Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Motorola ThinkPhone. I'll be putting on my tech journalist hat, blending my engineering background with a focus on real-world user experience to make sure this is as useful as possible.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table breaking down the key specs of each phone, along with what they actually mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm | ThinkPhone is more compact and easier to handle one-handed; G51 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 208g | 188.5g | ThinkPhone is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs with no foldable elements |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | ThinkPhone's display is significantly more scratch resistant and durable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | G51 has a larger screen, better for media consumption; ThinkPhone is more pocketable with a smaller display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness; clarity of both screens should be similar. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 399 PPI | Both phones offer very similar sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | ThinkPhone offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and wider viewing angles compared to the G51. This makes for better media viewing. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone has smoother scrolling and transitions. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | ThinkPhone has drastically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | ThinkPhone’s processor is a major leap in performance. ThinkPhone will handle heavy apps and games with ease and will last much longer before becoming obsolete. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone offers far superior performance—apps load faster, multitasking is smoother, and gaming is better. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | ThinkPhone's Adreno 730 is significantly more powerful, making for better graphics and smoother game play. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.00µm | ThinkPhone’s larger sensor will capture more light for better photos in all conditions, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.45, -µm | ThinkPhone will capture more detailed selfies, although G51 has a wider aperture, potentially better for low-light selfies (sensor information missing from ThinkPhone) |
| Wide Angle | 8MP | 13MP (Wide + Macro combined) | G51 has a dedicated wide-angle lens while the ThinkPhone combines wide-angle and macro. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | None (combined with Wide) | G51 has a dedicated macro lens while the ThinkPhone combines wide-angle and macro. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP (dedicated depth sensor) | ThinkPhone will have better background blur for portrait mode shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60/240fps, No EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, with HDR and EIS | ThinkPhone offers vastly superior video quality, more frame rate options, and excellent stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity which should translate into comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 10W | 68W | ThinkPhone has drastically faster charging speeds. This means a quick top-off can add a lot of power in a short amount of time. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | ThinkPhone has the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | ThinkPhone comes with a newer version of Android, providing enhanced security and features. It is likely to be supported for longer with updates compared to the G51, which is already on its last supported Android version |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | ThinkPhone has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi capabilities and MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | ThinkPhone has slightly more recent Bluetooth version, offering better connectivity efficiency |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB | ThinkPhone offers significantly more storage. The G51’s storage is limited, and with no expandable storage, can become restrictive, particularly for media. |
| RAM | 4GB/8GB | 8GB | ThinkPhone provides 8GB which is excellent for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | ThinkPhone offers improved audio experience with stereo speakers and spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | basic | G51 features a more ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths: Its main advantage is its large 6.8-inch screen, which will appeal to users who prioritize media consumption on a bigger display.
- Competitive Advantages: The G51 also offers a dedicated wide angle and macro lenses and comes with Dolby Atmos audio.
- Trade-offs: The G51 is noticeably less powerful, has an older operating system, and significantly slower charging and screen brightness, making it not very suited for those who desire a high-end experience.
Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Strengths: The ThinkPhone is a performance beast, boasting a top-tier processor, amazing P-OLED display, much faster charging, a better camera system and 5G connectivity.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone offers a more premium experience, with 144Hz display, impressive camera capabilities, faster charging, wireless charging, and the latest Android OS.
- Trade-offs: It's more compact, so some might prefer the larger screen of the G51.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best Suited For: Users on a tight budget who need a large screen for casual browsing and media consumption.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, basic gaming, day-to-day tasks, and use with light apps.
- Recommendation: If you prioritize screen size and need basic functionality at an entry-level price, the G51 may suit you, but you need to be happy with a device that feels a couple of generations behind.
Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Best Suited For: Power users, content creators, gamers, and professionals who demand top-tier performance and features, particularly if they need a device that can work in bright outdoor environments.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, professional photography/videography, intensive multitasking, business use with fast processing and modern connectivity.
- Recommendation: If you prioritize performance, a great camera, and a premium experience, and can afford to spend a bit more, the ThinkPhone is the clear choice.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are some questions to guide your choice:
- What's your budget? The G51 is likely more affordable, while the ThinkPhone is a premium device.
- What's more important to you – Display or Power? The G51 has a larger screen, while the ThinkPhone offers vastly better performance.
- How much do you care about cutting-edge features like Wireless Charging and 4K video recording? The ThinkPhone has many more modern features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is the primary concern, the G51 could be acceptable, but be prepared for a less modern experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: If you’re not a power user, the G51 might be fine for basic tasks, but the ThinkPhone will offer better longevity and experience.
- Scenario 3: Power User: The ThinkPhone is undoubtedly the better pick for you and will future proof your phone for longer.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Motorola ThinkPhone. Here's why:
The ThinkPhone simply checks so many more boxes for my preferences. I value performance, a great display, and excellent camera capabilities over budget-conscious specs. The drastic difference in chipset performance means the ThinkPhone is just so much smoother. The brighter OLED display is a treat and makes a big difference for readability under harsh lighting. The better camera, especially with the higher-resolution video capability and OIS, is significant. Finally, the faster charging and wireless charging are simply indispensable features.
The ThinkPhone is a much more versatile device that fits my professional life, allowing for high-end gaming on the go as well as capturing amazing pictures and video. So while the price is likely to be much higher, the improvements in quality are well worth it, making the ThinkPhone the clear winner for me.
