1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | 164.2 x 76.4 x 7.4 mm | M52 5G is thinner and slightly more compact, potentially feeling better in hand and pocket. The G30 is noticeably thicker and thus feels bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 173g | M52 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and reducing hand fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | M52 5G offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and better readability. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | M52 5G has a significantly sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images, improving detail and overall visual quality. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 393 | M52 5G's higher PPI delivers a noticeably crisper and more detailed viewing experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | M52 5G has vibrant colors, deeper blacks and superior contrast, offering a richer and more dynamic visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | M52 5G has a smoother scrolling and animation experience, making the user interface feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 800 nits | M52 5G has better visibility outdoors, especially in direct sunlight; The G30 screen is likely difficult to see under bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | M52 5G has a much faster processor, leading to smoother performance in apps, games, and multitasking. It's more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 589,200 | M52 5G delivers significantly better overall performance across all tasks. It's a huge difference in speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 642L | M52 5G's GPU provides much better graphics for gaming and other graphically intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life, varying with usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | M52 5G charges faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.4MP f/1.7 | 64MP f/1.8 (1/1.97") | Moto G30 has wider aperture for better low-light performance; M52 5G has a larger sensor with more light, possibly better quality. |
| Front Camera | 13MP f/2.2 (1.12µm) | 32MP f/2.2 (1/2.8") | M52 5G's front camera captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.2 | N/A | Motorola has a wide angle lens, useful for landscape and group shots, Samsung does not. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.4 | Samsung has a dedicated depth lens, while both do not perform particularly well in bokeh |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Moto G30 has a dedicated macro camera, useful for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP f/2.2 (1/3.06") | Samsung has a wide angle macro, Moto does not. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | M52 5G can record higher quality 4K video, making it better for vloggers and higher-end video work. |
| Slow-motion | 60 fps | 240 fps | Samsung offers better slow-motion capabilities |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF, LAF, RAW | Triple Camera, Digital Image Stabilisation | Moto G30 offers more versatile camera system while Samsung has some features such as video stabilisation. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Max 12) | Android 11 (Max 13) | Samsung likely to get longer software support, with Android 13 compared to 12 for Moto. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | M52 5G offers faster WiFi speeds and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 | Samsung has a wider range of Bluetooth codecs, while Motorola has more power efficiency with LE |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Samsung has access to more satellite systems for better positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128 GB | Both offer a maximum of 128 GB of storage. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | M52 5G offers more RAM, improving multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | M52 5G offers a better audio experience with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are faster and more modern. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Samsung provides better protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Samsung has an additional geomagnetic sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: The f/1.7 aperture allows more light, potentially better low-light shots.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro Lens: Offers additional versatility for different photography needs.
- Phase and Laser Autofocus: Potentially faster and more accurate focusing in certain conditions.
- Lower Price Point: Usually positioned as a more budget-friendly option.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher refresh rate and brightness provide a much richer visual experience.
- Far Superior Performance: Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset offers significantly faster speeds for all tasks.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Produces more detailed selfies, great for social media.
- 4K Video Recording: Allows for higher quality video capture.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging reduces charging time.
- Better Audio Features: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones improve audio quality for media consumption and calls.
- More RAM Options: Up to 8GB RAM for smoother multitasking.
- Better WiFi: WiFi 6 support.
- Better Bluetooth: Wider range of Bluetooth features.
- More Robust Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 for better scratch and impact protection.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola G30 trades off raw power and display quality for a lower price and a more versatile rear camera system with dedicated wide and macro cameras.
- Samsung M52 5G offers premium features and performance at a higher price point, it however lacks a dedicated macro camera and a dedicated wide lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Looking for an affordable phone with a large battery.
- Users who prioritize camera versatility: Need a wide angle and macro lens.
- Less demanding users: Don't require high-end performance or a high-resolution display for basic social media, browsing, and calls.
- Users who value battery life over fast charging: The 5000mAh battery will last all day for basic users.
Use Cases for Moto G30:
- Casual photography with good low-light performance.
- Budget-friendly daily driver for browsing and calls.
- Long battery life.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G - Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance: Require smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and gaming capabilities.
- Multimedia lovers: Want an immersive display for video, gaming, and social media.
- Users seeking a modern phone experience: Need a premium feel and features including AMOLED display.
- Social media enthusiasts: Value a high-quality front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
- Users who value fast charging and connectivity: Need quick charging and modern wifi support.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M52 5G:
- Gaming, due to the powerful chipset and smooth display.
- Viewing media, due to the excellent AMOLED display.
- Social media content creation, due to the high-resolution selfie camera and 4K video.
- Business users, due to the faster processor and multitasking capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Moto G30 will be the more budget friendly option.
- How important is performance? The M52 5G is significantly more powerful for gaming and intensive tasks.
- How important is the display quality? The M52 5G has a far better display with better colours and sharpness.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious): If the primary concern is cost and you want a reliable phone for basic tasks, the Moto G30 is a viable option.
- Scenario 2 (Multimedia and Performance): If you consume a lot of media, play games, or need a fast and fluid experience, the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G is the much better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Photography): If you prioritize camera versatility with wide and macro lens, the Moto G30 has a wider camera system, otherwise the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G has a better front and higher quality video.
What I would Choose and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G.
My reasons are as follows:
- Overall performance: The Snapdragon 778G 5G is a huge leap in performance over the Snapdragon 662, making it a much smoother device to use in all tasks, particularly gaming and multitasking, and I value this more than having a dedicated macro and wide lens.
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display on the M52 5G is far superior. The higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness make a tangible difference in everyday use, especially when consuming content.
- Future-Proofing: With the M52 5G's superior chipset, RAM options, and WiFi 6 support, the phone will likely stay relevant for much longer than the Moto G30. It's also more likely to receive an extra major Android update.
- Modern Features: The faster charging, Dolby Atmos audio, and side-mounted fingerprint sensor make the M52 5G feel more modern and provide a more refined user experience.
While the Moto G30 has advantages, notably its lower price and dedicated macro/wide cameras, the performance and display shortcomings are too big of a trade-off for me. The M52 5G provides a much better overall user experience and is more future-proof. If the budget allows for it, the Galaxy M52 5G is the significantly better phone for my needs.
