to spend a bit more, the A55 offers a much better performance and a much more enjoyable user experience in the long run.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Multimedia Priority: If you are looking for high-quality camera capabilities and immersive multimedia experiences, the A55 is the better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A55. While the Motorola Moto G30 may be cheaper, the Galaxy A55's significantly superior display, performance, camera, and software experience make it a much more compelling choice for the long-term. I value a smooth user experience, good quality photos, and a phone that can handle the various tasks I throw at it. The A55 provides all of these features and is much more future proof. The faster charging, superior audio, and modern features of the A55 also justify the higher cost. For me, the A55's overall capabilities outweigh the cost trade-off, making it the better investment.
