Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Moto G73. It's like pitting a reliable workhorse against a slightly more agile, modern counterpart. Here's a detailed breakdown that cuts through the spec jargon and gets to what matters for everyday use:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Motorola Moto G73 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | G73 is a hair smaller and thinner, which might feel slightly better in hand, but not dramatically different. |
| Weight | 181g | 181g | Both feel similar in weight, making comfort while holding comparable |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both have a standard smartphone build |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Negligible difference in screen size |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Sharp, detailed image on both devices |
| PPI | 411 | 405 | Both are very similar in pixel density, you won't notice the difference |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Big difference: G31 has vibrant AMOLED with deep blacks; G73 has a typical LCD panel with less contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Big difference: G73 screen will feel significantly smoother with faster animations and transitions. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No information available on the brightness of either phone |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | Big difference: G73 offers much faster processing, better for multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 497,466 | G73 offers more than double the performance in benchmarks |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | IMG BXM-8-256 | G73 has a more powerful GPU suitable for demanding applications and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm | G73 has larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | G73 has higher resolution. G31 has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | G31 has wider aperture for wider angle shots. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | G31 has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps, 4K | G73 has a better video recording option |
| Features | Many features, including RAW, Optical Zoom | Many features including 4K Video, Night Mode | Both have a plethora of features. The G31 has a laser autofocus but lacks the option for 4k video |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life overall |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Big difference: G73 charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Standard battery design on both |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Big difference: G73 offers a more modern OS with new features and security updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | G73 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | G73 has a newer version with better audio codecs and efficiency. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Advanced GPS | G73 has more advanced satellite support for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Big difference: G73 offers more storage capacity |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | Big difference: G73 has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage on either |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | G73 offers a better sound stage with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both are equipped with fingerprint sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | No details about any additional screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | G31 has a gyroscope for more accurate motion tracking in apps and games. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G31:
- Strengths: Standout AMOLED display with vibrant colors and deep blacks. It also has a dedicated Macro lens.
- Competitive Advantages: The main advantage is the AMOLED panel over the LCD in the G73 at a lower price point.
- Trade-offs: Slower performance, older software, and slower charging, compared to the G73.
- Motorola Moto G73:
- Strengths: Much faster performance, smoother 120Hz display, better video capabilities, faster charging, and updated software, larger base storage capacity.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior overall performance, faster display, better multimedia consumption.
- Trade-offs: LCD screen, lacks a dedicated macro lens, slightly lower aperture wide angle camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G31:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize display quality above all else, are on a tighter budget, and whose needs are basic tasks like social media, browsing, and media consumption.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, watching videos, and those looking for an excellent display on a budget.
- Motorola Moto G73:
- Best Suited For: Users who want smooth performance and improved video capabilities, slightly better all-around experience and more future-proofing.
- Use Cases: Gaming, multitasking, heavy app usage, and anyone who wants a generally more responsive experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between the two:
- How important is display quality? If an AMOLED display with deep blacks and vibrant colors is a must, the G31 is your pick. If a smoother 120Hz refresh rate takes precedence, the G73 is better.
- Do you prioritize performance, or is basic functionality enough? If you need snappy performance and future-proofing, the G73 is much better. If you mainly use your phone for basic tasks and aren't a heavy gamer or user, the G31 is adequate.
- Is faster charging a must? If you're someone who's always on the go, the faster charging of the G73 makes a big difference.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Casual User: Go for the Moto G31. Its AMOLED display provides a better visual experience for media consumption on a budget.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Oriented User: The Moto G73 is the clear winner. The superior processor, larger storage, and faster display make it a more future-proof option.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Lover: If you value display quality, the G31 is tempting, but the G73’s stereo speakers and smoother display might sway the vote.
My Choice
If I had to pick between these two, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G73. While the AMOLED screen on the G31 is enticing, the significant leap in performance, much faster charging, smoother display, larger RAM, and updated OS on the G73 offer a substantially better overall experience. The G73 feels like a device that will stay responsive and relevant for longer, making it a more sensible choice in the long run. The improved GPS with advanced satellite support, makes it more suitable for navigation purposes. The stereo speakers make it a more immersive phone for multimedia consumption.
