Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Samsung Galaxy S24+. This isn't just about specs on paper; we're looking at how these phones stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specs, with a focus on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm | G31 is taller and thicker, the S24+ is slightly wider and thinner. S24+ will feel more premium. |
| Weight | 181g | 196g | G31 is lighter, better for long holding. S24+ feels more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | S24+ has a slightly larger screen, more screen for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3120 | S24+ has a much sharper display, text, and images will appear clearer, better for high-resolution media. |
| PPI | 411 | 513 | S24+ has a significantly higher pixel density, resulting in finer details and sharper image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | G31 has an AMOLED display with vibrant colors and true blacks, S24+ does not have its display technology specified. | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24+ offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ excels in outdoor visibility, very readable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G85 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | S24+ is significantly faster, smoother performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 1,639,695 | S24+ blows the G31 out of the water, with vastly superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 750 / Xclipse 940 | S24+ provides vastly better graphics for gaming and intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | S24+ has a larger sensor size, generally better light gathering and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Both are quite close, the G31 has a slight edge with 1MP extra. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | S24+ offers optical zoom capabilities for better portrait photos and zoomed in shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | S24+ higher resolution and better sensor, allowing higher detail. Motorola G31 has slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | G31 has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots, while the S24+ lacks. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K, multiple frame rates | S24+ excels with higher resolution and frame rates for professional-grade videos. The S24+ has HDR recording. |
| Features | Digital zoom, OIS | Night Mode 2.0, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, OIS | S24+ has Optical Image Stabilisation, better low-light shooting and higher video recording quality. G31 has a laser autofocus |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4900 mAh | Similar capacity, both should last a day under normal use. |
| Charging | 10W | 45W | S24+ charges significantly faster, getting you back up and running quicker. S24+ additionally offers reverse charging and wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | S24+ comes with a more modern OS, with more features and longer-term software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24+ has faster and more stable Wi-Fi connectivity with support for 6 GHz band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S24+ offers more advanced Bluetooth features with a higher version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S24+ offers better and more precise GPS tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano Sim | Dual Sim / Dual eSim | Both offer dual-sim capabilities, S24+ adds eSIM option. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 256GB / 512GB | S24+ offers significantly more storage for apps, photos, and videos, the S24+ comes with more capacity. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB | S24+ will manage multitasking and demanding games much better. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card, you are limited to the internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Noise cancellation, Stereo speakers | Samsung S24+ excels in overall audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | G31 offers more advanced fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ has a superior scratch and shatter resistant screen. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | S24+ offers additional Barometer |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31:
- Strengths: Affordable, decent AMOLED screen, a macro lens, and a long-lasting battery. It’s a great entry-level phone for budget-conscious users or for those who want a secondary device. The side mounted fingerprint reader is more advanced.
- Competitive Advantages: The AMOLED display and its macro lens stand out in its price category, however the low performance is the main bottleneck.
- Trade-offs: Significantly weaker performance, outdated software, slower charging, and poor camera.
Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Strengths: A powerhouse with top-tier performance, an excellent high-resolution display, great cameras with versatile features, fast charging and wireless charging, and the latest software.
- Competitive Advantages: Cutting-edge technology, future-proofed performance, premium experience with great features. The screen offers outstanding visibility in direct sunlight and offers smoother animations with its high refresh rate.
- Trade-offs: More expensive and heavier. You have to spend a significant amount more than the Moto G31.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users, basic smartphone users, those needing a long battery life, or as a secondary device. Perfect for tasks like browsing social media and occasional use.
- Specific Use Cases: Streaming videos, listening to music, basic everyday tasks, browsing, emails, and simple photography.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Very affordable; an excellent option for those seeking functionality on a shoestring budget.
Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Best Suited For: Power users, gamers, photographers, content creators, and those who want the best possible experience and do not mind spending a significant amount more.
- Specific Use Cases: High-end gaming, demanding apps, professional-grade photography and video, multitasking, intensive mobile work, and media consumption.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Premium price for a premium experience. You are paying for the best of what is available in the market.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
What is your budget? If you are on a strict budget the Moto G31 is the only choice. If your budget is more flexible, consider what the added premium features can do for you.
What will you mostly use the phone for? If it’s just for calls, browsing, and basic tasks, the Moto G31 will suffice. If you need performance for gaming, or camera versatility the S24+ is the better option.
How much do you care about performance and future proofing? If you want something that will run smoothly for years to come, the S24+ is the better choice. The G31's weaker processor will show its limitations quickly when using demanding apps and games.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Saver): If you need a functional smartphone without breaking the bank, the Motorola Moto G31 is a solid choice.
- Scenario 2 (Casual User): For everyday tasks, browsing, and some multimedia, the Motorola Moto G31 will handle those tasks well.
- Scenario 3 (Power User): If you want top-tier performance, cutting-edge features, and the best mobile experience available, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is a great fit.
What would I choose and why?
For me, it's the Samsung Galaxy S24+, without hesitation. While the Moto G31 offers value for the budget conscious, I look at my smartphone as a daily tool that should allow me to perform demanding tasks without a single hiccup. I need top-tier performance, a high-quality display, and the most versatility when it comes to the camera. I want a device that can handle any app or game without a drop in performance. The S24+ provides this without question.
The S24+ is expensive, yes, but for the long term benefits, the performance boost, the top-notch camera system, and the significantly better screen, this is where I’d put my money. While I appreciate the G31's value and its great battery life, the S24+ is a better phone for my needs.
