Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison and see how these two phones stack up for real-world use. I'll be your guide, breaking down the tech in a way that's both informative and engaging.
Smartphone Showdown: Motorola Moto G51 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S23+
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. We've got the Motorola Moto G51 5G, a budget-friendly contender, and the Samsung Galaxy S23+, a high-end powerhouse. The specs paint a clear picture, but let's delve into what those numbers actually mean for your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown, combining the raw numbers with practical implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-16 | 2023-02-17 | The S23+ is significantly newer, meaning more up-to-date software and potentially longer support. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no surprises here. |
| Physical Size | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | The Moto G51 is noticeably taller and thicker, making the S23+ more pocketable and ergonomic. |
| Weight | 208g | 196g | The S23+ is a bit lighter, which could be more comfortable for long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | The Moto G51 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption, but not by much. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have FHD+ resolutions, with the S23+’s slightly lower vertical resolution being negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 393 PPI | Both are similar; pixel density is high enough for sharp image quality on both screens. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The S23+ has a superior display; AMOLED offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, plus improved power efficiency when using dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; great for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | The S23+ has a significantly brighter screen, making it much more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. The Moto G51’s display brightness is notably absent, a potential downside. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | The S23+ has a much more powerful and efficient chip. Expect vastly superior speed and performance on the S23+ for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 1,508,732 | The S23+ crushes the G51 in benchmarks. This reflects a real-world experience of apps opening faster, smoother UI, and better gaming on the S23+. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | The S23+ has a considerably more powerful GPU, essential for high-end graphics and gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | The Moto G51 has a slightly larger battery, which might translate to slightly longer battery life for general use. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | The S23+ charges much faster, making it more convenient if you're always on the go. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, 10W wireless (Qi/PMA), 4.5W reverse wireless | The S23+ offers modern charging features including bypass, reverse wireless, and faster wired charging which are all huge perks for battery management. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00µm | The S23+ has a physically larger sensor with bigger pixels, which means better low-light performance and more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12MP f/2.2 | The Moto G51 has a slightly higher resolution for its selfie camera, but the real-world results may vary. |
| Telephoto | None | 10MP f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.00µm | The S23+ has a dedicated telephoto lens, offering optical zoom capabilities which the G51 lacks. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, 1.12µm | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | The S23+ features higher resolution and larger sensor pixels for better quality in ultrawide shots. |
| Macro | 2MP, 1.75µm | None | The Moto G51 has a dedicated macro lens, which some may find useful for extreme close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p @ 30/60/240fps | 8K/4K @ 30/60fps, 1080p up to 960fps | The S23+ offers far more advanced video capabilities, including 8K recording, better stabilization and slow-motion options. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | 133 overall | The S23+ shows a capable camera setup. |
| Features | LAF, PDAF | OIS, PDAF, Optical Zoom | The S23+ offers significantly more comprehensive camera features including optical image stabilization which will impact sharpness. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | The S23+ ships with a much newer Android version and is set to receive multiple future updates which will provide new features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The S23+ offers better Wi-Fi performance due to faster standard and Wi-Fi MIMO for greater stability. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | The S23+ has a newer Bluetooth version, meaning improved connectivity, and additional bluetooth profile support, for better audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The S23+ has better and more modern GNSS support for precise navigation, and better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano + eSIM | The S23+ offers the option for a digital eSIM for digital carrier switching, and both can use two numbers simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB or 512GB | The S23+ offers vastly more internal storage space, which is essential for photos, videos, and apps, particularly when paired with faster processors. |
| RAM | 4GB or 8GB | 8GB | The S23+ has plenty of RAM, which is great for smooth multitasking and handling demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion with microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The S23+ offers a more immersive audio experience with Stereo Speakers and Hi-Res audio and better spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Moto G51 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor while the S23+ offers a basic fingerprint sensor, this provides basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The S23+ features superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Fingerprint, Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | The S23+ offers an advanced suite of sensors, providing enhanced functionality and better support for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Larger Display (Slightly): A bit more screen real estate for immersive media consumption.
- Larger Battery (Slightly): Might offer a bit more runtime, especially with less demanding use.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: For close-up photography that some users may appreciate.
- Lower Cost: It is the budget option.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Limitations:
- Less Powerful Performance: Older chipset significantly lags behind the S23+ in speed and efficiency.
- Inferior Display: LCD screen, less bright, and not as vibrant compared to the S23+’s AMOLED.
- Slower Charging: 10W charging is slow compared to the 45W on the S23+.
- Limited Camera Capabilities: Less advanced optics and software, weaker image quality overall.
- Outdated Software: Running older Android version with fewer guaranteed updates.
- Basic Build Quality: Lacking enhanced protection and more premium materials.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Strengths:
- High Performance: Top-tier processor delivers outstanding speed and responsiveness.
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with high brightness, vibrant colors, and deep blacks.
- Advanced Camera System: Excellent image quality, telephoto zoom, and powerful video recording features.
- Fast Charging and Wireless Charging: 45W fast wired charging, plus versatile wireless charging and reverse charging.
- Premium Build and Features: Gorilla Glass protection, advanced connectivity options, Hi-Res Audio support.
- Up-to-Date Software: Comes with a newer Android version and will receive more updates.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Limitations:
- Higher Price: Significantly more expensive than the Moto G51 5G.
- Smaller Battery (Slightly): Although it has a smaller battery it compensates with more efficient hardware.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable 5G smartphone.
- Basic Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Casual Media Consumers: People who enjoy watching videos and movies occasionally, but aren't that concerned with top-tier display quality.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ is best for:
- Power Users: Users who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera quality and advanced photography features.
- Media Lovers: Those who value an excellent viewing experience with a bright, vibrant screen and great audio.
- Professionals: Individuals who need reliable, fast performance and want a device that will last for a long time with software updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget? If budget is a major concern, the Moto G51 5G is a more affordable option, but you have to make sacrifices in performance and features. If you have no price constraints, the S23+ is the best phone here.
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone for gaming, demanding apps, or general smooth use, the S23+ is the superior choice. The G51 will lag in many scenarios.
- How important is camera quality and features? If you want great pictures and versatility from your phone's camera, the S23+ is the way to go with its advanced imaging system. The G51's camera is acceptable for basic photos, but isn't great.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need a basic phone for everyday tasks and don’t want to spend a lot of money: The Motorola Moto G51 5G is acceptable, but be aware of the performance and camera limitations.
- If you're a casual user who mainly browses the internet, checks social media, and makes calls, but occasionally watches videos: The Motorola Moto G51 5G is suitable, as long as you are okay with a basic camera and slower performance.
- If you're a power user who games and takes lots of photos, and wants an amazing display: The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is a clear winner because it excels in performance, camera quality, and display technology.
- If you're a pro who needs to rely on their phone's speed and capabilities daily: The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the superior option given the powerful processor, robust build quality, and long-term software support.
My Pick
If I had to pick one of these phones, I would absolutely choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+. While the Motorola Moto G51 5G has the appeal of being more budget friendly, I feel it sacrifices too many key aspects of what makes a great smartphone experience. The S23+ is simply a far superior device. Here is why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor in the S23+ provides a dramatic leap in performance compared to the Snapdragon 480+ in the G51. As someone who uses their smartphone heavily for a multitude of apps, this added performance is important for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Display Quality: The AMOLED panel on the S23+ with its 1750 nits of brightness is far superior to the IPS LCD in the G51. With its superior color accuracy, contrast, and the improved brightness the viewing experience on the S23+ is in a different league.
- Camera Capabilities: As someone who is interested in photography, the S23+ camera system provides great images. The optical zoom, and better low-light performance are critical advantages, something that the G51 lacks.
- Longevity: With a much more modern software version (Android 13 vs. 11) and guaranteed upgrades (potentially up to Android 17), the S23+ is a more long-term investment compared to the Moto G51, which is likely to have limited update support.
- Features: The S23+ has lots of features that the G51 does not, including significantly faster charging, wireless charging, reverse charging, stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio, and a far superior connectivity suite including WiFi 6.
In short, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the more complete and modern device. While it comes at a higher price point, the upgrades in performance, camera, display, build quality, and battery features are worth it for someone that uses their phone heavily.
