Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A04s. These two phones are vying for attention in the budget-friendly segment, but they take different approaches to deliver value. I’ll break down the tech specs and then translate it into real-world impact so you can decide which one might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two devices stack up, focusing on what each specification means for you, the user:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm, 208g | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm, 195g | G51 is taller and slightly heavier. A04s is more compact and easier to handle one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | G51 offers a larger viewing area, great for media consumption. A04s is more pocketable and ergonomic. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | G51 boasts sharper visuals with greater detail. A04s has a more basic, less crisp display. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 270 PPI | G51 has noticeably clearer text and images. A04s has a lower pixel density, slightly fuzzier. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | G51 provides better color accuracy and viewing angles. A04s uses a less advanced LCD panel. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | G51 has smoother scrolling and animations. A04s still feels fairly fluid for basic tasks. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Missing Data) | 0 nits (Missing Data) | Unable to compare screen brightness; data unavailable for both. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Exynos 850 (8nm) | G51 offers significantly faster processing and better 5G performance. A04s is slower for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 117,300 | G51 is much more capable for gaming and multitasking. A04s will feel sluggish with heavy use. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 | G51 provides a superior graphical experience for gaming and video editing. A04s is less powerful. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both offer a 50MP main lens; G51 sensor size is detailed, A04s is not. Comparable detail in good lighting, but G51 may perform better in low light based on its more specified sensor information. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | G51 captures significantly more detailed selfies. A04s selfies will be less sharp. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, 1.12µm | None | G51 allows for wider field-of-view photography. A04s has no wide angle. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04s provides dedicated depth for portrait photos, with G51 lacking such a lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities for capturing close-up details. |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30/60/240 fps, Slow-mo @ 240fps | 1080p @ 30fps, Slow-mo @ 34fps | G51 offers more versatile recording options and smoother slow motion. A04s slow motion is limited. |
| Camera Features | LAF, Continuous, Panorama, WB, ISO, Exp, RAW | Basic set of features | G51 has a more advanced and feature-rich camera software, better for photography enthusiasts. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery life for both phones, expect a full day of typical usage. |
| Charging | 10W | 15W | A04s charges slightly faster than G51. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | A04s offers a newer Android version out of the box and likely better future-proofing. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Dual band, a/b/g/n/ac + Hotspot, Direct, Display | a/b/g/n/ac + Hotspot, Direct, Display | Both have same connectivity. Moto G51 has dual-band connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | G51 has a newer and more power-efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A04s supports additional satellite system (QZSS) for potentially better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | Both offer dual-SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 32GB, 64GB or 128GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB or 8GB | 3GB or 4GB | G51 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and better future-proofing. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Basic Audio | G51 has superior sound with Dolby Atmos and improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer side-mounted fingerprint readers. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | G51 has a Gyroscope, helpful for games, whilst A04s has ultrasonic proximity. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset provides a massive performance advantage, making the G51 much faster and more capable for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
- Enhanced Display: With a higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate, the G51 offers a significantly better viewing experience.
- Better Camera: While both have a 50MP main camera, the G51 edges out with a better front-facing camera, a dedicated wide-angle lens, more video capabilities, and advanced camera features.
- Improved Audio: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones make for a better overall audio experience.
- More RAM: Offering an 8GB option, the G51 handles multitasking more efficiently.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths:
- More Up-to-Date Software: Arriving with Android 12 and upgradable to Android 14, the A04s offers more up-to-date software, likely with better future support.
- Slightly Faster Charging: The 15W charging will refill the battery slightly faster compared to the G51’s 10W.
- Compact Design: The A04s is slightly smaller and lighter, making it more pocket-friendly.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Offers a dedicated depth lens for better portrait photography.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- G51: Lacks a dedicated depth sensor, uses a less advanced operating system with only one upgrade available.
- A04s: Underpowered for gaming or heavy multitasking, basic screen and audio quality, older Bluetooth version, less versatile camera, no wide-angle lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who value performance and a high-quality display will appreciate the G51's capabilities.
- Gamers: Casual gamers will find the G51's superior processor and GPU much more capable for gaming.
- Media Consumers: Its larger, sharper display and Dolby Atmos audio make it ideal for streaming videos and movies.
- Budget Photographers: While not top-of-the-line, the camera is more versatile with its features and wide-angle lens.
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Basic Users: Ideal for users who prioritize essential smartphone functions such as calls, messaging, and social media browsing.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Offers a solid experience at a lower cost than the G51.
- Users Who Prefer Smaller Phones: More compact and lighter for those who prefer a more pocketable phone.
- Users Prioritizing Future Updates: Comes with a newer version of android and is promised more updates, whilst the G51 has less future-proofing in that department.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance? If you frequently use apps, play games, or multitask, the G51 is the clear choice. For basic usage, the A04s might be enough.
- How much do you value display and camera quality? If a sharp, vibrant display and a more versatile camera are priorities, the G51 is a better option. If these are secondary, the A04s will do the job.
- Do you prioritize software updates and future-proofing? If so, the A04s is the better pick because of its more modern Android version and its planned future updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Budget Gamer: If you want to game on a budget, the G51 is the only option here.
- Scenario 2: The Casual User on a Tight Budget: The A04s is a sensible pick for basic tasks and a lower cost.
- Scenario 3: The Media Enthusiast: The G51's display and audio make it a superior choice for movies and streaming.
- Scenario 4: The Long-Term User: If you plan to keep your phone for years and want the latest OS updates for as long as possible, the A04s is the better pick.
Final Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Motorola Moto G51 5G. While the Samsung Galaxy A04s has its merits, particularly in terms of software and charging speed, the G51 offers a much more substantial performance boost, along with better display, camera, and audio experiences, making it a more compelling all-round package. For the same price or not too much more, it's worth choosing the G51 for the superior experience.
