Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison. We have the Motorola Moto G51 5G, a solid mid-ranger from late 2021, going head-to-head with the cutting-edge Honor Magic6 Pro, launched in early 2024. This isn't exactly a fair fight, given the tech gap, but it’s crucial to understand how these phones stack up in real-world scenarios.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Honor Magic6 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 162.5 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | G51 is taller and slightly thicker, making it feel a bit bulkier. The Magic6 Pro is more compact and premium in hand. |
| Weight | 208g | 225g | G51 is lighter, which can improve comfort during long usage periods. The Magic6 Pro is a bit heavier but feels more substantial and premium. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Both have a large display, ideal for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1280x2800 | Magic6 Pro has a significantly sharper display with more detail. Text and images appear clearer and less pixelated. |
| PPI | 387 | 453 | Magic6 Pro's higher pixel density means sharper images and text, especially noticeable when reading or viewing high-res content. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Magic6 Pro offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. OLED is better for viewing photos and videos and offers better battery efficiency with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | These values seem inaccurate, and should not be taken into consideration. Usually OLED displays are brighter than IPS LCD displays |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Magic6 Pro's cutting-edge chip provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. The G51 is noticeably slower. |
| Antutu Score | 381,000 | 2,069,877 | Magic6 Pro offers drastically higher performance and is much more future-proof. The G51 struggles with demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | Magic6 Pro has a much more powerful GPU, ideal for high-fidelity gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Rear) | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.3" | Magic6 Pro has a wider aperture and larger sensor for better low-light performance and more detailed shots. |
| Telephoto + Portrait(Rear) | N/A | 180MP, f/2.6 | Magic6 Pro offers significantly higher zoom quality and versatility than the G51. |
| Selfie | 13MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.51" | Magic6 Pro produces sharper and higher-quality selfies due to its larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle (Rear) | 8MP | N/A | G51 offers an ultrawide lens for more creative shots; This feature is not available on Magic6 Pro. |
| Macro (Rear) | 2MP | N/A | G51 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; This feature is not available on Magic6 Pro. |
| Wide Angle + Macro(Rear) | N/A | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.88" | Magic6 Pro offers a combined wide and macro lens for more versatile shots |
| Video | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 4K@24/30/60,1080p@30/60/120/240fps | Magic6 Pro shoots significantly higher quality videos, especially with HDR support. G51 is more limited in video resolution. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile: 158, Selfie: 151 | Magic6 Pro has a significantly better camera as per DXOMark Scores. G51 does not have scores available. |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, PDAF, LAF | Noise reduction, Optical zoom, OIS, LAF | Magic6 Pro has a more advanced array of camera features. G51 offers some basics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5600mAh | Magic6 Pro offers better battery endurance, especially for power users. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Magic6 Pro charges incredibly faster, reducing downtime significantly. The G51's slow charging can be a major bottleneck. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse, Wireless, No Charger | Magic6 Pro offers wireless and reverse charging capabilities. It does not come with a charger in the box. G51 is limited to standard non-removable features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Magic6 Pro ships with a more up-to-date and feature-rich Android version. G51 is outdated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Magic6 Pro offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi performance with support for newer standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Magic6 Pro supports the latest Bluetooth standards for more reliable wireless audio connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Magic6 Pro offers more accurate positioning due to a wider array of supported systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM, eSIM | Magic6 Pro offers more versatile options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Magic6 Pro provides significantly more storage space, ideal for large media libraries and extensive apps. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Magic6 Pro has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Magic6 Pro's stereo speakers offer a more immersive and balanced audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | G51's side fingerprint scanner can be more convenient than a traditional sensor. The tech of the Honor Magic6 Pro is not specified. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | It is unknown what type of screen protection both devices use. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity | Magic6 Pro has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Lightweight: It's noticeably lighter than the Magic6 Pro, which can be a plus for extended use.
- Budget-Friendly: Typically positioned as a more affordable option.
- Ultrawide + Macro: The Moto G51 has dedicated ultrawide and macro lenses, which can be good for creative shots.
Honor Magic6 Pro Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip makes it a powerhouse, excelling in gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Superior Display: The OLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, and vibrant colors provides a much better viewing experience.
- Exceptional Camera System: It boasts a high-resolution main camera, an incredible telephoto camera, and a great selfie camera, making it a top contender for photography enthusiasts.
- Blazing-Fast Charging: The 80W fast charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Latest Software: It ships with Android 14, ensuring a modern and feature-rich experience.
- More Storage: Provides much more storage which is vital for the life of the phone.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Motorola Moto G51 5G: Struggles in performance compared to modern flagships, slower charging, and an outdated version of Android. The overall camera system is not competitive.
- Honor Magic6 Pro: It is much more expensive and a bit heavier, and does not come with a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best For: Users on a tight budget who need a phone for basic tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media browsing.
- Use Cases: Ideal for users who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance and camera quality. Good for those who want a lighter phone, and the occasional user of an ultra-wide and macro lens.
- Value: Offers basic smartphone functionality at an affordable price point.
- Limitations: The performance is sub-par compared to other devices and the software is outdated.
Honor Magic6 Pro:
- Best For: Power users, mobile gamers, and photography enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance and features.
- Use Cases: Ideal for those who need a device that excels in demanding apps, high-fidelity gaming, photography, and video recording. Good for users who want the latest and greatest specs.
- Value: Priced as a premium device, it justifies its high cost with cutting-edge features and performance.
- Limitations: Heavier, more expensive, and does not include a charger in the box.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when deciding between these phones:
- How Important Is Performance?
- If Performance is Crucial: The Magic6 Pro is the clear choice.
- If Basic Performance is Enough: The Moto G51 5G can suffice for basic smartphone tasks.
- What is your Budget?
- If Budget is a Concern: The Motorola is much cheaper than the Honor.
- If Budget isn't an issue: The Honor can justify its price with great specs.
- How Important is Camera Quality?
- If Photography is a Priority: The Magic6 Pro offers a superior camera system with incredible zoom and low-light capabilities.
- If Camera is Not Crucial: The Moto G51 can produce acceptable photos for casual use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget User: If you need a phone that can handle basic tasks without breaking the bank, the Motorola Moto G51 5G is a good pick.
- The Performance User: If you need a phone that can handle heavy gaming and multi-tasking with ease, the Honor Magic6 Pro is the obvious choice.
- The Mobile Photographer: If you love taking photos and recording videos, the Honor Magic6 Pro's camera system will be a game-changer.
My Choice
Given these options, I would choose the Honor Magic6 Pro. While it's a significant investment, the jump in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience is undeniable. I'm someone who values having the best possible technology at my disposal, and the Magic6 Pro offers that in spades. The superior display alone, with its vibrant OLED panel and high resolution, would make daily use a joy. Add to that the incredible processing power for heavy workloads and a camera that excels in various conditions, and it becomes clear that the Honor Magic6 Pro is the superior choice for someone who wants a device that does not compromise. The G51 is a budget phone that would get the job done, but it cannot compete in terms of speed, performance, and camera quality. In summary, for those willing to invest more, the Magic6 Pro provides a far superior experience than the G51.
