Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Moto G52. As a tech journalist, my aim is to cut through the marketing fluff and get to what really matters: how these phones perform in your hands and fit into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side look at the key technical specifications, coupled with real-world implications to give you a clear picture:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Motorola Moto G52 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 160.1 × 74.5 × 8 mm | G52 is more compact, easier to handle and pocket; G51 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 208g | 169g | The G52 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The G51 can feel heavy after prolonged holding. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | G51 has a slightly larger screen, good for media consumption; G52’s smaller size makes it more manageable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp, detailed image. |
| PPI | 387 | 402 | Both have a similar pixel density meaning a comparable clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | G52’s AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the G51's IPS LCD. AMOLED also more power-efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | G51 has smoother animations, better for gaming. G52 feels fluid but not as much as G51. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness which is missing from the data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | G51 has a more powerful 5G chipset which results in better performance. G52's 680 is a mid-range chip that prioritizes power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 216,000 | G51’s much higher AnTuTu score indicates significantly faster performance in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | G51's Adreno 619 is better equipped for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. G52 will struggle more with demanding games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have a large battery, good for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 10W | 30W | G52 charges much faster, a significant advantage for those with limited time; G51 takes much longer to fully charge. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones feature a non-removable battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have the same 50MP main sensor, indicating similar performance in daylight. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | G52 has a higher resolution front-facing camera, potentially for sharper selfies but with a smaller aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both offer comparable wide-angle capability |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have a basic 2MP macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30/60/240fps | 1080p @ 30fps | G51 offers more video recording options including 60fps and slow motion at higher frame rates. The G52 is limited to 30fps for 1080p recording and has no higher fps slow motion |
| Features | LAF, RAW | 4K Video | G51 has more advanced autofocus options and can shoot in RAW format. G52 is capable of 4k video |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 12 | G52 has a more up to date OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | G51 has more WiFi features, potentially for sharing content and connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE, More Profiles | G51 has a newer Bluetooth version but G52 supports more profiles |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | G51 supports more satellite systems, potentially for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | G52 offers more storage capacity with the 256 GB option and is better for content-heavy users. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 4/6 GB | G51 offers more RAM, which translates to better multitasking and smoother performance in general. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage, so consider your storage needs carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | G52 provides a better audio experience with stereo speakers, providing more immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones utilize a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, offering a quick and efficient way to unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | G52 offers better screen protection making it more resistant to damage from drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | G52 has a more comprehensive sensor suite including a compass which could be beneficial for navigation apps and similar use cases. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G51 5G: This phone is a performance-focused device that excels in demanding tasks, thanks to its Snapdragon 480+ 5G chip, Adreno 619 GPU and up to 8GB of RAM. It features a larger display with a 120Hz refresh rate which is ideal for gaming and content consumption. However, it has a less vibrant IPS LCD display and a slower 10W charging.
- Motorola Moto G52: The Moto G52 is designed for those who value a premium viewing experience, with its AMOLED display offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. Its lightweight design, faster charging (30W), and stereo speakers enhance user experience. Although it is a newer device, its Snapdragon 680 chip and 6 GB of RAM result in lower performance compared to the G51.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- G51 5G:
- Ideal for: Gamers, power users, and those who prefer a bigger screen with a smoother refresh rate.
- Use Cases: Playing demanding games, multitasking between apps, and watching media with fast refresh rates.
- Consider: If you need the best performance in this price bracket and don't mind the less vibrant screen, the G51 is a great choice.
- G52:
- Ideal for: Casual users who enjoy media consumption, those who want a lighter device with better display quality, and those who want fast charging.
- Use Cases: Streaming movies and shows, browsing social media, taking casual photos and enjoying music, and those who enjoy a lighter and more comfortable phone.
- Consider: If you prioritize display quality, build quality and fast charging in a light device, the G52 is the way to go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you make your decision:
- Do you prioritize performance and gaming? If yes, the G51's better chipset, GPU, and RAM are better suited for your use case.
- Is display quality and charging speed important? If yes, the G52's AMOLED display and 30W charging are significant advantages for you.
- Do you need a bigger screen or a lighter, more portable device? If the former, G51 is better. If the later, consider the G52.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the gamer: The G51 is the clear winner due to its higher performance.
- For the daily user focused on multimedia and battery: The G52 is the better option with its vibrant screen and fast charging capabilities, offering a better viewing experience.
- For users wanting a lighter device that has good overall features: The G52 is a solid choice with a lighter build quality, good screen, and better speakers.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally go with the Motorola Moto G51 5G. Even though the G52 has an arguably better screen and fast charging, the improved performance and smoother experience offered by the G51 is a more important factor for me, making it the better overall choice for my needs. While the G52 has its own advantages, such as a better screen and more modern features, they don't outweigh the core benefits of having a more powerful and capable chipset in my opinion.
