Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the OnePlus 10 Pro. We'll dissect these two phones, focusing on how their specs translate into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown, looking at the key areas where these phones differ:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | OnePlus 10 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | Moto G51 is noticeably larger and slightly bulkier, impacting single-hand use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 208g | 201g | OnePlus 10 Pro is a touch lighter, which is more comfortable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Both have large screens but the Moto G51 is just a hair bigger, may not be noticeable in use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3216 | OnePlus 10 Pro's higher resolution means sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 525 PPI | OnePlus 10 Pro’s significantly sharper screen offers a more crisp and detailed visual experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED display on the OnePlus 10 Pro is expected to offer superior contrast and color vibrancy. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth 120Hz experience for fluid scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | OnePlus 10 Pro has much higher peak brightness for excellent outdoor visibility in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | OnePlus 10 Pro's high-end chip offers far superior processing for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 900,491 | The OnePlus 10 Pro is more than twice as fast, making a huge difference in daily performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 on the OnePlus 10 Pro provides much better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" sensor | OnePlus 10 Pro’s larger sensor means better light capture, leading to improved low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.0 | OnePlus 10 Pro offers sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 10 Pro adds a telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom without significant quality loss. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP | 50MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 10 Pro's wide-angle lens captures more detail, offering more flexible photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Moto G51 has a macro lens for extreme closeups which OnePlus 10 pro doesn't |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30/60/240fps | Up to 8K, with HDR, EIS | OnePlus 10 Pro's 8K video with HDR and stabilization is a game-changer for video enthusiasts. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 122 (Mobile) | OnePlus 10 Pro scores well as a smartphone camera system. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both phones have identical battery capacities, suggesting similar all day endurance. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | OnePlus 10 Pro's much faster charging can greatly reduce the time needed to fully charge the device. |
| Wireless Charging | None | 50W wireless | OnePlus 10 Pro offers wireless charging, a key convenience feature for many. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | OnePlus 10 Pro has a more modern OS out of the box and a longer support cycle, with more future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 7 (be) | OnePlus 10 Pro supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | OnePlus 10 Pro supports more modern Bluetooth codecs for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Dual-band GPS | OnePlus 10 Pro has better GPS accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | OnePlus 10 Pro offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 8/12 GB | OnePlus 10 Pro offers more RAM for better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Other Features | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, 3 microphones | OnePlus 10 Pro features stereo speakers and noise-canceling microphones. |
| Security | Side fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Motorola has a side mounted fingerprint sensor, while the 10 Pro has an in-display sensor. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The 10 Pro has much better protection against accidental damage. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity | 10 Pro has additional sensors for better positional and compass functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths: The G51 stands out primarily for its large screen, 5G capabilities, large battery, and macro camera. It’s also positioned as a budget-friendly device in the 5G space.
- Weaknesses: It suffers in direct comparison to the 10 Pro due to an inferior display (lower resolution and IPS LCD vs. AMOLED), much weaker processor, basic camera system, and slow charging. It will struggle with gaming or graphic intensive tasks.
- User Experience: It's designed for users who need a big screen, long battery life, and 5G connectivity for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and media consumption on a budget.
OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Strengths: The OnePlus 10 Pro has a high-end, high-resolution display, a top-tier chipset, a versatile and capable camera system with 8k video, and very fast charging. It also features wireless charging and better build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
- Weaknesses: The only major drawback compared to the G51 is the lack of a macro camera.
- User Experience: Designed for power users and enthusiasts, the 10 Pro handles everything from graphic-intensive games to content creation, offering a premium and smooth experience.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best For: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large screen, 5G connectivity, and all-day battery life. Suitable for basic smartphone tasks and occasional media consumption.
- Use Cases: Good for everyday use, browsing, social media, streaming videos, and general communication. It would not be a good choice for gamers or content creators.
- OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Best For: Power users, tech enthusiasts, and content creators who need a flagship-level performance, a top-tier display, a great camera, fast charging, and a premium user experience.
- Use Cases: Demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, high-resolution photography, graphic-intensive applications, and professional use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget?
- If budget is your primary concern, and you are okay with a basic experience, the Moto G51 is likely the better choice.
- If you can afford to spend more and want a premium experience with cutting edge features, the OnePlus 10 Pro will provide much more value.
- How important is performance and a high-quality display?
- If you do not do anything too intensive the G51 is fine, but if gaming and graphic heavy tasks are frequent, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers a far more seamless, fast experience.
- The difference in the display is also noticable, with the oneplus offering better brightness, and a sharper display
- Do you need a great camera system?
- If photography is a priority, the OnePlus 10 Pro’s camera system is far superior with better low-light performance, higher resolution selfies, a telephoto lens, and 8K video capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: The Casual User: You use your phone for basic tasks, consume media, and stay connected on social media.
- Recommendation: The Motorola Moto G51 5G is sufficient, providing a large screen, 5G, and good battery life at a lower price point.
Scenario 2: The Mobile Gamer/Content Creator: You enjoy gaming, editing photos and videos, and you need a device that can keep up with demanding applications.
- Recommendation: The OnePlus 10 Pro is the best choice, providing excellent performance, a superior display, a great camera, and fast charging.
Scenario 3: The Value Seeker: You want a balance of performance and features without breaking the bank.
- Recommendation: The OnePlus 10 Pro is still the more value-focused option, even with a higher price tag, thanks to its high-end features, especially if performance is a key factor in your smartphone usage. The G51 is not a value option if you need something that is fast and performs well, and is more suited for very specific use cases.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given the choice between these two, I would choose the OnePlus 10 Pro. While it is significantly more expensive than the Moto G51 5G, the advantages are so vast that it is worth the cost difference. As someone who values performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and fast charging, the OnePlus 10 Pro checks all the boxes. I often find myself using my phone for everything from demanding games to capturing photos on the go, making its flagship-level specs more than just a luxury; they’re a necessity for me. The 8k video capabilities, and the excellent display mean I don't need a separate camera or monitor for content consumption or creation. The vastly superior processor also means future-proofing for demanding applications coming in the future. While I like the option for a macro lens on the G51, I think I can make do without it, in the presence of all the other perks that the 10 Pro provides.
