Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Honor 70. I've got my engineering hat on and I'm ready to break down what these specs really mean for you, the everyday user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, keeping in mind what each spec translates to in the real world:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Honor 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-16 | 2022-06-02 | The Honor 70 is a newer device, meaning it has more up-to-date technology and software. |
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | The G51 is noticeably larger and thicker, while the Honor 70 feels slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 178g | The Honor 70 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and single-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | The G51 offers a slightly larger screen, great for those who prefer maximum screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both phones offer sharp, full HD displays. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 387 | 395 | Both have very sharp displays, you are unlikely to notice any difference. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | The Honor 70's OLED display will have richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the G51's LCD screen. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both screens will feel smooth and responsive, especially when gaming or scrolling through content. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | The Honor 70's 778G+ chip is significantly more powerful, offering snappier performance, faster app loading, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 600,525 | The Honor 70 has substantially better performance. Expect a difference in demanding games and multi-tasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 642L | The Honor 70's GPU is more capable, delivering better graphics in games and resource intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 54MP f/1.9, 1/1.49" | While having a higher megapixel count, the Honor 70 also boasts a larger sensor, meaning it'll capture more light resulting in better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 32MP f/2.4 | The Honor 70 will take higher-resolution selfies and will likely offer more detail. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 8MP | 50MP f/2.2 | The Honor 70 has a much higher-resolution wide-angle camera, offering more detailed wide shots. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have a 2MP macro lens and will be similar in this aspect. |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30/60/240fps | 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 30/60fps | The Honor 70 captures video at a higher resolution, meaning videos will be crisper and have more detail. |
| DXOMark | N/A | 115 (overall) | The Honor 70's camera is rated higher by DXOMark, suggesting superior photo and video quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | The G51 has a slightly larger battery, but it's unlikely to translate to much of a real-world difference. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | The Honor 70 charges much faster, making it a much more convenient phone to live with. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Honor 70 has reverse charging, meaning you can use your phone as a power bank to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 | The Honor 70 is on a newer version of Android which means it offers newer features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi Versions | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Honor 70 will have faster, more stable Wi-Fi, especially on networks that support Wi-Fi 6. |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.2 | Honor 70 has a newer and improved Bluetooth technology with additional support for high-quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both support the most used satellite navigation systems and will have the same accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB / 128 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | The Honor 70 offers much more storage, meaning you will have more space for photos, videos and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB / 8 GB | 6 GB / 8 GB / 12 GB | The Honor 70 offers substantially more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expansion which means you need to pick the correct model depending on your need. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Honor 70 has stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience and supports Hi-Res Audio. G51 has Dolby Atmos which gives enhanced audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The G51 features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor which is more intuitive compared to a back-mounted sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensor Suite | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Honor 70 features a compass which may be needed for some apps. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths: A slightly larger screen, which some may prefer, and a slightly bigger battery. This phone is a bit cheaper and offers a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for faster unlocking.
- Competitive Advantages: It's budget-friendly and still offers 5G connectivity.
- Trade-offs: It has a significantly less powerful processor, an older display technology, and a weaker camera system compared to the Honor 70. The charging is also very slow.
Honor 70:
- Strengths: A superior OLED display, a significantly more powerful chipset, a much better camera system (especially for low light), and incredibly fast charging. The Honor 70 has a much lighter and more compact design.
- Competitive Advantages: It delivers a premium experience in a sleek package, offering a good camera, better performance, and fast charging.
- Trade-offs: It is more expensive and does not have expandable storage. The fingerprint sensor is basic.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best For: Users on a tight budget who need a large screen for content consumption and basic daily tasks. Good for those who don't mind the lack of higher performance and camera capabilities,
- Use Cases: Casual web browsing, social media, streaming videos, basic productivity.
Honor 70:
- Best For: Users who want a phone that balances performance, premium features, and great camera capabilities. Ideal for those who love to capture photos and videos.
- Use Cases: High-quality photography and videography, mobile gaming, smooth multitasking, content creation, and anyone who wants a smooth user experience with quick charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance to you? If you play games or run many apps, the Honor 70 is a much better choice.
- How much value do you place on camera quality? If you frequently take pictures and videos, especially in low light, the Honor 70 is the clear winner.
- What's your budget? If you're on a very tight budget and need 5G, the Motorola G51 might be the better option, but be prepared to sacrifice on performance and camera quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious User: Go for the Motorola Moto G51 5G, but be aware of its limitations.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Honor 70 will deliver far superior results in terms of camera quality.
- Mobile Gamer: The Honor 70's powerful chipset and superior GPU will be far more suitable for gaming.
- Power User: The Honor 70’s fast charging and smooth experience make it the more powerful choice.
- Casual User: The Honor 70 will deliver a much better experience in terms of display, speed and camera quality and should be preferred if budget allows.
Final Thoughts and What I Would Choose
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would unequivocally pick the Honor 70. The difference in performance is significant; the Honor 70's Snapdragon 778G+ chipset and superior GPU offer a much smoother and faster experience. The leap in display quality from an LCD to an OLED is transformative, providing rich colors and deep blacks that make media consumption a treat. Moreover, the camera system on the Honor 70, with its larger sensor and higher resolution, is simply in another league, particularly in low light. Finally, the ultra-fast 66W charging is a game-changer for anyone who values convenience, making it a device that fits into a busy lifestyle.
While the Motorola Moto G51 5G has a slightly bigger screen and battery, it simply cannot compete with the Honor 70 when it comes to the overall package. The Honor 70 is a clear winner in the aspects that I value most in a smartphone: performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and fast charging. The improved technology and user experience justify the slightly higher price point making it the phone I would chose.
