Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the newer Moto G24. On paper, they seem like they are in the same family, but as always the devil is in the details.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at how these phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Motorola Moto G24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | G24 is slightly taller and less thick, might feel a tad different in hand; G31 has a larger volume. |
| Weight | 181g | 181g | Both feel the same in hand; Not too heavy or too light. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.56" | G24 has a marginally larger display; barely noticeable, more screen space is always nice. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1612 | G31 is much sharper due to higher resolution; expect more detail and clarity; G24 screen might look pixelated in comparison. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 269 | G31 has superior sharpness; text and images will appear much clearer; The lower the PPI, the more you start to see the pixels on the screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | G31 offers vibrant colors, deep blacks and better battery efficiency; G24 colors will be less punchy and less contrasty and battery will be consumed faster. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | G24 scrolls smoother; a nice but a minor difference. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 500 nits | G24 offers better outdoor visibility and in direct sunlight; makes a huge difference. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G85 | Helio G85 | Both will offer similar performance for daily tasks; no significant difference. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 266,894 | G24 will handle tasks and apps marginally better due to better optimization; not a significant difference. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Same graphics capabilities; gaming performance will be similar. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Expect similar photo quality in good lighting; G31 has the Samsung sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.0 | G31 will capture sharper selfie images in normal light; G24 will do slightly better in low light due to wider apperture; not a huge difference. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 2MP f/2.4 | G31 captures much more detailed wide-angle shots; a big difference |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both capture similar macro details. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Video recording quality is comparable. |
| Camera Features | More advanced | Similar | G31 has a more advanced feature set including Optical zoom, Laser autofocus and continuous shooting |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Expect similar battery life on both; enough for a full day. |
| Charging | 10W | 15W | G24 charges a little faster; a small upgrade but appreciated. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | G24 runs on newer software; better features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to 802.11ac | Similar WiFi standards; G31 has an extra Wi-Fi Display feature |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Same Bluetooth standard; G24 has EDR and HID enhancements. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | G24 offers double storage; more space for your photos and apps; No expandable storage on either. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB/8GB | G24 has a higher RAM version; significantly better multitasking. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | G24 provides enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers, but G31 has 2 microphones |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side Mounted | Side Mounted | Standard sensor; fast and reliable, provides basic biometric security |
| Other Features | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | G31 includes Hall sensor, good for gaming and advanced use cases. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with its higher resolution and pixel density is a major win. Colors pop, text is crisp, and blacks are truly black, something you'll appreciate every time you unlock your phone.
- More Advanced Camera Setup: The Moto G31 not only has a higher resolution selfie camera and wide angle lens, but also includes Optical zoom and a Laser Auto focus, making this the more advanced camera setup.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: This phone has the hall sensor, not found on the Moto G24, which is great for more advanced use cases like gaming.
Motorola Moto G24 Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate provides a smoother user experience, making scrolling feel more fluid.
- Brighter Display: The much higher brightness allows for much better visibility outdoors, a must-have for many users.
- Faster Charging: The 15W charging is a welcome upgrade, especially when you need to top up quickly.
- More Storage and RAM Options: With up to 256GB storage and 8GB RAM, the G24 gives more headroom for apps and multitasking.
- Better Audio: The Stereo speakers provide a more immersive audio experience when consuming media.
- Newer Software: Running Android 14 out of the box, you get the latest features and security updates.
Trade-offs:
- Display Quality: The G24's lower resolution and LCD panel means a noticeable downgrade in display sharpness, color accuracy, and contrast compared to the G31's AMOLED. This is the biggest trade-off.
- Camera Performance: You lose a lot of the Camera advancements in the G31 with the G24.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Moto G31:
- Media Consumption Enthusiasts: Those who value a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing photos, and reading content will appreciate the AMOLED screen.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want decent image quality, especially with the wide angle lens and the front facing camera.
- Price-Conscious Consumers: If you are on a budget but want a great screen and camera performance, then this is the pick for you.
- Moto G24:
- Outdoor Users: If you are always on the go, the brighter screen will be an advantage in bright daylight.
- Multitaskers: The 8GB RAM option, allows for more seamless multitasking.
- Users Who Prioritize Storage: The 256 GB storage option, gives peace of mind for heavy users.
- Users who want the latest software: With Android 14 this is the pick for those looking for a more modern software experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value a sharp, vibrant screen above all else, the G31 is the clear winner. If you can live with a lower resolution, the G24 is a valid choice.
- Do you need maximum storage and RAM? If you handle many apps and large files, or you want to keep your phone for years, the 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage option on the G24 will be advantageous.
- Where and when will you mostly use your phone? If you’re often outdoors or under bright sunlight, the G24’s brighter screen will be very beneficial. If you're mostly indoors, then G31 will be great.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Daily Multimedia & Social Media: If you spend most of your time browsing, watching videos, and scrolling through social media, the Moto G31 is your ideal companion. The better screen makes all the difference in viewing enjoyment, plus you'll get great camera quality for casual use.
Scenario 2: Active Outdoor Lifestyle: If you work outdoors or you are frequently in sunny environments, the Moto G24 is the better pick. The brighter screen makes it much more readable under bright light. The extra storage is great for many photos or videos you are going to take.
- Scenario 3: Power User on a Budget: If you need to have the best performance while saving money, the Moto G24 is the clear pick. It offers the best of both worlds.
Personal Choice
After carefully weighing all the specs and real-world implications, my personal pick is the Motorola Moto G31. Here is why:
I am always indoors and the superior display on the Moto G31 wins me over. As someone who consumes a lot of content, the AMOLED screen is just too good to pass up, the color accuracy, black levels and pixel density are a game changer, making every day usage far more enjoyable. While the G24 offers some improvements like the 90Hz display, I'm still going to prioritize quality of screen over the extra smooth scrolling. And, I also like the camera setup, with the wide angle lens and the front facing camera.
In the end it all comes down to how you will be using the device, and what you prioritize more. Both devices are great, but with different strengths.
