Alright, let's break down the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Nothing Phone (1). We'll move past the spec sheet jargon and get into what these differences actually mean for your daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-16 | 2022-07-16 | Nothing Phone (1) is newer, meaning potentially longer software support and more up-to-date features. |
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm | The Moto G51 is noticeably taller and thicker, making the Nothing Phone (1) more pocketable and easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 208g | 193.5g | The Nothing Phone (1) feels lighter, which makes a difference during extended usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.55" | Moto G51 has a larger screen which is good for media consumption, while the Nothing Phone (1) is easier to manage with one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp and detailed picture. |
| PPI | 387 | 402 | Pixel density is virtually the same, meaning both displays will look crisp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | OLED panels on the Nothing Phone (1) offer superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the LCD on the Moto G51. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Nothing Phone (1) will be far more visible in bright sunlight, a key factor for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm) | The 778G+ in the Nothing Phone (1) is a much more powerful chip. Expect noticeably faster performance in all tasks, especially gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 381,000 | 624,253 | The Nothing Phone (1) is significantly faster in benchmarks, indicating snappier performance and better gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 642L | The Adreno 642L in the Nothing Phone (1) offers better graphics performance, meaning smoother gameplay at higher settings. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The Moto G51 has a larger battery, potentially leading to longer usage on a single charge. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 33W fast charging | The Nothing Phone (1) will charge significantly faster, a big convenience for many users. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Nothing Phone (1) offers more modern charging capabilities, including wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Nothing Phone (1)'s main camera has a larger sensor and larger pixels, which typically results in better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | 16MP f/2.2, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | Nothing Phone (1) has a higher resolution front camera, likely meaning a bit more detail in selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Moto G51 has a dedicated wide angle lens, useful for capturing landscapes or group photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Moto G51 has a dedicated macro lens, useful for capturing extreme closeups of small objects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (1) uses its wide angle lens also for macro shots. |
| Video | 1080p@240fps | 4K@30fps HDR, EIS | Nothing Phone (1) offers higher video recording resolution and stabilization, making it more suitable for high-quality videos. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, LAF | Dual Camera, OIS, Ultra Stable Video | Nothing Phone (1) has more advanced camera features like OIS, EIS, and Ultra Stable Video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 12, upgradable to 15 | Nothing Phone (1) ships with a newer OS and promises longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nothing Phone (1) has the newest WiFi standard, providing faster internet speeds and reliability on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 with APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Nothing Phone (1) offers more advanced Bluetooth audio codecs for a higher quality wireless listening experience. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) supports a more comprehensive suite of positioning systems for better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Nothing Phone (1) has larger storage options available, giving more room for media. |
| RAM | 4/8GB | 8/12GB | Nothing Phone (1) has more RAM, improving multitasking and allowing for a smoother experience. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Nothing Phone (1) offers better audio with dedicated stereo speakers for an enhanced media experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | The side-mounted sensor on the Moto G51 may offer a slightly faster and more convenient user experience. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) has significantly better screen protection for added durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The inclusion of a compass in the Nothing Phone (1) is very useful for real-world navigation. |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery is a plus for users who need long-lasting power.
- Dedicated Wide and Macro Cameras: This gives more flexibility in photography, although the quality is lower than on the Nothing Phone.
- Lower Price (Likely): This makes it a great budget-friendly option.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Side mounted fingerprint sensors tend to be a favorite among users, and this one is no exception.
Nothing Phone (1) Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ chipset offers significantly better speed and responsiveness for all tasks.
- Better Display: The OLED panel offers superior visual quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is much quicker than the 10W on the Moto G51.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor, which means great photos in any lighting situation.
- More RAM & Storage Options: This allows for better multitasking and more room for content.
- Better Video Recording: Ability to record videos in 4K.
- More Advanced Software: A newer version of Android and longer software support.
- Better Connectivity: WiFi 6, better GPS accuracy, and more advanced bluetooth codecs.
- Modern Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, better speakers, newer connectivity standards
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Moto G51: The older chipset and LCD display significantly hinder its overall performance and visual quality.
- Nothing Phone (1): It lacks a dedicated wide and macro camera lens, which is available on the Motorola Moto G51 5G. It's likely a bit more expensive than the Moto G51, but you're getting premium features for that extra cost.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals looking for an affordable smartphone with 5G capabilities and a big screen.
- Users Who Prioritize Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last all day on a single charge and are less concerned about performance and display.
- Casual Photographers: People who enjoy taking occasional snapshots with the flexibility of dedicated wide angle and macro lenses.
- Users Who Love a Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Side mounted sensors have their perks and this phone delivers.
Nothing Phone (1) is Best For:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who need a fast, responsive smartphone for demanding apps, games, and multitasking.
- Media Lovers: People who value a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want to capture high-quality images and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate cutting-edge tech, including the glyph interface and premium design.
- People who value the newest connectivity standards: Wi-Fi 6 provides better speeds than the Wi-Fi 5 on the G51, and the various codecs on Bluetooth 5.2 will have you listening to music on high quality audio.
- Users who value the newest features: Reverse charging, wireless charging, are just a few that are exclusive to this phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How much do I prioritize performance and visual quality? If those are high on your list, the Nothing Phone (1) is a clear winner due to its superior chipset and OLED display.
- Do I need specialized camera lenses or am I comfortable with versatile main camera? If dedicated wide angle and macro are important, Moto G51 is the one, but if you value great main lens quality and features, the Nothing Phone (1) has you covered.
- What's my budget? If you are on a strict budget, the Moto G51 is the way to go, but if you are willing to pay a bit more, the Nothing Phone (1) will give you a better experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a student on a tight budget looking for a phone with a big screen for note-taking and media consumption. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G51 5G, given its lower price point and larger screen.
- Scenario 2: You're an avid gamer who also likes taking photos and videos with a phone that is also reliable and performant. Recommendation: Nothing Phone (1), due to its powerful chipset, superior display, and excellent camera system.
- Scenario 3: You are a casual user that just wants a reliable phone for basic tasks like calls, browsing the internet, and listening to music, with a good battery life. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G51 5G, due to its large battery and overall reliability.
My Choice:
If it were my money, I'd choose the Nothing Phone (1), without any hesitation. Why?
While the Motorola Moto G51 5G has its strengths, the Nothing Phone (1) just offers a more modern, powerful, and overall enjoyable experience. The OLED screen is a game changer for consuming media, and the superior processing power and larger memory will make the phone feel faster, and allow me to keep it for a longer period. The additional features, such as wireless charging, are also something I would miss from a phone.
While I appreciate the dedicated wide-angle and macro cameras on the Moto G51, the improvements in image quality on the Nothing Phone (1)'s main camera more than make up for it. Additionally, the 4K video and stabilization are a big win for me. The modern software and longer support are also important to me, as it will allow me to keep this phone for much longer.
The Nothing Phone (1) is the clear winner for anyone who prioritizes performance, user experience, and the latest features, and is willing to pay the extra cost.
