Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Sony Xperia 1 IV
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | The Sony is slightly narrower and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand and pocket. The Moto G30 has a larger overall volume, and might feel more bulky. |
| Weight | 200g | 185g | The Sony is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The Moto G30 can feel heavy over longer periods. |
| Build Quality | Screen: Unknown | Screen: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Sony offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. The Moto G30 screen protection is unknown, and therefore more fragile. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1644x3840 | The Sony's display is much sharper, offering significantly more detail for text, images, and videos. The Moto G30’s lower resolution screen appears less sharp, leading to a less premium visual experience. |
| PPI | 269 | 643 | The Sony’s higher pixel density results in a crisper and more detailed image, with finer text and more realistic images. The Moto G30 displays a less sharp image. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | The Sony's OLED screen delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making media consumption much more immersive. The IPS LCD display of the Moto G30 has a lower contrast ratio, and less vibrant colors compared to OLED, resulting in an inferior viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Sony’s higher refresh rate results in smoother animations and scrolling. The 90Hz refresh rate on the Moto G30 will not be as smooth. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have an unknown maximum screen brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | The Sony's processor provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Moto G30 might struggle with demanding tasks and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 1,076,100 | The Sony delivers a far superior performance, making it significantly faster and more responsive in all aspects, including resource intensive tasks such as video editing and gaming. The Moto G30 shows an inferior performance overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | The Sony has a much more powerful GPU that handles graphics-intensive tasks and high-end games with ease, while the Moto G30 can struggle with demanding games. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar potential battery life. Actual battery life depends on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 30W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | The Sony charges significantly faster, allowing for shorter downtime, whereas the Moto G30 will take longer to charge. Li-Polymer batteries tend to have a longer lifespan. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | The Sony's bypass charging allows the phone to be powered directly from the charger while gaming, reducing heat and battery wear. This feature is not present on the Moto G30. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7, 0.70 µm | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80 µm | Although the Moto G30 has more megapixels, the Sony has larger pixels and a superior sensor, likely resulting in better low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and overall image quality. The main camera on the Sony Xperia 1 IV will take higher quality photos in general. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | 12MP, f/2.0 | The Sony has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. The Moto G30 has a slightly higher resolution, but the Sony might produce better images overall, due to its aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.3, 1.00 µm | The Sony has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, allowing closer shots without loss of detail. This gives the Sony a better capacity to take detailed zoomed photos, compared to the Moto G30 which has no dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | The Sony's wide-angle lens has a higher resolution which allows for capturing more detailed wide shots than the Moto G30. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Present | The Sony's ToF sensor improves depth information, enhancing portrait mode and AR applications. This sensor is not available on the Moto G30. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Moto G30 features a dedicated depth camera. The Sony relies on its ToF sensor and AI for depth effects. The lack of a dedicated depth sensor on the Sony, however is not necessarily a disadvantage because the ToF sensor might perform better overall. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Moto G30 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which the Sony lacks, although the other lenses on the Sony may perform better overall due to superior sensors and processing. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps; No stabilization | 4K@24/25/30/60/120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS, 1080p@30/60/120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | The Sony offers far superior video recording capabilities, including 4K resolution with HDR, optical and electronic stabilization (OIS, EIS), and high frame rate options, resulting in professional-looking videos, with superior stabilization. The Moto G30 has only standard video recording functionality. |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | Mobile: 105 (Photo: 107, Video: 92) | The Sony has a tested DxOMark camera score, proving its camera superiority. The Moto G30 has not been tested, so a comparison cannot be made. |
| 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 | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The Sony has optical zoom, better stabilization, and 4k video recording, which the Moto G30 doesn't have. The Moto G30 has a laser autofocus feature, which the Sony doesn't have. |
Software
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | The Sony comes with a more recent version of Android, offering the latest features, security updates, and a smoother user experience. The Moto G30 is on Android 11, with an upgrade available, however this will be an older version in comparison with the Sony. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | The Sony supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), resulting in faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. The Moto G30 only supports up to Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). The Sony also supports WiFi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE, with more features | The Sony's Bluetooth 5.2 offers a more reliable connection, improved power efficiency, and more audio codecs, providing a higher quality audio experience for wireless devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Sony offers better GPS accuracy with more satellite systems, making it better suited for navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Sony’s eSIM support provides more flexibility in mobile plans and easier switching, while the Moto G30 relies on physical SIM cards. Both phones offer the ability to use two SIMs simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | The Sony offers significantly more internal storage for apps, media, and files. The storage capacity of the Moto G30 is inferior. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 12/16 GB | The Sony has far more RAM which enables smoother multitasking and improves gaming performance. The Moto G30 has a much lower RAM capacity, which will result in inferior performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so this isn't a point of comparison. |
Audio
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Sony offers a superior audio experience through its features including Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers, resulting in clearer, more immersive audio, which is suitable for music listening, media consumption, and gaming. The Moto G30 lacks advanced audio features. |
Security
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Rear-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Both fingerprint sensors will unlock your phone, although the side-mounted fingerprint sensor of the Sony is a slightly more modern choice. |
Sensors
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | The Sony features additional environmental sensors, including a Compass and Barometer, which can be useful for specific applications. The lack of these sensors on the Moto G30 may limit some of its applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages
- Lower Price: The Moto G30 is a more affordable option, making it accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Laser Autofocus: Has a laser autofocus feature on the camera, which could provide slightly faster autofocus in specific scenarios.
- Dedicated depth camera: Has a dedicated depth camera for portrait mode.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages
- Superior Display: The OLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate offers a significantly better visual experience.
- Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides much faster processing speeds, making it suitable for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a more versatile and higher-quality camera system with features like telephoto zoom, ToF sensor, 4K video recording, and OIS/EIS, allowing for more diverse and professional photography and video capture.
- Faster Charging and Bypass Charging: The 30W fast charging and bypass charging feature offers faster charging times and reduced battery wear.
- eSIM Support: The ability to use an eSIM provides flexibility with carriers and plans.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and more satellite systems for improved connectivity and accuracy.
- Higher Storage and RAM: More storage and RAM allow for better multitasking and more storage for media and apps.
- Superior Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio provide a more immersive audio experience.
- Superior Build Quality: Has Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
Trade-offs
- Moto G30: You sacrifice performance, display quality, camera features, and overall build for the lower price point.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV: The main trade-off is the higher price, which may be prohibitive for budget-conscious buyers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers who prioritize basic smartphone functionality. It is suitable for users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, such as calling, texting, web browsing, and social media, and do not require high-end performance.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday social media, web browsing, and texting.
- Basic photo taking in good lighting conditions.
- Users looking for an affordable smartphone for basic tasks.
- Long battery life for extended daily use.
Sony Xperia 1 IV
- Ideal User: Users who demand high performance, a premium display, and an excellent camera experience. It is suitable for photography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, and professionals needing a high-quality and feature-rich smartphone.
- Use Cases:
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphic requirements.
- Media consumption with high-resolution and immersive audio.
- Power users needing fast processing speeds and smooth multitasking.
- People wanting the latest in mobile connectivity features.
- Users looking for a premium smartphone with a focus on high quality media consumption.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your budget? If your budget is a primary concern, the Motorola Moto G30 is the more affordable option. If your budget allows for it, the Sony Xperia 1 IV provides superior features and performance.
- What are your primary use cases? If you need basic phone functionality and occasional photo taking, the Moto G30 is sufficient. If you need a high-quality camera, smooth performance, and a premium display, the Sony is more suitable.
- How important is overall performance and display quality to you? If you require demanding tasks, mobile gaming, and higher quality media consumption, the Sony's display and processor are worth the premium. If these aren’t requirements for you, the Moto G30 will be more than sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Budget: If you need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light social media, with good battery life, the Motorola Moto G30 is suitable, due to its lower price point.
- Scenario 2: Mid-Range User wanting good performance and battery: If you need a phone for general daily usage but want to play games and take good photos on occasion, neither phone is a good choice, and a different mid-range option might be better.
- Scenario 3: Power User/Creative Professional: If you require the best possible mobile performance, a superior display, and an excellent camera for photography/videography, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the clear choice, providing better features and performance across the board.
- Scenario 4: User that prioritizes camera quality: If camera quality is a priority, the Sony Xperia 1 IV will provide a superior camera experience due to its telephoto lens, ToF sensor, and 4k video capabilities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While the price difference is significant, the vastly superior display, performance, and camera capabilities align better with my needs and preferences. I prioritize a fluid and responsive user experience, a high-quality media consumption device, and the ability to take high-quality photographs and videos, and therefore I find the Sony Xperia 1 IV to be more suitable to my needs. The higher price of the Sony is a worthy investment, in order to achieve the additional performance and user experience it offers.
