Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. Both are solid contenders in the mid-range market, but they cater to slightly different needs and priorities. I'll break down the specs and translate what they mean for you, the everyday user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | Moto G51 is taller and thicker; A23 is more compact and a bit slimmer; slight weight difference |
| Weight | 208g | 197g | Samsung A23 feels lighter in the hand, good for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | Moto G51 offers a slightly larger viewing area, immersive gaming & media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both offer crisp Full HD+ visuals, though A23's resolution is slightly higher |
| PPI | 387 | 400 | Both offer similar sharpness, great viewing experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | Moto G51 with IPS LCD typically provides superior color accuracy and viewing angles over PLS LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations; better responsiveness during gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness of 0 nits is not useful for comparing screens, the real brightness must be evaluated practically. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | A23’s 695 is faster and more power-efficient, leading to smoother multitasking and gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 418,000 | A23 exhibits better overall performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Both have similar graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both offer comparable image quality in daylight, same main sensor |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Moto G51 with higher resolution but A23’s slightly wider aperture is slightly better in low light conditions |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 5MP, f/2.2 | Moto G51 captures more detailed wide shots. |
| Depth Sensor | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 has a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effects in portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities |
| Video | Up to 1080p@240fps, No Stabilization | Up to 1080p@30fps, OIS | A23 offers better stabilization (OIS) for video but MotoG51 is able to record in slow motion at 240fps |
| Features | Triple Camera, LAF, RAW | Quadruple Camera, OIS | A23 has more versatile camera setup with OIS support for higher quality, Moto G51 has a Laser AF for better focusing and the RAW format for post-processing |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide a full day of battery life; endurance is comparable |
| Charging | 10W | 25W | A23 charges significantly faster, saving you time when topping up. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A23 has Bypass charging to help manage battery heat when gaming while charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 12 (up to 14) | A23 has newer software and will receive more future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band | a/b/g/n/ac | Both have good WiFi but Moto G51 has dual band support; better coverage |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP, APT-x | A23 has more Bluetooth profiles for enhanced connectivity |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both support multiple GPS systems; A23 has more satelite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | Moto G51 lets you use two SIMs simultaneously, convenient for international travel |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | Unspecified | Moto G51 offers storage options for your personal files |
| RAM | 4GB or 8GB | Unspecified | Moto G51 offers more RAM, good for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via a microSD card |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Basic Audio | Moto G51 offers superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos and better voice capture for calls |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer easy and secure access, basic security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A23 offers better screen protection, good for daily use. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A23 has more environmental sensors |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths: Larger screen, better audio quality (Dolby Atmos), dual SIM support, higher resolution selfie camera, better wide angle camera, better video recording in slow motion (240fps).
- Competitive Advantages: Great for media consumption, good audio, and users who need two SIM cards.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Older Android version, slower charging, bulkier design, less powerful chip than the A23, and unknown screen protection.
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Strengths: Faster processor, significantly faster charging, more compact design, newer Android version (with future updates), better screen protection (Gorilla Glass 5), and better video stabilization (OIS).
- Competitive Advantages: Solid all-around performance, good everyday camera, a reliable choice for longevity, and faster charging.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Smaller display, single SIM, and basic audio features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G51 5G is ideal for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy watching videos and movies on their phones due to the larger screen and Dolby Atmos.
- Travelers and Multi-SIM Users: People who need to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize larger display and audio, without the need for a high performance chip.
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is ideal for:
- Everyday Users: Those who want a reliable, fast phone for daily tasks, social media, and light gaming with a good camera.
- Users Prioritizing Longevity: People who prefer a phone with the latest Android version and faster updates.
- Power Users: Users who want faster charging and more efficient performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you need a large screen for media consumption, or is a more compact size more important to you? The Moto G51 has a larger display, while the A23 is more pocketable.
- Do you prioritize performance and longevity, or a more basic user experience focused on entertainment? The A23 has a faster processor and longer software support, while the G51 excels in audio and has a bigger screen.
- How important is fast charging to your daily routine? The A23 charges significantly faster, while the G51 is noticeably slower.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I watch a lot of videos and need long battery life." Choose the Moto G51 for the larger screen, immersive audio experience, and a good battery that should last a full day.
- Scenario 2: "I want a fast, reliable phone that will last me for a few years." Choose the Samsung A23 for the faster processor, faster charging, and longer software support.
- Scenario 3: "I need a budget-friendly phone with good value." Both offer great value for money, you should prioritize based on other needs.
My Choice
Personally, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. While the larger screen on the Moto G51 is tempting, the A23's faster performance, notably better charging speed, and longer software support make it a more compelling daily driver for me. The addition of optical image stabilization (OIS) is also a nice bonus for photography enthusiasts. The A23 offers a more well-rounded experience with fewer compromises in the areas that matter most to me (speed, convenience, and long term reliability).
