Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. Buckle up, we're going deep into the tech, but we'll keep it relatable.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Neo | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-16 | 2023-09-14 | The Edge 40 Neo is significantly newer, benefiting from newer technology. |
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 159.6 × 72 × 7.9 mm | The Edge 40 Neo is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 208g | 170g | Edge 40 Neo is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.55" | G51 5G offers a slightly larger screen, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, clear visuals for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 402 PPI | Both screens are sharp, with the Edge 40 Neo having a slightly sharper display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | Edge 40 Neo has a superior display with deeper blacks and richer colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 40 Neo provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Edge 40 Neo is much brighter, significantly better for outdoor viewing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Dimensity 7030 (6 nm) | Edge 40 Neo offers a more powerful and efficient processor for better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 527,666 | Edge 40 Neo is noticeably faster in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G610 MC3 | Edge 40 Neo's GPU is better for graphically intensive apps and games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide all-day battery life under normal usage. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 68W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Edge 40 Neo charges significantly faster, getting you back on the go quickly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55") | Edge 40 Neo has a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.2) | 32MP (f/2.4) | Edge 40 Neo takes sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 8MP | 13MP (Wide+Macro) | Moto G51 5G has separate wide and macro while Edge 40 Neo combines them. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | - | |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps with EIS | Edge 40 Neo shoots higher resolution videos with better stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score | - | Mobile: 103 | Edge 40 Neo has a superior tested camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, PDAF, LAF | Dual camera, OIS, Night Mode | Edge 40 Neo has better features for low light and stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Edge 40 Neo has a more recent OS and longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Edge 40 Neo offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 with APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Edge 40 Neo provides higher quality wireless audio connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Edge 40 Neo provides better accuracy in satellite navigation. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Edge 40 Neo offers greater flexibility with eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256 GB | Edge 40 Neo has more storage for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 4GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Edge 40 Neo can handle more apps and multitasking without slowdown. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones do not allow microSD card storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Edge 40 Neo offers better audio with its stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side Fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Motorola G51 5G features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge 40 Neo offers better protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Edge 40 Neo additionally features a Compass sensor |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge 40 Neo Strengths:
- Superior Display: The P-OLED screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and much better brightness (1300 nits vs 0 nits).
- Better Performance: The Dimensity 7030 chipset significantly outperforms the Snapdragon 480+, translating to faster app loading and smoother gaming.
- Enhanced Camera: The larger sensor, higher-resolution selfie camera, and 4K video recording capabilities offer a noticeable step up in quality. The Optical Image Stabilization is a great advantage.
- Faster Charging: 68W charging is a game-changer, filling the battery much faster than the 10W charging on the G51.
- Newer Software: Android 13 and promised updates to Android 15 ensures a more modern user experience and longer software support.
- Modern Connectivity: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensures that it keeps up with modern standards.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Larger Display: If a bigger screen is your primary need, the G51 5G offers a 6.8-inch display.
- Budget-Friendly Option: Typically, it will be more affordable, catering to price-conscious buyers.
- Separate Wide-Angle and Macro Camera: The separation of these lenses allows the phone to have a dedicated macro camera.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more convenient way to unlock the device compared to the "basic" fingerprint reader on the Edge 40 Neo.
Trade-offs:
- Edge 40 Neo has no microSD slot.
- G51 5G has a weaker chipset and display, and slow charging is a significant downside.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 40 Neo:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize a high-quality display, superior performance, a great camera system, and fast charging. Perfect for content creators, media consumers, and avid gamers.
- Use Cases: Capturing high-quality photos and videos, playing graphically intensive games, enjoying streaming services, and seamless multitasking.
- Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Ideal for: Users on a tight budget who want a large screen and decent battery life. Perfect for basic tasks, browsing, and media consumption.
- Use Cases: Everyday communication, social media browsing, and media consumption when a bigger display is preferred.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How important is display quality to you? If vibrant colors, higher brightness, and smooth visuals are crucial, the Edge 40 Neo is a clear winner.
- How often do you take photos and videos? If high-quality camera performance is essential, the Edge 40 Neo will be the preferred option.
- How important is fast charging? If you hate waiting for your phone to charge, the Edge 40 Neo's 68W charging is a significant advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The "Tech Enthusiast": If you're a tech enthusiast looking for the best balance of features, performance, and modern technology, go for the Edge 40 Neo.
- The "Budget Shopper": If your budget is the primary concern and you need a large screen with acceptable performance for everyday tasks, the G51 5G will be the better choice.
- The "Casual User": If your phone is mainly for browsing, social media, and light media consumption, the Edge 40 Neo provides a superior experience with its excellent display, performance, and battery life, while the G51 5G may be suitable if your budget is limited.
- The "On the Go" User: If you are always on the go and need to keep moving, the Edge 40 Neo has a much better charging speed, a smaller and lighter form factor as well as a much brighter display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would definitely pick the Motorola Edge 40 Neo.
Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I appreciate a device that pushes the boundaries and delivers a top-notch experience. The Edge 40 Neo's P-OLED display with its 144Hz refresh rate, combined with its superior processing power and camera capabilities, makes it the clear winner. The faster charging is a game changer for me as I'm often on the move. Even though both devices have a 5000mAh battery, the faster charging means I can go from zero to a usable percentage within minutes, which makes a huge difference. While the G51 5G has its advantages, such as the larger screen, the Edge 40 Neo delivers a more refined, modern, and powerful user experience that aligns with my needs. It's also a huge benefit to me that the phone is smaller and lighter as it makes it easier to carry around.
