Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the newer Moto G (2022). I've analyzed the provided specs with a focus on real-world usage, aiming to help you decide which phone fits your needs best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs, along with their practical implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 165.4 x 75.8 x 9.4 mm | G51 is taller, G (2022) is slightly thicker; Both are large but the Moto G (2022) will fit a bit better in the hand. |
| Weight | 208g | 204g | Negligible difference; Both feel substantial in the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | G51 offers a slightly larger screen, which is great for media consumption, though the G (2022) is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | G51 has a sharper display, making text and images look crisper and more detailed. |
| PPI | 387 | 270 | G51's higher pixel density results in a noticeably clearer and more detailed display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Identical technology, so both phones will have similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | G51 has a smoother screen for scrolling and gaming. It will feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones' display have identical peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Dimensity 700 (7nm) | Dimensity 700 is slightly faster in benchmarks, but daily use performance should be very similar. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 389,300 | Both have virtually identical performance; Suitable for everyday tasks and some light gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Differences here mainly impact how games perform, but again, the impact is quite small. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Slow charging speeds; Expect slow charge times for both devices; Both use Li-Ion technology. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Similar main camera performance for everyday shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Similar selfie camera performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | N/A | G51 offers a wide angle perspective for creative shots. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | G (2022) has a depth sensor for better portraits with blurred backgrounds. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30fps | The G51 has higher framerate recording and supports slow-motion better. |
| Additional Features | LAF, Panorama, RAW | None | G51 offers more advanced camera options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 12 | G (2022) comes with the newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Dual band, a/b/g/n/ac | a/b/g/n/ac | G51 supports dual-band Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE, extensive profiles | G (2022) has additional audio profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | G51 has a more comprehensive GPS suite for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | G51 allows dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB / 128 GB | 64 GB | The Moto G51 has up to twice the storage capacity. |
| RAM | 4 GB / 8 GB | 6 GB | The G51 has more RAM in its top configuration which is better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Basic audio | G51 has enhanced spatial audio and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Standard fingerprint security on both devices. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Moto G (2022) has additional sensors for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G51 5G: This phone shines with its superior display (higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate), a wide-angle lens, better video recording, dual-SIM support, and more storage and RAM configurations. The Dolby Atmos support and dual mics offer better audio, too. It also has a more comprehensive GPS suite.
- Motorola Moto G (2022): The primary advantage here is the slightly newer Android 12 out of the box, a dedicated depth sensor for portraits, and a more advanced suite of Bluetooth audio profiles. It has a newer processor by a hair, and additional sensors for more advanced features.
User Experience:
- The Moto G51 5G will provide a more immersive media experience due to its larger, sharper, and smoother display.
- The Moto G (2022) might be better for those who value the latest OS version and need solid portrait mode capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- The G51 is physically larger and lacks the portrait depth sensor, it also comes with Android 11 out of the box and only gets an upgrade to 12.
- The Moto G (2022) lacks the higher-resolution display, wide-angle lens, and dual-SIM functionality. Also lacks the higher frame rate video recording.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best for: Users who watch a lot of videos, play games, or need a larger screen, also those who need more storage, and more ram.
- Use Cases: Media consumption, casual gaming, photography with a wide-angle lens, international travelers needing dual-SIM functionality, users who want the most premium audio from a budget device.
- Motorola Moto G (2022):
- Best for: Users who prioritize having the latest software and need a decent portrait camera.
- Use Cases: Everyday phone use, casual photography with portrait mode, standard social media sharing, and for people who want an advanced sensor suite for gaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is display quality to you?
- If a sharp, high refresh rate screen matters, go with the G51. If you only need something decent, the Moto G (2022) is fine.
- Do you need a wide angle lens or a portrait depth sensor?
- The G51 has the wide-angle, while the Moto G (2022) has the depth sensor.
- Do you need dual-SIM functionality?
- If so, the G51 is the only choice here.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Media Junkie: G51 is the better choice.
- For the Budget-Conscious Photographer: G (2022) would likely be a good choice, but you have to sacrifice the wide angle.
- For the Traveler: The G51's dual-SIM capability gives it the clear edge.
- For the Android Purist: The G (2022) might be slightly more up your alley, but the G51 is still a fine choice and does have an upgrade to Android 12.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Moto G51 5G. The higher resolution, 120Hz display, and wide-angle lens make it a more versatile and enjoyable device for my daily usage patterns. While it lacks the depth sensor and the latest Android out of the box, the overall package—including the dual-SIM capability, better audio experience, and the optional extra storage space—makes it a more compelling option for me. The improved video recording and slow-motion capabilities seal the deal. It's simply a more feature rich phone for the tasks I would use it for.
