Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Moto G04s. It's always interesting to see how two phones from the same manufacturer, but with different target audiences, stack up. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand their strengths and weaknesses.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | The G51 5G is larger and bulkier, which might be less comfortable for smaller hands or pockets. The G04s is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 208g | 178.8g | The G04s is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less of a burden when carrying it around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.56" | The G51 5G offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience thanks to the larger screen, good for media consumption and gaming. The G04s is still respectable for everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | The G51 5G provides significantly sharper visuals due to its higher resolution, making text clearer and images more detailed compared to the G04s. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 387 | 269 | The higher pixel density on the G51 5G results in a much more crisp and less pixelated display. Great for reading text and looking at detailed images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use IPS LCD tech. Expect accurate color reproduction and decent viewing angles, although not as vibrant as OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The G51 5G offers a smoother visual experience with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations more fluid compared to the 90Hz on the G04s. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither display has a listed peak brightness, so real-world visibility will depend on more than just nits, which should be considered a placeholder for both. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | The Snapdragon 480+ in the G51 5G is substantially more powerful, offering faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding applications like gaming. The T606 is more basic and for general use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 220,000 | The significantly higher AnTuTu score of the G51 5G translates to faster performance, a key factor for gamers or anyone needing a responsive device. The G04s is adequate for casual use. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Adreno 619 in the G51 5G is a superior GPU, providing better graphics performance and smoother frame rates in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm, S5KJN1 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm, S5KJN1 | Both have a 50MP main sensor. The difference in pixel size will affect low-light performance, with the larger pixels of the G04s offering better performance here, although image processing is likely to differ. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 5MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | The G51 5G captures more detailed selfies with its higher resolution sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, 1.12µm | None | The G51 5G offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for group photos or capturing expansive scenes, a feature lacking in the G04s. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, 1.75µm | None | The G51 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, not available on the G04s. |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p@240fps, No video stabilization | Up to 1080p@30fps, Yes video stabilization | The G51 5G offers a higher frame-rate slow motion mode, while the G04s has video stabilization for regular shooting, which can be helpful for steady videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar endurance, although real world battery life will be affected by the processors and display technologies. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | The G04s has slightly faster charging capabilities, meaning less time plugged into the wall, good for when you're in a rush. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 12 | Android 14 | The G04s has a newer OS out of the box, which will translate to better support in the future and additional features not found on Android 11 and 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band | 802.11ac, Dual-band | Both support the same Wi-Fi standards, ensuring similar performance when connected to wireless networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | The G51 5G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, which could potentially offer more stable and efficient connectivity. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | The G04s has an option for 256GB internal storage, which offers more space for media and files. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 4 GB | The G51 5G with 8GB RAM offers better multitasking capabilities, allowing users to switch between apps more smoothly and load larger applications faster. |
| Additional Features | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The G04s is more durable due to the screen protector. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos | G51 5G offers a slightly enhanced audio experience. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 480+ chipset provides a significant performance advantage for gaming and multitasking.
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and refresh rate offer a much more enjoyable visual experience.
- Versatile Camera: The inclusion of a wide-angle and macro lens makes it more flexible for different photography needs.
- More RAM (8GB option): Handles demanding tasks and multitasking more effectively.
- Enhanced Audio: 2 microphones improve audio in calls and recordings.
- Trade-offs:
- Larger and Heavier: Less comfortable to handle and carry compared to the G04s.
- Older Software: Android 11 out of the box, making future updates less likely.
- Slower Charging: 10W charging is slower compared to the G04s' 15W.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Strengths:
- More Compact and Lighter: Comfortable and easy to handle, especially for users with smaller hands.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging means less downtime when charging the phone.
- Newer Software: Android 14 out of the box means better support and potential feature upgrades.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 adds durability.
- Larger Storage Option: 256GB storage provides more space for photos, videos, and files.
- Trade-offs:
- Basic Performance: The Unisoc T606 chipset is suitable for basic tasks but struggles with intensive applications and gaming.
- Lower Resolution Display: The lower pixel density results in less crisp visuals.
- Less Versatile Camera: Lacks a wide-angle and macro lens.
- Lower RAM: 4 GB is limited for multitasking, especially compared to the 8GB option of the G51.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G is ideal for:
- Power users and Gamers: Those who prioritize performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who want a sharp, larger display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Photography Buffs: Individuals who enjoy capturing a variety of shots, including wide-angle and close-up images.
- Users Who Want Good Multitasking: The option to get 8GB of RAM greatly improves the day-to-day feel of the phone.
Motorola Moto G04s is better suited for:
- Casual users: Individuals who mainly use their phone for basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media.
- Users with smaller hands: Those who appreciate a compact and lighter device that is easy to handle.
- Value-conscious shoppers: Those looking for an affordable phone with basic features and reasonable performance.
- Users Who Prioritize Software: Those who want the latest version of android with the potential for new features.
- Users Who Want Basic Durability: With the addition of Corning Gorilla Glass 3, this phone is slightly more resistant to damage.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Moto G04s:
- How important is performance for you?
- If you need a phone for gaming or running demanding apps, the G51 5G is the clear winner.
- If you're a casual user focused on basic tasks, the G04s will suffice.
- How important is display quality for you?
- If you value sharp and smooth visuals, the G51 5G's higher resolution and refresh rate make a significant difference.
- If you're content with a decent screen for everyday use, the G04s is adequate.
- What do you value most in ergonomics and design?
- If you want a larger screen and don't mind the extra weight, the G51 5G fits the bill.
- If you prefer a compact and lightweight phone, the G04s is the better choice.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- For the student on a budget: If you want performance and a better screen, you can't go wrong with the G51 5G, but the G04s is a good basic phone for on-the-go use if you do not need that extra power.
- For the casual user: The G04s provides a more comfortable experience due to its lighter weight and compact design, while still handling basic tasks fine.
- For the mobile photographer: The G51 5G is the better choice with its extra lenses for different situations.
Final Thoughts
The Motorola Moto G51 5G and Moto G04s cater to very different user needs. The G51 5G offers a substantial leap in performance, display quality, and camera versatility, making it great for those who want a more immersive experience and are willing to pay a little extra for better overall specs. The Moto G04s, on the other hand, is a solid, budget-friendly option for casual users that is more portable with great durability.
My Choice:
If I were to pick one, I would go with the Motorola Moto G51 5G. While I appreciate the portability of the G04s and the more updated OS, the performance difference is significant. The G51 5G’s Snapdragon 480+ chipset is a real game-changer, enabling smoother multitasking, better gaming, and a significantly more enjoyable experience, especially when paired with the 120hz display and higher resolution. The extra camera lenses are also great to have, providing more versatility when taking pictures. For me, these advantages outweigh the size and weight trade-offs, making it the more appealing option, so long as I am not in a position to buy a much higher performance phone.
