1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | The Moto G30 is taller and thicker, while the S24 Ultra is wider. The G30 will feel slightly more compact in hand, though both are large phones. |
| Weight | 200g | 232g | The Moto G30 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, particularly with one hand. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Armor | The S24 Ultra offers superior screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | The S24 Ultra has a slightly larger display for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3120 | The S24 Ultra has a significantly sharper display with much higher pixel density, resulting in crisper text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 269 | 505 | The S24 Ultra’s higher PPI means individual pixels are much less visible, resulting in a more refined visual experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Unspecified | The Moto G30 uses an IPS LCD, known for good color accuracy and viewing angles, while the S24 Ultra's panel is unspecified but likely to be AMOLED, leading to vibrant colors, inky blacks, and better contrast ratio. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The S24 Ultra's 120Hz refresh rate will provide slightly smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user interface feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | The S24 Ultra offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it usable in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The S24 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 1,814,869 | The S24 Ultra has a vastly superior benchmark score, indicating a much better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | The S24 Ultra's GPU provides superior graphics capabilities for gaming and demanding applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64.4MP | 200MP | The S24 Ultra has significantly higher main camera resolution, allowing for more detailed and higher quality photos. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Lens | None | 50MP | The S24 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for better zoomed-in photos and portrait mode effects. The Moto G30 lacks this feature. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 12MP | Both have similar front camera resolutions, with the Moto G30 being slightly higher by 1MP, however other factors will play a bigger role in image quality |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP | The S24 Ultra has an additional telephoto lens for further zoom capabilities. The Moto G30 lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 12.2MP | The S24 Ultra's wide-angle camera captures slightly more detail and has a larger sensor for better low-light photos. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) Lens | 2MP | None | The Moto G30 has a dedicated depth lens, aiding in portrait mode effects. The S24 Ultra achieves portrait effects through other lenses and processing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | The Moto G30 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. The S24 Ultra relies on other lenses for macro photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps | The S24 Ultra offers significantly higher video recording resolution and frame rates, as well as more advanced HDR and EIS. |
| DXOMark Score | None | 144 (Mobile) | The S24 Ultra has a high DXOMark score, indicating excellent image quality and performance. The Moto G30 was not tested. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, LAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Night Mode 2.0, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The S24 Ultra provides more advanced camera features, including night mode, optical zoom, OIS, and 8K video recording. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 45W fast charging | The S24 Ultra charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and providing quicker power-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | The S24 Ultra offers advanced charging features, including wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly. |
Software
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 21) | The S24 Ultra has a much newer version of Android, offering access to the latest features, security updates, and better optimization. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6E | The S24 Ultra supports newer Wi-Fi standards, offering faster speeds and lower latency, especially on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The S24 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version, providing better stability, faster pairing, and more feature support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, L1+L5, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | The S24 Ultra supports more satellite systems, offering better location accuracy in diverse environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM/eSIM) | The S24 Ultra's e-SIM option allows more flexibility when switching carriers and managing multiple numbers. |
Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB | The S24 Ultra offers significantly more storage options, especially for users who take a lot of photos and videos or download a large number of apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 12GB | The S24 Ultra has much more RAM, offering smoother multitasking and improved performance when using demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so users are limited to their chosen internal storage option. |
Audio
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | The S24 Ultra offers superior audio with stereo speakers for immersive experiences and a noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls. |
Security
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer fingerprint sensor security. |
Sensors
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | The S24 Ultra's additional sensors enhance its capabilities for navigation, augmented reality, and environmental monitoring. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages
- Lighter: At 200g, it's 32g lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Dedicated Macro Lens and depth sensor: It has a macro and depth sensor not included in the S24 Ultra
- Lower Price: Likely significantly cheaper, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Taller and Thicker design: Can be more comfortable for some users in one hand usage.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Advantages
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and potentially AMOLED technology result in a dramatically better visual experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and future-proofing.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a wide array of versatile lenses including multiple telephoto lenses, optical zoom, night mode, 8k video recording and superior image quality.
- Faster Charging and More Battery Features: 45W charging is considerably faster, and it includes wireless and reverse wireless charging options, providing more versatility and convience.
- Newer Software: The Android 14 out of the box and long-term software updates provide latest features and security patches.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS standards leading to better speeds, more accurate locations and better connection stability.
- Superior Audio: Offers higher quality sound with stereo speakers and noise canceling microphone.
- More Storage and RAM: More storage variants to choose from and more RAM for running demanding applications.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Armor provides superior screen protection.
- eSIM: Supports e-SIM for more flexible carrier management.
- Additional sensors: Provides a more comprehensive sensor suite for more advanced features.
Trade-offs
- Motorola Moto G30: Significantly less performance, inferior display, and a basic camera compared to the S24 Ultra but is more affordable and lighter.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: More expensive and heavier, but offers a vastly superior experience in almost every other aspect.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable smartphone for basic daily tasks such as communication, social media browsing, and casual photography.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday phone use for calls, texts, and social media.
- Basic photo and video recording for casual memories.
- Users who prefer a lighter device for comfort.
- Price-to-Value: A good budget option, but it's value is limited by it's much lower specs.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Ideal User: Power users who need the best possible performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with smooth graphics and performance.
- Professional-level photography and videography.
- Multitasking and demanding applications.
- Users who need a phone that excels in all areas.
- Users who want a premium user experience.
- Price-to-Value: Very high price tag, but justifies it through high-end specifications, advanced features, and overall quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is my budget? The price difference between these phones is likely significant.
- What are my primary needs? Is it performance, camera quality, display, or just basic communication?
- How long do I plan on using the phone? The S24 Ultra will likely be supported longer with software updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Use
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G30. It provides basic functionality at a lower price point.
- Scenario 2: Need a balance between Price and performance
- Recommendation: Neither of these phones is a good option. Look for options with a mid range price and performance.
- Scenario 3: Demanding User, No Budget Constraints
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Its high performance, advanced camera, superior display, and extra features make it suitable for power users.
- Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Its advanced camera system provides excellent image quality, versatile shooting options, and features that the Moto G30 cannot match.
My Choice:
If I were to choose between these two devices, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, even with the higher price tag. My reasons are:
- Future Proofing: The S24 Ultra's significantly more powerful chipset, paired with ample RAM and the latest version of Android (and its long term software support), will ensure it remains fast and functional for a longer time.
- Superior User Experience: The much better display (resolution, pixel density, brightness), smoother refresh rate, and advanced camera system will provide a premium user experience that is much more enjoyable.
- Photography and Videography: As an enthusiast, I prioritize a good camera, and the S24 Ultra is leaps and bounds ahead of the Moto G30, offering optical zoom, better low-light performance, and much higher video recording capabilities.
- Daily Use: The faster charging, wireless and reverse charging, better connectivity, and premium build quality of the S24 Ultra would make my daily smartphone usage more convenient and enjoyable, outweighing its higher price and heavier weight.
- Multitasking: The S24 Ultra’s superior processing power and RAM is important for my daily work and personal usage requirements.
- Longer Software Support: The superior software and update support will ensure a longer usable life of the phone.
While the Moto G30 is the more affordable option, its limitations in performance, display, camera, and software support are significant drawbacks for someone who prioritizes a high-quality smartphone experience.
