Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Moto G31 and Moto G55. It’s always fascinating to see how different approaches can lead to different strengths, even within the same brand. I’ve put my engineering hat on and will explain these differences like we're just chatting over coffee.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what it all means for you.
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Motorola Moto G55 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-06 | 2024-09-06 | G55 is significantly newer, likely with newer software and better support. |
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | 161.6 × 73.8 × 8.1 mm | G55 is slightly thinner and more compact; G31 is thicker. Difference is minimal, but might feel a little better in your pocket. |
| Weight | 181g | 179g | Both are very light, negligible difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.49" | Similar size, virtually identical. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both are Full HD+, crisp displays for sharp text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 405 | Both have very similar pixel density; sharpness is almost identical. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | G31 wins here; AMOLED delivers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, better contrast, and is more power-efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | G55 wins here; 120Hz makes scrolling and animations significantly smoother, enhancing the overall experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits; this data is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7025 (6 nm) | G55 wins here; Dimensity 7025 is a more powerful and modern chip. Expect significantly better performance in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 225,154 | 470,000 | G55 wins here; Over double the performance on benchmarks. Noticeable difference in app loading, multi-tasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 (Arm Mali-G52 MC2) | IMG BXM-8-256 (IMG BXM-8-256) | G55 has a more powerful GPU; Better graphics processing for games and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity; Expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | G55 wins here; 30W charging will be significantly faster than 10W, getting you topped up much quicker. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | G55 can charge other devices; not much but nice to have. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both are 50MP; G31 has slightly larger sensor size. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | G55 has higher resolution; G31 has slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | G31 has slightly wider aperture for better low-light wide-angle photos. |
| Macro lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | G31 wins here; G31 includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while G55 doesn't have a macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization | 1080p@30fps, 60fps, EIS | G55 can shoot at 60fps and has EIS, for smoother videos. |
| Features | Many | Many, including 4K recording | G55 has 4K video, OIS and Front Flash; G31 features optical zoom and has laser autofocus . |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | G55 wins here; G55 has the latest Android, offering new features, security updates, and potential performance improvements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual Band | 802.11ac, Dual Band, MIMO | Both support ac WiFi; G55 features MIMO for better throughput and stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | G55 wins here; Newer Bluetooth version, with support for high-quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | Both have all main gps systems; G55 has more for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | G55 supports eSIM for added flexibility and digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | G55 wins here; More options with larger base storage, better if you need more space for media. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | G55 wins here; More RAM means better multitasking, apps will stay open in the background longer. |
| Expandable | No | No | No support for storage expansion on either phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Mics | G55 wins here; Stereo speakers provide better spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both provide similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | G55 wins here; G55 has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better screen durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | G31 has gyroscope for better gaming. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G31: The G31 shines with its AMOLED display, which is a significant plus for anyone who loves vibrant colors and deep blacks. The dedicated macro lens also provides versatility for close-up photography. However, it's held back by an older processor and slower charging.
- Motorola Moto G55: This phone is a performance upgrade across the board. The 120Hz display, faster processor, newer Android OS, 30W charging, better Bluetooth with codec support and 4K video capture are impressive advancements. It does trade the AMOLED display for an IPS panel, which isn't as vibrant, and it doesn't have the macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31:
- Best for: Users who prioritize display quality (AMOLED) and who like macro photography. Good for those on a tight budget looking for a nice display.
- Use Case: Watching videos, browsing, taking casual macro shots.
Motorola Moto G55:
- Best for: Users who need smooth performance, gamers, and those who prefer the latest software. Good for people who need fast charging.
- Use Case: Multitasking, playing games, capturing videos, using the latest apps, watching 120 fps video.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- Do you prefer a vibrant AMOLED display over a smoother 120Hz display? If yes, G31. Otherwise, G55.
- Do you need the best possible performance and fast charging? If yes, G55. Otherwise, G31 is acceptable.
- Are features like 4K video, OIS, better bluetooth and stereo speakers important to you? If yes, G55 is your choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I'd go for the Motorola Moto G55. While I love a good AMOLED display, the performance boost, faster charging, smoother refresh rate and more recent software, are too important to pass up. I can live without the macro lens and even though the AMOLED is a loss, the G55 offers a better experience overall. For the majority of users, I think they would appreciate the faster processor and smoother 120Hz screen.
I hope this thorough breakdown helps you make the best decision for your needs!
