Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Realme C61. Buckle up, because we're about to get technical, but also super practical.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. I've compiled a table breaking down the key specs of both phones, and what they actually mean for you.
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Realme C61 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 167.3 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm | Moto G51 is taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable in hand than thinner C61. |
| Weight | 208g | 188g | Realme C61 feels noticeably lighter, making it easier to hold for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.74" | Both have large screens for media consumption; very small difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Moto G51 has a much sharper display with more detail, better for media and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 387 | 260 | Moto G51's display is significantly clearer and sharper. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Standard LCD tech on both, offering decent colors and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Moto G51's display is smoother and more responsive, especially during scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both seem to have an issue here with displaying brightness; further testing is needed. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Unisoc T612 (12nm) | Snapdragon chipset is more powerful, leading to faster app performance and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 381,000 | 252,597 | Moto G51 demonstrates significantly better overall performance across various tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 | Moto G51 has an advantage in gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 32MP (f/1.8) | Moto G51 captures more detail, especially in good lighting. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.0) | Moto G51's selfies will be sharper and detailed. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP | No | Moto G51 offers wide-angle shots for expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Mode | No | 2MP | Realme C61 offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos. |
| Macro lens | 2MP | No | Moto G51 enables close-up macro shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G51 offers higher frame rate options for smoother videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should last a full day for most users on a single charge. |
| Charging | 10W fast | 45W fast | Realme C61 will charge much faster, a huge convenience factor. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 14 | Realme C61 ships with a newer version of Android and will be updated for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi connectivity, including dual-band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Moto G51 has slightly more up-to-date Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Moto G51 has more advanced satellite support for location services, but both will perform similarly in practice |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Realme C61 offers a larger 256GB storage option for media and app storage. |
| RAM | 4GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Realme C61 has a 6GB option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Moto G51 offers Dolby Atmos for improved sound, Realme offers Stereo Speakers for a more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | Motorola has more sensors included |
2. Key Insights
Here's a breakdown of each phone's strengths and where they excel:
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Display King: The Moto G51's biggest flex is its significantly sharper display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes everything from browsing to gaming look smoother, crisper, and more enjoyable.
- Performance Prowess: The Snapdragon 480+ chipset is noticeably more powerful than the Unisoc chip in the Realme C61. This means snappier app loading, better multitasking, and a smoother experience, especially when gaming.
- Camera Versatility: The G51 boasts a triple-lens setup, with a higher resolution main camera, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. This gives you more shooting options for creative shots.
Realme C61:
- Faster Charging: The Realme C61's 45W fast charging is a game-changer. You can get your phone charged up much faster.
- Newer Software: The C61 ships with Android 14. This gives you a more modern experience, potentially better app support, and likely a longer software support timeline.
- More Storage: The Realme C61 has the option for a 256GB internal storage configuration if you take a lot of photos and videos.
- Lightweight Design: At 188g, it is easier to handle for long periods of use.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Moto G51 is a bit bulkier and heavier than the Realme C61.
- The Moto G51 comes with an older software version
- The Realme C61's display is less sharp and the chipset isn't as powerful as the Moto G51.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G is Best For:
- Media Lovers: If you watch a lot of videos, browse a lot of social media, or do a lot of reading, the Moto G51's sharper display is a real winner.
- Gamers on a Budget: The Snapdragon 480+ is the better choice for smooth gaming performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: If you want more creative freedom with your photos, the added lenses of the Moto G51 is the right choice.
Realme C61 is Best For:
- Users Who Want a Lightweight Phone: If handling a phone for a long time is necessary the lighter Realme is the best fit.
- Users Who Want a Faster Charge: If you're constantly on the go and need a quick recharge, the Realme C61’s fast charging is a life-saver.
- Software Purists: If you prefer a more modern Android version and don't want to deal with bloatware, the Realme is the right choice.
- Storage Users: If you plan on storing a lot of photos, videos or apps, the 256GB option is a great choice.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you make the right call, ask yourself these questions:
- How important is display quality to me? If you want a sharp display for media consumption and sharp text, the Moto G51 has a clear advantage. If you are okay with a decent display experience then the Realme will do.
- Do I need fast charging? If quick top-ups are essential, the Realme C61 is much better.
- Do I prefer better performance over display and software updates? If the software is not a big deal, then go with the Motorola.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: If you're someone who needs top performance, go with the Motorola Moto G51 5G. Its speed will help you with your day-to-day.
- The Casual User: If you're someone who just needs a reliable phone with a good battery that is light weight, the Realme C61 is the better pick.
- The Media Fanatic: If you love watching videos, the Motorola Moto G51 5G has a smoother and sharper display.
- The On-The-Go User: The Realme C61 will help you charge your phone faster with its 45W fast charging support.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally lean towards the Motorola Moto G51 5G. As a tech journalist, I use my phone constantly for browsing, social media, and light gaming and the display quality and performance would be something I would value. While the faster charging and more up-to-date software of the Realme C61 are very appealing, the sharper display and significantly better performance of the Moto G51 is a big deal to me. The extra camera lenses also give the Moto G51 the extra edge when it comes to creative photography.
