1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | Moto G30 is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. The Xperia 5 IV is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 200g | 172g | Xperia 5 IV is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | Moto G30 has a larger screen for media consumption; Xperia 5 IV is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 IV has a much sharper and clearer display with significantly more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 269 PPI | 449 PPI | Xperia 5 IV has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Xperia 5 IV has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 5 IV offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness. However, note that both have "0 nits" which is not physically possible. This is a limitation in the provided data. We cannot infer the real-world brightness capabilities of these phones with this information. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 5 IV has a significantly more powerful and efficient processor, resulting in much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV has vastly superior performance for demanding tasks, gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 5 IV has a much more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive applications and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64.4MP | 12MP | Moto G30 has a higher megapixel count, but Xperia 5 IV has a larger sensor with bigger pixels (1.8µm vs 0.7µm), usually resulting in better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.7 | Both have the same aperture, influencing low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | Xperia 5 IV's larger sensor often correlates to better low-light performance and dynamic range. | |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX557 | Xperia 5 IV utilizes a well-regarded Sony sensor. | |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 1.80 µm | Xperia 5 IV's larger pixels capture more light, improving low-light performance and reducing noise. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 12MP | Marginal difference. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Model | Sony Exmor RS | Xperia 5 IV uses a known sensor for selfies. | |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.25 µm | Xperia 5 IV has slightly larger pixels for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4 | Xperia 5 IV has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, while Moto G30 relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Xperia 5 IV has higher resolution wide-angle shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | Xperia 5 IV has a larger sensor for the wide-angle lens. | |
| Wide Angle Lens Sensor Model | Sony IMX363 Exmor RS | Xperia 5 IV uses a known sensor for the wide-angle lens. | |
| Wide Angle Lens Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.40 µm | Xperia 5 IV's wide angle lens has larger pixels. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G30 offers a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G30 has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 5 IV offers vastly superior video recording capabilities, including higher resolution, stabilization, and HDR. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes, OIS & EIS | Xperia 5 IV has Optical Image Stabilization and Electronic Image Stabilization for smoother video recording. |
| Slow-motion Video | Yes, 60fps | Yes, 120fps | Xperia 5 IV has a higher slow-motion capture rate. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Available | Main: 119, Photo: 121, Video: 113 | Xperia 5 IV has a tested good mobile camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity. Battery life will depend on usage patterns and software optimization. |
| Charging | 15W | 30W | Xperia 5 IV charges significantly faster. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Xperia 5 IV uses a more modern battery technology. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Xperia 5 IV has advanced battery features like bypass charging and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Xperia 5 IV has a more up-to-date operating system and will receive one more OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Xperia 5 IV has the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Xperia 5 IV has a newer Bluetooth version for faster data transfer and more stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia 5 IV has more extensive satellite support for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Xperia 5 IV offers the flexibility of using an eSIM, in addition to dual SIM support for physical SIM cards |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Xperia 5 IV offers more base storage and a higher maximum configuration. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 8 GB | Xperia 5 IV has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV offers significantly better audio quality and features. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint sensors. Side-mounted sensors tend to be a bit faster and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 5 IV offers superior scratch and shatter protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall | Xperia 5 IV has more advanced sensor capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.5" screen is better for users who prioritize media consumption and enjoy a bigger view for content.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: The inclusion of dedicated macro and depth sensors for the camera system provides more options for casual photography.
- Lower Price Point: It is expected to be significantly more affordable than the Sony Xperia 5 IV, making it appealing to budget-conscious consumers.
Practical Implications of Moto G30 Advantages:
- The larger screen makes watching videos and browsing the web more enjoyable for those who prioritize screen size.
- The extra camera sensors can enable creative close-up photography with the macro lens and portrait effects using the depth sensor, however, image quality is not expected to be as high as on the Xperia.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and 8GB of RAM provide significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Higher-Quality Display: The OLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate provides an exceptional viewing experience.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensor pixels, superior optics, telephoto lens, 4K HDR video recording, and advanced stabilization significantly improve image and video quality.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers offer a superior audio experience.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging gets the phone charged faster compared to 15W on the G30.
- More Modern Features: Support for Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, eSIM, and reverse charging make it more future-proof.
- Build quality Gorilla glass victus offer better screen protection.
Practical Implications of Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- The vastly superior performance allows for a lag-free experience when using demanding apps or playing high-end games.
- The excellent screen enhances the enjoyment of movies, photos, and social media content with better clarity, contrast, and color.
- The superior camera system enables users to take high-quality photos and videos in a wide variety of conditions.
- The enhanced audio experience is great for music lovers and media consumption.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Price: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is significantly more expensive, making it inaccessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- Size: The smaller 6.1" display may be less appealing to those who prefer a large viewing area, but more comfortable for handling.
- Missing Macro & Depth Sensors: The lack of dedicated macro and depth sensors could be a drawback for some users, although image quality on the other lenses is likely to be superior.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks without breaking the bank.
- Casual Media Consumers: Users who value a large screen for watching videos and browsing the web.
- Users who don't need high-end performance: Users who don't require advanced gaming capabilities and who don't multitask with heavy apps.
- Users who prefer extra camera features: Users who enjoy casual photography and want extra lenses like the macro and depth sensors.
Use Cases where Moto G30 excels:
- Everyday communication (calls, messaging, social media).
- Casual browsing, social media use, and web navigation.
- Watching online videos and streaming content.
- Basic photography and videography.
- General navigation.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Users who need a high-performance phone for demanding applications, multitasking, and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value excellent camera quality and want to capture high-quality photos and videos.
- Multimedia Lovers: Users who consume a lot of video and audio content.
- Users who value cutting edge tech: Users who want more modern technology such as Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, eSIM, and reverse charging.
Use Cases where Xperia 5 IV excels:
- Playing demanding mobile games smoothly.
- Capturing high-resolution, professional-looking photos and videos.
- Enjoying high-quality media consumption with its advanced audio and display features.
- Multitasking between several heavy apps without performance issues.
- Utilizing modern connectivity options for better speed and reliability.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Moto G30 offers a good price-to-value ratio for budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable, basic smartphone.
- The Xperia 5 IV has a higher price but delivers excellent features and performance to justify the cost for users who want a premium smartphone experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a new smartphone?
- Performance Needs: Do you require high-end performance for gaming and demanding apps, or is a basic level of performance sufficient?
- Camera Priorities: Is camera quality and versatility a major factor in your decision?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If budget is the primary concern, and you need a reliable, large-screen phone for basic tasks, the Motorola Moto G30 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Multimedia User: If you prioritize performance, a high-quality display, advanced audio, and a capable camera system, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better option, despite the premium price.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If mobile photography is a high priority, especially if you need high quality low-light capabilities and video recording, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is recommended.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone extensively for multitasking, browsing, and mobile gaming, the vast difference in processing power is a critical factor for me. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Xperia 5 IV is leagues ahead of the Snapdragon 662 in the Moto G30.
- Display: The OLED screen on the Xperia 5 IV is vastly superior. The higher resolution, refresh rate, and OLED technology will make a massive difference when using the device daily, especially for watching videos and viewing photos.
- Camera Quality: While the Moto G30 offers more camera lenses, the image quality on the Xperia 5 IV is likely to be significantly better, especially due to the larger sensor pixels and superior optics. The addition of OIS and EIS for video is also a huge advantage. The DxOMark score is also a good indicator of image quality.
- Modern Features: I prefer phones that have modern connectivity and convenience features. The faster charging, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, eSIM support, and additional sensors on the Xperia 5 IV makes it a better long-term investment.
- Build Quality: The superior screen protection is a massive advantage for long term use.
While the Moto G30 might be more affordable, the premium experience offered by the Xperia 5 IV outweighs its higher price in my use case. The significantly better display, camera, and performance are critical for how I use my phone. The benefits of the Xperia 5 IV justify its higher price tag for users who value performance and a more advanced feature set.
