Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on the practical impact of each specification:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm, 208g | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm, 200g | Moto G51 is slightly larger and heavier, Poco M4 is more compact and lighter. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.58" | Moto G51 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Virtually identical sharpness on both. |
| PPI | 387 | 401 | Similar pixel density, both offer crisp display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Same display tech, expect similar color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Moto G51 screen feels smoother in daily use due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is not mentioned, probably around similar average nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Poco M4's Dimensity 700 slightly edges out in efficiency and processing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 381,300 | Identical performance for everyday usage, games will run similarly |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs, will affect game performance; not much difference in daily use |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery life, both should last a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 10W | 18W | Poco M4 charges faster, much more convenient for daily use. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Poco M4 can be used to charge other devices which is useful in a pinch. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 50MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Moto G51 has a much higher resolution main camera with better low light performance, resulting in superior overall picture quality. |
| Selfie | 13MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Moto G51 has much better selfies |
| Wide Angle | 8MP | N/A | Moto G51 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, useful for landscapes. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco M4 has a depth sensor for portrait photos. |
| Macro | 2MP | N/A | Moto G51 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps, 240fps Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-mo | Moto G51 offers higher frame rate, smoother video. |
| Features | Triple Camera, PDAF, LAF, RAW | Dual Camera, 4K Video, Digital Stabilization | Moto G51 provides additional camera options and better picture quality, Poco M4 has video quality and stabilization advantage |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Poco M4 has a newer OS out of the box, more optimized for new apps. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi ac, MiMO | Similar wi-fi standards, Poco M4 has better signal strength. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR, HID | Poco M4 supports more protocols for various device connections. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Similar GPS functionality with minor differences. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both phones support two SIMs simultaneously with dual standby. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both offer same storage options. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 4/6 GB | Moto G51 offers more RAM, good for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports MicroSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Basic | Moto G51's audio is significantly better, resulting in better sound and voice pickup. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer the same side mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M4 has the advantage of superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Poco M4 has an additional compass for better navigation |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Display: Larger 6.8" screen and smoother 120Hz refresh rate are great for media consumption and gaming.
- Camera: 50MP main sensor offers better picture quality, along with the additional wide-angle and macro lens providing more versatility for different shots.
- Audio: Enhanced audio via Dolby Atmos, along with dual microphones, makes for better sound during media consumption and calls.
- RAM: Up to 8GB of RAM, providing better support for multitasking and intense applications.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Strengths:
- Performance: Slightly better chipset, Dimensity 700, offers solid efficiency and a very similar experience, also, slightly better GPU.
- Battery: Faster 18W charging and reverse charging.
- Software: Ships with Android 12 out of the box, giving it a more modern feel.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection is a welcome addition for added durability.
- Connectivity: Additional Wi-Fi MiMO support and Bluetooth EDR, HID support offers slightly better connectivity and data transfer options.
- Sensors: Additional compass for better navigation.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G51: Its larger size might be cumbersome for some, while the slower 10W charging can be inconvenient and it is running an older Android version.
- Poco M4: Its camera system is less versatile with lower resolution sensors. Also, it only offers 6GB of RAM.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best for: Media enthusiasts, photographers, and users who value a larger screen, smoother visuals, better overall image quality, and advanced audio.
- Use cases: Watching videos, playing games, and capturing diverse types of photos.
- Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a modern operating system, long battery life, fast charging, durability and better connectivity options.
- Use cases: Daily use, moderate gaming, and quick device charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Do you value a larger, smoother display, enhanced audio, and a more versatile camera?
- If yes, the Motorola Moto G51 5G is the better choice.
Is a modern OS, faster charging, slightly better connectivity, and extra durability more important to you?
- If yes, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is the way to go.
Do you plan to use your phone for heavy gaming, photography and media consumption?
- If yes, the Motorola Moto G51 5G might suit you better due to its 8GB RAM, better camera and larger display.
What Would I Choose and Why:
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally go with the Motorola Moto G51 5G. Here's why:
As someone who appreciates a good screen, I often find myself watching videos and browsing through photos. The larger, smoother display on the Moto G51 is a big plus for me, while also having better and more camera options for day-to-day photography and capturing content. I can live with slower charging since most of the time I will charge my phone overnight or whenever I'm not using it. While the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is a solid phone, the Moto G51's more versatile camera and audio performance is a bigger draw for my personal usage. I prioritize content consumption and creation more than I prioritize a quick charge. I appreciate having a more versatile camera that is capable of capturing high quality images. Additionally, the slightly more RAM means I could use this phone for a longer time before having to upgrade.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize battery life and fast charging or durability, the Poco M4 5G is a great choice, but for those like me who care more about camera quality and media consumption, the Moto G51 edges it out.
