Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Honor X8a. These two phones offer compelling features in the mid-range category, but they approach the user experience from slightly different angles. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which one might be a better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Honor X8a | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.5 mm | The Honor X8a is more compact, making it easier to handle with one hand. The Moto G51 5G is a larger device with slightly more bulk. |
| Weight | 208g | 179g | Honor X8a is significantly lighter, which is beneficial for long periods of use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both offer a typical smartphone design. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Similar display sizes - negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2388 | Both offer crisp, Full HD+ quality displays. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 391 PPI | Practically identical screen sharpness; no visible difference. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Standard LCD technology; good color reproduction & viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Moto G51 5G has smoother scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown for both, so visibility in bright light is unclear. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Helio G88 | Moto G51 5G has a better chipset for day-to-day tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 253,700 | Moto G51 5G significantly outperforms Honor X8a in performance benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Moto G51 5G will handle more demanding games more smoothly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 100MP f/1.9 | Honor X8a has higher resolution, but Moto G51 5G has a slightly wider aperture which is better in lower light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.45 | Honor X8a has slightly higher resolution front camera, but Moto G51 5G has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 5MP f/2.2 | Moto G51 5G has a higher resolution for wider shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP f/2.4 | Both phones offer similar macro lens capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G51 5G offers a higher frame rate for better video, including slow motion. |
| Camera Features | LAF, RAW | Digital Image Stabilization, CDAF | Moto G51 5G has some professional features for photography, whilst the Honor has extra image stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Moto G51 5G has larger battery for potentially longer usage time. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 22.5W fast charging | Honor X8a charges significantly faster. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Different battery chemistry; Li-Polymer are generally lighter and more durable. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 12 | Honor X8a has the slightly newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 ac | 802.11 ac | Both offer similar wifi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR | Honor X8a offers slightly better bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | Both offer similar satellite navigation support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual sim operation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256 GB | Honor X8a offers more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 4/8GB | 6/8GB | Honor X8a has more ram for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Basic audio features | Moto G51 5G offers enhanced audio experience for both speaker and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Standard fingerprint security for both phones. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection is unconfirmed for both. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Moto G51 5G has gyroscope for improved gaming. Honor X8a has compass for map directions. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Performance Advantage: The Snapdragon 480+ 5G offers a noticeable performance edge over the Helio G88, leading to smoother app launches and better overall responsiveness. This also leads to superior gaming performance.
- Display Smoothness: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel noticeably smoother compared to the Honor X8a's 90Hz display.
- Battery Life: Its larger 5000mAh battery potentially offers more endurance for all-day use.
- Audio Features: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones enhance audio output and call quality.
- Camera Features: Has LAF and RAW, which are not present on the Honor X8a.
Honor X8a Strengths:
- Lighter and More Compact: The X8a is lighter and easier to handle due to its smaller size, making it more pocketable.
- Faster Charging: The 22.5W fast charging is considerably quicker than the Moto G51 5G's 10W charging.
- Storage Options: With up to 256GB of internal storage, you have more space for apps and media compared to the Moto G51 5G's maximum of 128GB.
- Software: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
- Camera: Higher megapixel cameras, which may capture extra details.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G51 5G: Sacrifices some portability and faster charging for performance and better battery life.
- Honor X8a: Offers superior portability and storage, but comes with a performance compromise.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G is best suited for:
- Performance-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize smooth multitasking, app performance, and gaming.
- Media Consumers: The 120Hz display and Dolby Atmos make it great for video streaming.
- Users Needing All-Day Battery: If you want longer battery life, the 5000mAh cell is an advantage.
Use Cases:
- Intense gaming sessions, multi tasking or editing.
- Watching videos and listening to music due to the superior audio and smoother screen.
Honor X8a is best suited for:
- Users Seeking Portability: People who prefer a lighter phone that fits more comfortably in the hand or pocket.
- Those needing more storage space: If you have many photos, videos, or apps.
- Users Who Need Fast Charging: Ideal for those who need to quickly top up their battery.
Use Cases:
- Casual users who use their phones for calls, browsing, and social media.
- Those who want portability and a sleek design.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help decide between these phones:
- How much do you value performance? If smooth app performance and gaming are important, the Moto G51 5G is the better option. If not, the Honor X8a is acceptable.
- Is battery or charging speed your priority? If all-day battery life is paramount, choose the Moto G51 5G. If quick charging is more critical, go with the Honor X8a.
- How important is storage and portability? If you need more storage and a more compact device, the Honor X8a is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: For serious mobile gamers or those who demand smooth performance, the Motorola Moto G51 5G is the clear winner with its more powerful processor and higher refresh rate display.
- The Commuter: The Honor X8a is a great choice for someone who wants a lightweight device with quick charging, as it is lighter, more compact, and faster to top up on the go.
- The Multimedia Enthusiast: If you enjoy video streaming and immersive audio, the Moto G51 5G’s 120Hz display and Dolby Atmos are compelling features.
- The Photographer: The 100MP camera on the Honor X8a might appeal to those who value image resolution, however the features on the Moto G51 5G may be of more benefit to other photographers.
Conclusion: My Personal Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would lean towards the Motorola Moto G51 5G. While the Honor X8a is a sleek and capable device with great portability and fast charging, the Moto G51 5G's advantages in core performance, display smoothness, and audio quality align more with my needs and preferences.
The Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset offers a more enjoyable and fluid experience when running apps, games, and overall navigation. The 120Hz refresh rate adds a touch of premium feel to everyday tasks and will ultimately make the phone feel less dated over time. Also, I like the laser autofocus and RAW option in the camera, which makes the Moto G51 5G a slightly more versatile option for me when it comes to photography.
Although the Honor X8a has a more modern design and faster charging, the performance boost and higher refresh rate on the Moto G51 5G win out in the areas that matter most to me.
