Alright, let's break down the Motorola Moto G31 and Moto G04s. I've been digging through the specs, and I've got a pretty good handle on what makes each of these phones tick. Here's a detailed comparison designed to cut through the tech jargon and get to what matters for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-06 | 2024-04-29 | G04s is newer, potentially better software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | G04s is slightly taller, G31 slightly thicker. Both are very similar in size and weight. |
| Weight | 181g | 178.8g | Negligible weight difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.56" | G04s has a slightly larger display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | G31 has a significantly sharper display (more pixel density) |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 269 | G31's display will look noticeably crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | G31 offers superior color, contrast, and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | G04s display is smoother for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same unspecified brightness rating. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 | Unisoc T606 | Different chipsets, both are in the entry-level segment. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 220,000 | Both offer comparable daily performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Similar GPUs. Not designed for high-end gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Identical main camera specs. |
| Main Sensor Pixel Size | 0.64 µm | 1.00 µm | G04s might be slightly better at light gathering in each pixel |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | G31 has a higher resolution front camera. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | G31 has a dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | G31 has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization | 1080p@30fps, Yes stabilization | G04s is better stabilized, otherwise similar. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 10W | 15W | G04s charges faster. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | G04s has a newer Android version (longer support). |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Similar WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Identical Bluetooth capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 64/128/256GB | G04s offers a higher storage option. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | Sufficient for most daily tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos | G31 has enhanced spatial audio and improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | G04s has better protection for screen scratching |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | G31 has a compass and extra sensor for advanced use cases |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with its higher resolution and pixel density offers a far more vibrant and crisp visual experience compared to the G04s's IPS LCD. This is crucial for media consumption and general enjoyment.
- Better Camera System: The Moto G31 boasts a more versatile camera setup with a higher resolution selfie camera, a dedicated wide-angle lens, and a macro lens, offering users greater flexibility in capturing different types of shots.
- Enhanced Audio Capture: The dual microphone setup and extra audio features are better suited for clarity of audio capture.
Motorola Moto G04s Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate results in a smoother visual experience, making scrolling and animations feel more fluid than the G31's 60Hz panel.
- Faster Charging: The 15W charging is a welcome upgrade over the G31's 10W charging, reducing the time spent waiting for the battery to fill up.
- Newer Software: Running on Android 14, the G04s has access to the latest Android features and security updates, which are crucial for device longevity and optimal performance.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers better protection for screen scratches and durability.
Trade-offs:
- G31: The trade-off is that, despite its better display, the phone is slightly older, has a lower refresh rate, and lacks the faster charging found in the G04s.
- G04s: The G04s sacrifices camera versatility, display quality, and build quality for better software, charging, and refresh rate.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31:
- Best For: Users who prioritize a high-quality display and a versatile camera system.
- Ideal Use Cases: Watching videos, browsing social media, taking various photos, capturing audio recordings.
- Why? The AMOLED display makes this phone a clear winner for anyone who cares about vivid colors and crisp images. Its triple camera setup is great for those who like to experiment with different types of photography, while the extra audio features are a bonus.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Best For: Users who want a smooth, modern experience with faster charging and longer software support.
- Ideal Use Cases: Casual browsing, daily tasks, enjoying smooth scrolling.
- Why? The 90Hz display makes scrolling feel much nicer, and faster charging reduces downtime. The latest software ensures that the device remains up-to-date.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself to help decide between these two devices:
- How much do I value display quality? If you prioritize a vibrant display for media consumption, the Moto G31's AMOLED panel is the way to go. If you're okay with an IPS LCD for a smoother scrolling experience, the G04s might be for you.
- Is camera versatility important to me? If you like taking a variety of different photos, the G31's wide-angle and macro lenses will be beneficial. The G04s has a more basic camera system.
- Do I prefer an older phone with a better screen or a newer phone with a more modern operating system? The G31 has a better screen but runs Android 11. The G04s has a newer OS but a less high-quality screen.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Media Enthusiast: If watching videos and enjoying a crisp display are your top priorities, the Motorola Moto G31 is the obvious choice.
- For the Casual User: If you're looking for a modern phone with smooth performance, a higher refresh rate and a more recent OS the Moto G04s will be more than suitable for your needs.
- For the Budget-Conscious Photographer: The Moto G31's versatile camera system makes it the better choice if you're on a budget.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G31. The superior AMOLED display makes a huge difference for daily use, and although it's an older phone, I still prefer its screen and camera system over the G04s. I am willing to accept an older OS for a better viewing experience. The lack of expandable storage is a downside, but the 128GB option is usually enough for most of my files. I love the fact that it has multiple lenses in the back and also a better selfie camera!
