Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Nokia G100. I’ll be putting on my tech journalist hat and focusing on what these specs mean for you, the user, not just what the numbers say.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the specifications, coupled with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Nokia G100 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | G31 is more compact, the G100 is slightly larger and heavier, which might feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 181g | 195.1g | The Moto G31 is noticeably lighter by 14.1g, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.52" | The Nokia G100 is marginally bigger by 0.12", but it's not a difference you'd notice at a glance. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | The Moto G31 has a much sharper display. Text and images will be clearer and more detailed, more pleasant to the eye. |
| PPI | 411 | 269 | Higher PPI of the Moto G31 provides a crisper display with smoother text and graphics. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The AMOLED screen on the Moto G31 provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast making for a more vibrant viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both provide standard 60Hz refresh rates, meaning screen scrolling will be smooth, but not as fluid as higher refresh rates. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | The lack of specified brightness values is a drawback; we are unable to compare this characteristic. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 | Snapdragon 662 | These are different chipsets, but the G31's Mediatek scores slightly higher in benchmarks (12%) suggesting it may have marginally better performance for most tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 201,615 | The Moto G31 offers marginally better real-world performance in terms of app loading, responsiveness, and graphic intensive applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 | The Mali-G52 GPU is common for budget phones, while Adreno 610 is a common Qualcomm GPU. Gaming will be possible on both, but don't expect the highest settings at a smooth framerate. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar capacity means similar day-long battery performance with average use. |
| Charging | 10W | 15W | The Nokia G100 supports faster charging, which can top up the battery quicker, this means less time tethered to a charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.0 | The Moto G31 has a higher-resolution camera, capturing more detail and performs slightly better in low light due to its wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.4 | The Moto G31 has a higher-resolution front-facing camera, better in low-light conditions because of its wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle lens Resolution | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Moto G31 has a higher-resolution ultrawide lens for taking wide scenic shots. |
| Depth Sensor | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Nokia G100 has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode effects and blurred background. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | The Moto G31 has a macro lens for capturing extreme close-ups of small objects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones offer same 1080p @ 30 fps video recording. |
| Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW | Night Mode | The Moto G31 offers more advanced autofocusing methods and allows you to use the RAW format for maximum editing control, while the Nokia G100 offers a dedicated night mode for low-light captures. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 | The Nokia G100 ships with a newer version of Android, meaning it's less likely to get outdated updates sooner than the Moto G31 and might provide better performance out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones provide standard 2.4 and 5Ghz wifi support, suitable for all modern connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both phones support Bluetooth 5.0 with Low Energy for efficient device pairing. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | The Moto G31 supports more satellite navigation systems, which provides improved location accuracy in various environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support two nano-SIM cards with Dual Standby support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 32GB or 128GB | Both phones offer a 128 GB version, the Moto G31 offers a base 64 GB option, while the Nokia G100 only offers a 32 GB base option. |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB or 4GB | Both are available with 4GB of RAM which is sufficient for most basic tasks. The Nokia G100's 3 GB option will suffer more under heavy use. |
| Expandable Storage | Not supported | Not supported | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | 2 mics | The Moto G31 has Dolby Atmos for spatial audio and better sound quality, while both phones offer noise cancellation through 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones offer a convenient, side-mounted fingerprint sensor for device unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Nokia G100 has superior scratch protection on its screen, making it more durable than the Moto G31's unknown glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Both include all basic sensors, the G31 adds a compass for navigation, while the G100 adds a barometer for weather and altitude tracking. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and pixel density makes for a much better viewing experience.
- Better Camera: The higher-resolution main and selfie cameras, along with the addition of a macro lens provide greater flexibility and quality for photography.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support and dual microphones should provide a richer sound experience.
- Better GPS: The Moto G31 also offers a broader range of satellite support, improving navigation in various scenarios.
Nokia G100 Strengths:
- Faster Charging: 15W charging is considerably faster than the Moto G31's 10W charging.
- Screen Protection: The Nokia G100 has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for added durability against scratches and minor damages.
- Newer Software: The Nokia G100 ships with Android 12, meaning slightly more up-to-date experience and security updates.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor for more accurate portrait mode effects.
- Barometer: Includes a Barometer, which is an extra feature not present in Moto G31 that may be useful for outdoor activities.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- The Moto G31 lacks the durability of the Nokia G100 due to the unknown type of screen protection.
- The Nokia G100 has a lower-resolution screen, which won't be as clear as the G31. Its camera is also not as flexible due to lack of Macro lens, and its selfie is also inferior to the G31's.
- Neither phone has expandable storage which can be a limiting factor for those with large media collections.
- Both phones offer similar battery capacities, but the Moto G31's slower charging speed means it will take longer to reach 100%.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G31: This is ideal for users who prioritize a great display and camera experience. The AMOLED screen is fantastic for media consumption, and the improved cameras will appeal to casual photographers. It's a solid choice for everyday users who value visual fidelity.
- Nokia G100: The Nokia G100 is better suited for users who are more concerned about durability and software updates. The added screen protection is crucial for clumsy users, and the faster charging is a nice perk for those who are always on the go. This phone is designed for users with a practical mindset, who want reliability and the latest updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- How much do I value display quality? If the sharpness and vibrancy of the screen are a top priority, the Moto G31 is the clear winner.
- How important is durability and latest Android OS to me? If you want the latest version of Android, and need better screen protection, the Nokia G100 will be better suited.
- Is charging speed more important than camera quality? If you prioritize faster battery top-ups over the best camera quality, then the Nokia G100 is the better pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual Media Consumption: The Moto G31 is the preferred choice due to its AMOLED display and better audio.
- Everyday Photography Enthusiast: The Moto G31 is still the preferred choice due to its higher resolution sensors, Macro lens and advanced Autofocus options, plus RAW format.
- Frequent Travelers / Outdoors Adventurer: The Nokia G100 is better suited, with its slightly more durable build, latest OS and GPS.
- Budget-Conscious User: If price is the main constraint, both phones are budget options, however, if you don't need all the camera functionalities, then the Nokia G100 with its slightly cheaper price may suit you better.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G31. While the Nokia G100 has its merits, the AMOLED display of the Moto G31 is a game-changer for me, as a daily driver who consumes a lot of media. I also value the improved camera performance and audio features. The faster charging and the extra protection of the G100's screen are nice to have, but I think the benefits of the Moto G31's screen and camera significantly outweigh those advantages.
I hope this detailed analysis helps you make a more informed decision!
