Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro. We've got two very capable contenders here, but they approach the mid-range market with different philosophies. I'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world scenarios, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specs, along with what they mean for daily use:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 161.1 × 75 × 8 mm | Poco M6 Pro is more compact and easier to handle, G51 5G is noticeably larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 208g | 179g | Poco M6 Pro feels lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco M6 Pro offers better screen scratch protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | Moto G51 5G offers a marginally larger display, good for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp, clear visuals. |
| PPI | 387 | 395 | Very similar sharpness levels. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Poco M6 Pro has a superior display with richer blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1800 nits | Poco M6 Pro's display will be significantly brighter and easier to see in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Helio G99 Ultra | Poco M6 Pro offers slightly better performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 450,000 | Poco M6 Pro is noticeably faster in benchmarks, hinting at better overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different graphics architectures, Poco M6 Pro has a slight edge. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera Main Lens | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 64MP f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm | Poco M6 Pro's main sensor captures more detail and performs better in low light. |
| Rear Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 8MP | Both have a wide angle lens. |
| Rear Depth Lens | - | 2MP f/2.45, 1/5", 1.75µm | Poco M6 Pro enhances portrait mode quality. |
| Rear Macro Lens | 2MP | - | Motorola G51 5G lets you capture close-up detail in macro shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | 16MP 1/3.06", 1.00µm | Poco M6 Pro captures slightly sharper selfies. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30/60fps w/ EIS | Poco M6 Pro has electronic image stabilization for steadier videos. |
| Additional Camera Features | Laser AF, RAW | 4K Video, OIS | Poco M6 Pro offers better video quality and stability. Motorola allows more photography control and options for post-processing |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer a full day of battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 10W | 67W | Poco M6 Pro will recharge much faster, saving you time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 13 | Poco M6 Pro has a newer, more up-to-date operating system. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE with aptX/LDAC | Poco M6 Pro offers better audio quality with advanced codecs for Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Poco M6 Pro provides more precise location with more sattelite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Poco M6 Pro offers more storage space options. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Poco M6 Pro can handle multitasking better, especially with 12 GB variants. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage which might be limiting to some users.. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Poco M6 Pro offers a more immersive audio experience with better clarity. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Motorola G51 5G provides more seamless integration for unlocking. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Poco M6 Pro has a more robust sensor suite for advanced features and games, while both phones provide essential sensors for everyday functions. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.8-inch screen is good for multimedia consumption.
- Macro and Wide Angle Lens: The included macro lens allows you to get close and capture minute details which is something the Poco M6 Pro cannot do.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers easy access to the device.
- Laser Auto-focus and RAW: Offers more versatile photography options for users who like post-processing.
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro Strengths:
- Superior AMOLED Display: Offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better visibility in sunlight.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging dramatically reduces charging times.
- Better Performance: The Helio G99 Ultra chipset offers superior speed and responsiveness.
- Better Camera: Higher resolution sensor, wider aperture, better low light performance, and electronic image stabilization (EIS).
- More Storage and RAM: Comes with more variants and has up to 512 GB storage and 12 GB RAM available.
- More Modern Software: Ships with the more recent Android 13.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo Speakers with Hi-Res support make for a much better listening experience
- Better build quality: Includes Gorilla Glass 5
Significant Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Motorola Moto G51 5G: It has a less vibrant IPS LCD display and significantly slower charging. Its older chipset also impacts gaming performance.
- Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro: Lacks a macro lens, and offers a slightly smaller screen. Does not offer laser autofocus and RAW.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G is best for:
- Budget-conscious users who want a large screen for content consumption and are not too concerned with performance.
- Users who appreciate a macro lens and laser auto-focus: If you want to have fun with photography, this phone gives you more options.
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro is best for:
- Users who value display quality and want vibrant visuals with excellent outdoor visibility.
- Users who want a fast and responsive experience, especially when gaming or multitasking.
- Users who value good camera quality and stabilization.
- Users who prioritize fast charging and a more modern software experience.
- Users who value a premium audio experience with louder stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you watch videos and play games often, the Poco M6 Pro's AMOLED screen will provide a much better experience.
- How often are you far from a charger and how much do you value fast charging? The Poco M6 Pro's 67W charging is significantly faster than the G51 5G's 10W.
- Do you prioritize camera quality over other specs? The Poco M6 Pro has better image sensors and stabilization than the G51 5G, even though it is missing the macro lens.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If you just need a reliable phone for everyday tasks and basic media consumption, the Motorola Moto G51 5G is a good option with its large screen. However, keep in mind the IPS LCD.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you watch a lot of videos and play games, the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro with its superior AMOLED display and more powerful processor is the clear winner.
- Photography Lover: If you value creative photography options like macro, or prefer a slightly larger display, the Motorola G51 might be better suited for you.
- Power User: The Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro is the better choice due to its faster performance and superior charging capability.
What I Would Choose and Why!
If I were to choose between the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro, I would absolutely go with the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro.
Here's why:
- The AMOLED Display is a Game Changer: As a tech journalist, I spend a lot of time looking at screens. The contrast, clarity, and outdoor visibility of the AMOLED panel on the Poco M6 Pro are significantly better, enhancing my daily user experience.
- Performance and Speed are Key: I need a phone that can keep up with my workflow. The Poco M6 Pro's chipset is snappier, which makes everything from launching apps to multitasking a smooth, lag-free experience.
- Fast Charging is a Must: I'm always on the go. The 67W fast charging means I can quickly top up my phone, saving me a ton of time and hassle.
- The Audio: I do a lot of listening on my phone, whether music or audiobooks. The stereo speakers with Hi-Res Audio offer a much better and more immersive experience.
- Camera Quality Matters: While I love the macro lens of the Moto G51 5G, the Poco M6 Pro's main camera is much better for general use and video recording thanks to its better sensor and electronic stabilization.
While the Moto G51 5G has its charms, particularly its large screen, for me, the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro is just the superior phone in most critical categories, and it offers a better overall package for someone who uses their phone extensively.
Ultimately, the "best" phone depends on your unique needs and priorities. However, for most users, the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro offers a more compelling overall experience due to its significantly better display, performance, and charging speeds.
