Alright, let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. These phones sit at different ends of the spectrum in terms of performance and features, so understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial before making a decision. I'm here to break down the tech jargon and translate it into real-world scenarios, helping you understand what each phone brings to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Let's get technical with a side of practicality. Here’s a table comparing the key specifications of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | Moto G51 is taller and thicker, but slightly narrower. S24 FE is more compact and thinner, generally making it easier to handle, especially for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 208g | 213g | Both are similarly heavy, but the 5g difference may be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Very similar sizes. The slight difference won't be noticeable for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are FHD+. The marginal resolution difference is unlikely to be noticeable during daily use. |
| PPI | 387 | 385 | Similar pixel densities means both offer sharp images and text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers significantly better blacks, contrast, color vibrancy, and power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1900 nits | The S24 FE’s screen is far brighter, making it much more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Exynos 2400e (4nm) | S24 FE has a significantly faster and more efficient processor. Expect much snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 1,600,000 | This drastic difference reflects a huge gap in raw processing power. The S24 FE is much faster and more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE’s GPU is dramatically superior, ensuring smooth high-fidelity gaming and advanced graphics performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | The Moto G51 has a slightly larger battery, but the S24 FE’s more efficient chipset might even out the real-world difference, if not surpass it. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 25W fast charging | The S24 FE charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Reverse, Wireless, Non-removable | The S24 FE offers more versatile battery features like reverse charging and bypass charging, along with 15W wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00µm | S24 FE has a much larger sensor which should translate to better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1.22µm | Moto G51 has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture. The S24 FE has slightly larger pixels. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | The S24 FE offers an optical zoom lens, providing more versatility in your shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | S24 FE’s wide angle has a higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, 1.75µm | N/A | Moto G51 has a dedicated macro lens, for extreme close up photos. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p up to 240fps, 720p@960fps | The S24 FE offers significantly more flexibility with higher resolutions and frame rates and stabilization. |
| DXoMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 133, Photo: 136, Video: 125 | S24 FE has a reputable DxOmark score for its camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgrade to 12 | Android 14 | S24 FE offers a more up-to-date software experience with newer features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | S24 FE offers faster, more efficient Wi-Fi with 6GHz support, which reduces congestion in busy environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S24 FE has a newer version for potentially more reliable connections, better power efficiency, and access to more Bluetooth audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | S24 FE has more accurate location tracking with dual-band GPS and more satellite systems supported. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | S24 FE offers more options for onboard storage, especially if you need to store lots of photos, videos, and large apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/8GB | 8GB | S24 FE has a minimum of 8GB which should be better for multitasking, especially with its powerful chipset. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, so choosing the right storage option is crucial. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | Noise Cancellation Microphone, Stereo Speakers | S24 FE provides higher quality audio and better noise cancellation for clearer calls and richer listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | The fingerprint sensor on the S24 FE is basic while the G51 uses a side-mounted one. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE has a significantly more durable screen that is less prone to scratches and breakage. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic Proximity | S24 FE has a more comprehensive sensor suite that supports features like better GPS, compass and potentially more robust augmented reality experiences. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Price: Its main strength is its affordability, making it a good entry-level 5G option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Slightly Larger Battery: A 5000 mAh battery might provide a little extra battery life compared to the S24 FE, especially with less power-hungry components.
- Macro Lens: The dedicated macro lens offers a niche photographic capability for close-up shots.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Weaknesses:
- Significantly Slower Processor: The Snapdragon 480+ is considerably less powerful than the Exynos 2400e, affecting overall performance and smoothness.
- Inferior Display: The IPS LCD screen can't match the contrast, color vibrancy, and brightness of the S24 FE's AMOLED display, particularly in bright sunlight.
- Older Software: Running on Android 11 (with a possible upgrade to 12) means an outdated experience compared to the S24 FE's Android 14.
- Basic Camera: The camera system lacks a telephoto lens and advanced video features, which are included in the S24 FE.
- Slower Charging Speed: Its 10W charging is relatively slow, increasing the downtime when your battery is low.
- Lacks modern features: No Wi-Fi 6/6E, outdated Bluetooth, and no reverse or wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2400e chipset offers blazing-fast performance, ensuring smooth gaming, multitasking, and app loading.
- Vibrant AMOLED Display: Its AMOLED screen has a high refresh rate, exceptional brightness, deep blacks, and vibrant colors.
- Advanced Camera System: Features include a telephoto lens, larger sensor, and 8K video recording, all of which provide greater photographic and video versatility.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging means less time plugged into the wall, also with wireless charging.
- Up-to-Date Software: Comes with Android 14, with more updates expected from Samsung.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 ensures fast and reliable wireless connections.
- Additional Battery Features: Comes with bypass charging, wireless charging and reverse charging options.
- More Storage Options: Available up to 512GB.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Weaknesses:
- Potentially Higher Price: The S24 FE is expected to be significantly more expensive than the Moto G51 5G, reflecting its higher-end features.
- Smaller Battery: The battery is slightly smaller, although this may be negated by its more efficient chipset.
- Lacks macro camera: It doesn't have a macro camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G is Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic 5G smartphone for everyday tasks, and who are not very demanding in terms of performance or display quality.
- Users who prioritize battery life over display or performance quality.
- Users who need a macro camera.
- Users who prioritize the side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is Ideal For:
- Power users who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Multimedia enthusiasts who want an outstanding display for watching videos, playing games, and browsing.
- Photography buffs who desire versatile camera features like a telephoto lens, 8K video, and solid low-light performance.
- Users who want the latest and greatest software features and technologies.
- Users who prioritize faster charging, wireless charging and battery reverse charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Budget: What's your budget? If you’re extremely price-sensitive, the Moto G51 might be your only option, but understand the trade-offs in performance and features.
- Primary Use Cases: How will you use your phone? If it’s mainly for social media, calls, and web browsing, the Moto G51 might suffice. For gaming, high-quality media, or serious photography, the S24 FE is the clear choice.
- Future-Proofing: How long do you plan to use this phone? The S24 FE’s superior performance and up-to-date software will keep it relevant for longer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If you need a phone for basic tasks and you’re on a tight budget, the Motorola Moto G51 5G will work. Be prepared for a less-than-amazing screen and slower performance.
- The Mobile Gamer: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is the better choice by a large margin, thanks to its powerful chipset, high-refresh-rate display, and advanced camera.
- The Photographer: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE delivers superior image quality, more versatile lenses, and higher-end video capabilities.
- The Tech Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE provides a more well-rounded, future-proof experience with modern software and features.
My Pick
If I were choosing, I would absolutely go with the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. Even if budget were a primary concern, I would do my best to find the extra cash because the difference in user experience is night and day. The display alone makes the experience far better. You couple that with a vastly more powerful processor and better camera with more versatile lens options, and it is just the far superior choice. Not only that, it has updated software, which means support for future updates, faster charging, more audio options and more advanced connectivity. While the Moto G51 has the slightly bigger battery, in practice the S24 FE will likely last longer due to its more efficient chip. It is simply the better option across the board for a smoother, faster and higher quality experience.
