Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. We'll break down the specs and focus on what really matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at how these two phones stack up, focusing not just on the numbers but what they mean for your day-to-day use.
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm | The G51 is slightly larger and thicker, might feel less pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 228g | The G51 is lighter, more comfortable for long sessions. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-foldable phones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Both offer a large screen experience, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1260 x 2800 | The Z50S Pro has a much sharper display, text and images will look clearer. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 452 PPI | The Z50S Pro display will show finer details with higher sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Z50S Pro's AMOLED will have much richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both screens offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | The Z50S Pro is significantly brighter, highly visible under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 | The Z50S Pro's flagship chip is drastically faster, resulting in better app performance. |
| Antutu Score | 381,000 | 1,579,720 | The Z50S Pro will load apps faster, and have more power for heavy gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | The Z50S Pro will have smoother and more detailed graphics for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 50MP (f/1.8) | 54MP (f/1.6) | The Z50S Pro's main sensor will capture more detail and light. |
| Rear Main Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/1.49" | Z50S Pro has larger sensor allowing more light capture, better low light photos. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | None | 8MP (f/2.4) | Z50S Pro will offer zoom capabilities and better portrait photos. |
| Front Camera | 13MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.5) | The Z50S Pro should capture slightly sharper selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP | 50MP (f/2.0) | Z50S Pro captures wider, higher resolution photos |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | G51 has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | The Z50S Pro can record professional grade video at much higher resolution. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | The Z50S Pro will have smoother and stabilized videos |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5100mAh | Both should have similar battery life for a full day of usage. |
| Charging | 10W | 80W | The Z50S Pro charges much faster, getting you back on the go quicker. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Similar performance, just different composition. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Z50S Pro comes with a newer Android version, potentially better features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Z50S Pro offers faster, more reliable Wi-Fi speeds, especially if you have a Wi-Fi 6/7 router. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | The Z50S Pro supports advanced Bluetooth audio codecs for better wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc | A-GPS, etc, dual band | The Z50S Pro has a more accurate GPS with more satellite connections. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 256 GB/1024 GB | The Z50S Pro offers significantly more storage space, important for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 12/16 GB | The Z50S Pro will have significantly better multitasking capabilities due to more RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones do not support expandable storage, cloud storage or external devices will be necessary for more memory. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, DTS/X | ZTE has stereo speakers, enhancing the experience. Motorola only offers Dolby atmos and has 2 mics |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | basic | The G51 has a more modern side mounted sensor. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | ZTE has the compass which is helpful with directions and also has Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G: Strengths
- Lighter and More Comfortable: Its lighter weight makes it easier to handle for longer periods.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A convenient and reliable security feature.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced sound, improving the audio experience (although the speakers are not stereo)
- Macro Lens: Provides additional photo shooting options for close-up photography.
Motorola Moto G51 5G: Limitations
- Older Technology: Uses older display and chipset, resulting in lower performance.
- Slower Charging: 10W charging is slow compared to modern standards.
- Basic Camera System: Camera system lags behind the competition in low light and video capabilities.
- Less Storage and RAM: Limited storage and RAM, may struggle with heavy use.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro: Strengths
- High-Performance Chipset: Top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 offers incredible speed and power.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display is brighter, sharper, and more vibrant, leading to better visuals.
- Advanced Camera System: Excellent camera performance with a larger main sensor, telephoto lens, and high-quality wide-angle lens.
- Faster Charging: 80W fast charging rapidly replenishes the battery.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 13, offering newer features and updates.
- Better WiFi and Bluetooth: Supports the newest WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
- Stereo Speakers An immersive experience
- Large Storage and RAM Options: Offers more storage and faster performance with the available RAM.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro: Limitations
- Heavier: The extra weight can make it less comfortable to handle for extended use.
- Basic Fingerprint Sensor: Lacks the more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor found in the G51.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G: Best Suited For
- Budget-Conscious Users: Good for those who prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality.
- Light Users: Ideal for users who mainly browse the web, use social media, and make calls.
- Users who prefer lightweight phones: Lighter weight makes the phone comfortable to use for extended periods
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro: Best Suited For
- Power Users: Perfect for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Excellent camera capabilities for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Media Consumers: The high-quality AMOLED screen and stereo speakers are ideal for watching movies and playing games.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest technology, the best performance, and are willing to spend a bit more.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these phones, ask yourself these questions:
- What's my budget? The Moto G51 is a budget phone, while the ZTE Z50S Pro is a high-end phone.
- What's my primary use case? Do you need performance for heavy tasks or do you just need a simple device for daily use?
- How important is a high-quality display and camera? The ZTE phone offers a better display and camera, while the Motorola is more basic.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I need a reliable phone for everyday tasks":
- Recommendation: If your budget is tight, the Motorola Moto G51 5G will suffice for basic use.
- Scenario 2: "I need the best possible performance for gaming":
- Recommendation: The ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the clear choice due to its superior chipset and GPU.
- Scenario 3: "I want the best camera I can get on a smartphone":
- Recommendation: The ZTE nubia Z50S Pro's advanced camera features make it the better pick.
- Scenario 4: "I need a good phone for watching videos and consuming media":
- Recommendation: The ZTE nubia Z50S Pro with it's high quality AMOLED and great speakers, is the clear choice.
Final Decision
If it were my money and I was in the market for a new phone, I would choose the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. While the Motorola G51 is the more budget-friendly device, the ZTE brings a huge amount of performance that just makes sense to me. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset is a huge leap ahead and it is accompanied by a great display, camera system, and modern features such as 80W fast charging, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. While it is heavier than the Motorola, it would make the most sense for me and my use case. It is clear that the ZTE device is the superior choice for most, provided that you can afford the price bump.
