Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you. As a tech journalist with a deep appreciation for engineering, I'm focusing on how these specs impact real-world performance.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-16 | 2024-08-29 | The Edge 50 Neo is significantly newer, benefitting from advancements in technology. |
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 154.1 × 71.2 × 8.1 mm | The G51 5G is larger and bulkier, while the Edge 50 Neo is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 208g | 171g | The Edge 50 Neo is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.4" | The G51 5G has a larger screen, which some may prefer for media consumption, others might appreciate the compact size of the 50 Neo. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1256x2760 | The Edge 50 Neo offers a significantly sharper and more detailed image. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 387 | 474 | The Edge 50 Neo has a higher PPI, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | The Edge 50 Neo's P-OLED screen offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | The Edge 50 Neo has much better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Dimensity 7300 | The Edge 50 Neo’s newer chip provides notably better performance for everyday use, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 675,000 | The Edge 50 Neo benchmarks significantly higher, indicating superior processing power. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G615 MC2 | The Edge 50 Neo’s GPU is generally better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | The Edge 50 Neo’s larger sensor captures more light, leading to better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | The Edge 50 Neo captures much more detailed and sharper selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.0 | The Edge 50 Neo offers additional reach when taking pictures. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | G51 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, which is great for group shots and landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | The G51 has a dedicated macro camera for close up photos, the 50 Neo relies on the Wide Angle/Macro sensor |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP f/2.2 | The Edge 50 Neo allows wide angle and macro shots using a single sensor. |
| Video | 1080p @ up to 240fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p @ up to 240fps | The Edge 50 Neo has higher resolution and stabilization for better video capture. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 115, Photo: 118, Video: 107 | Edge 50 Neo has a proven camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4310mAh | The G51 5G has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | The Edge 50 Neo charges much faster, also has wireless charging capability. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 12 | Android 14, Upgradable to 19 | The Edge 50 Neo has a newer version of Android and will continue to get updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | The Edge 50 Neo has newer WiFi standards for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | The G51 5G has a slightly more recent version of Bluetooth |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | The Edge 50 Neo is more versatile with eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | The Edge 50 Neo offers significantly more storage space. |
| RAM | 4GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | The Edge 50 Neo handles heavy multitasking better. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Edge 50 Neo has enhanced audio immersion with stereo speakers. G51 has dual mics for better audio pickup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | The G51 5G offers a more accessible fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge 50 Neo has better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass | The Edge 50 Neo provides more accurate navigation |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths: The Moto G51 5G's primary advantage lies in its larger screen and potentially longer battery life due to its larger battery capacity. The inclusion of a dedicated macro lens is a nice touch for close-up photography. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally more convenient than a basic sensor. It is also noteworthy that it has a newer bluetooth version.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone is targeted at users seeking an affordable option with 5G capabilities, a big screen, and long battery.
- Trade-offs: It lags behind the Edge 50 Neo in key areas such as display quality, performance, camera quality, charging speed, and storage.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo:
- Strengths: The Edge 50 Neo shines with its superior display, significantly faster processor, and better camera capabilities (especially in low light) with the larger sensor. Its faster charging and wireless charging capability are significant upgrades. The newer software ensures longer support and features.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone is for users who value display quality, performance, and camera prowess, all wrapped in a sleek, compact, and modern design.
- Trade-offs: The Edge 50 Neo has a slightly smaller battery than the G51, but its energy-efficient processor and faster charging help mitigate this difference. The lack of a dedicated macro lens, relying on the ultrawide instead, might be seen as a minor drawback, but the included wide-angle/macro sensor offers versatility.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for the most affordable 5G option, valuing a big screen, and who do not do heavy gaming or need extensive photo capabilities.
- Casual users: Who prioritize basic smartphone functions and appreciate long battery life.
- Users who do not need extensive performance: This device is suitable for everyday tasks and light usage.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo is ideal for:
- Media enthusiasts: Who value vibrant display and good audio quality for content consumption and need fast charging.
- Photography lovers: Who require better image quality, particularly in low light conditions, and enjoy additional camera features.
- Power users: Who need a fast and responsive phone with a good balance of performance and features.
- Users who want to future-proof their device: With newer features such as 5G, higher storage capacity, and a more powerful chipset, this phone will last you longer.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- How important is display quality? If you watch a lot of videos or play games, the Edge 50 Neo’s P-OLED screen will make a significant difference.
- Do you need a camera that performs well in low light? The Edge 50 Neo's larger sensor captures more light for superior low-light photos.
- Is fast charging and wireless charging important to you? If quick top-ups and wireless charging is essential, the Edge 50 Neo is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Basic user on a budget): If you need a basic 5G phone with a large screen for basic tasks and long battery life, the Moto G51 5G will be sufficient.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday user): If you want a better balance of performance, camera quality, and display, and can spare a little more for the Edge 50 Neo, you'll be happier in the long run.
- Scenario 3 (Power user): If you use your phone heavily for gaming, media consumption, and photography, the Edge 50 Neo is the better choice with its better performance and enhanced features.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I would personally opt for the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. While I appreciate the bigger battery of the G51, the improvements in the display, performance, camera, and fast charging, make it a better overall experience. The display alone is a big upgrade, and I tend to use my phone for media consumption and photography. The faster processing and newer Android version also mean the phone will remain performant for a longer time. As someone who values a compact and portable device, the smaller size of the 50 Neo is also appreciated. I'd gladly pay the difference for the overall better experience. The addition of wireless charging also makes it a very compelling choice, being a feature I have become accustomed to using daily.
