Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. I'll be looking at these phones through the lens of real-world usability, combining the technical specs with how they actually impact your daily experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive comparison table breaking down the key specs:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Flip4 offers a compact, pocketable design; G51 is a larger, more traditional phone. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 | 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 | G51 is taller, wider, and thicker; Flip4 is slimmer and more compact, especially when folded. |
| Weight (g) | 208 | 187 | Flip4 is noticeably lighter, making it easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.8 | 6.7 | Negligible difference; both are large enough for media consumption but might feel very large in hand. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2640 | Flip4 has slightly higher pixel density, resulting in sharper images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | (unspecified) | Moto G51 uses IPS LCD, which is a solid, reliable tech with good colors while we dont know what Flip4 is using |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 | 120 | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 1200 | Flip4 is much brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Flip4 has a significantly faster processor for smoother gaming and intensive apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 1,050,371 | Flip4 offers drastically better performance (almost 3x) in benchmarks |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Flip4 has a much more capable GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 5000 | 3700 | Moto G51 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, though it would depend on efficiency. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Poly | Flip4 charges much faster. It also has wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Reverse Charging, Fast Charging 25W, Fast Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 4.5W, Non-removable | Flip4 has advanced battery features making it much more versatile |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | Moto G51 has higher resolution. Flip4 has a larger sensor and pixel size, which could be better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | Moto G51 has slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture. |
| Wide-Angle | 8MP, 1.12µm | 13MP, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | Flip4 has higher resolution and potentially better quality wide angle. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, 1.75µm | None | Moto G51 has dedicated macro camera; Flip4 lacks one |
| Video | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@60/240fps, 720p@960fps | Flip4 offers 4K video recording and higher slo-mo capture capabilities. Flip4 has OIS stabilization |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Flip4 has video stabilization which makes videos smoother |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Flip4 has a newer OS, and will have a longer update cycle. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax | Flip4 has newer WiFi, for faster speeds and better latency |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, ANT+, APT-x | Flip4 has broader compatibility with wireless audio protocols. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Flip4 has more precise GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Flip4 is more versatile with digital SIM options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Flip4 has more storage options, which are essential since none of the phones has expandable storage |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 8 GB | Flip4 provides enough RAM for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Stereo Speakers | Both phones have different high-end audio solutions. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have standard fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Flip4 is much more resistant to scratches and impacts on screen |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | The Flip4 has significantly more sensors, meaning more environmental data can be captured |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
Strengths:
- Large Battery: The 5000mAh battery is a significant advantage for users who prioritize battery life.
- Affordability: Likely to be much more budget-friendly than the Flip4.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro lens, which can be good for close up photography.
Weaknesses:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 480+ chipset is considerably less powerful than the Flip4, which is going to affect gaming and apps performance.
- Display: Lack of screen brightness makes it less ideal for outdoor use.
- Charging speed: 10W charging is slow compared to competition and not convenient if you are on the go.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4:
Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 provides flagship-level performance.
- Foldable Design: Offers unique flexibility and portability.
- Display: Brighter, sharper display with improved protection.
- Fast Charging: Much faster charging than G51 and offers wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Camera: Has a better standard camera and supports 4k video with image stabilization.
- Sensors: Has a larger array of sensors that enhance user experience and provide detailed data
Weaknesses:
- Price: It is a premium phone and thus expensive for most users.
- Battery: Smaller battery, potentially limiting its overall battery life.
- No Macro Lens: Does not have macro lens
- Less Resolution: Lower resolution on main camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G: Best for budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday use and prefer a very large battery. Ideal for people who prioritize battery life and need a basic phone for social media, browsing and calls. Also, good for those who enjoy close-up photography.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4: Targeted towards users who prioritize flagship performance, a compact design, and an amazing camera. It's excellent for those who enjoy the latest tech features and are willing to pay a premium for it. Great for those who want a more stylish, pocketable device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when choosing between these phones:
- What's Your Budget? The Moto G51 is a much more affordable device. If you have a tight budget, it's a reasonable choice for everyday tasks but dont expect very high performance. The Flip4 is on the opposite end, and might be out of reach for those on a budget.
- Do You Value Cutting-Edge Performance or Longer Battery Life? The Flip4 is much faster and has modern amenities such as wireless charging, whereas the G51 favors battery life over speed and performance. If you're a gamer, a power-user or want to have a flagship device go with the Flip4, but if you want a long lasting phone that can last for long periods without charging, then the G51 will be good.
- How important is a compact and unique design to you? The Foldable design of the Flip4 is a key differentiator and makes it a very different experience from the G51. If you want a unique, pocketable device, then the Flip4 is a clear choice. If you want a standard, traditional experience, then G51 will suit you better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget-Conscious User: The Motorola Moto G51 is a great value for the price and will last a long time thanks to its large battery.
Power User or Gamer: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is a better choice due to its superior performance and overall experience.
Style-Conscious User: The unique folding design of the Flip4 is the best choice for you.
Traveler: The additional GPS functionality, battery life and fast charging make the Galaxy Z Flip4 a better choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two devices, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. While the Moto G51 offers a compelling argument for budget-conscious users with its large battery, the Flip4's sheer performance advantage, superior display, advanced camera capabilities, unique foldable form factor, and fast charging put it in a different league. As a tech journalist and someone who values a fluid and responsive experience, the Flip4 better aligns with my needs and it is a much more comprehensive device that has all of the functionalities that I need. It has a more modern design, a better display, and a great camera. Though I do value battery life, the other trade-offs are not ones I would want to make. In the end, I'm looking for the most capable device and the Galaxy Z Flip4 wins out.
