Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Google Pixel 7. This is going to be fun because we're talking about two very different approaches to smartphones. The Moto G71 5G aims for value, while the Pixel 7 is all about premium experience. Let's get into the nitty-gritty!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specs, and more importantly, what they mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Google Pixel 7 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-19 | 2022-10-13 | The Pixel 7 is significantly newer, benefiting from advancements in technology and software. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm, 179g | 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm, 197g | The Moto is taller but lighter, the Pixel is shorter but heavier. Comfort is subjective, but the Moto is easier on the wrist. |
| Build | Plastic Back, plastic frame | Glass Back, Aluminium frame | The Pixel is more premium but more prone to fingerprints and breakage. The Moto is more resilient to daily wear. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.3" | Both are a great size, the 0.1" difference wont matter in day to day use, but the Moto offers marginally more screen real-estate |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have sharp, detailed displays for general use. |
| PPI | 411 | 416 | Pixel density is practically identical, both displays are equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colours and deep blacks on both devices. Great for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Pixel offers smoother animations and scrolling. A noticeable difference. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1400 nits | The Pixel offers outstanding outdoor visibility, a must-have for sunny days. The Moto's value is lower than average. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | The Pixel's custom chip is significantly more powerful. Expect faster performance and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 827,033 | The Pixel's benchmark is more than double, indicating a much faster and smoother experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G710 MP7 | The Pixel offers considerably better graphical processing, suitable for gaming and graphically demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64 µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" sensor, 1.20 µm pixels | The Pixel has a much larger sensor and larger pixels for superior image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.0 µm pixels | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor, 1.22 µm pixels | The Pixel has a slightly larger sensor, bigger pixel size, and wider dynamic range for better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixels | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.3" sensor, 1.55 µm pixels | The Pixel has a higher resolution wide-angle lens with bigger pixels for better ultrawide shots. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Moto G71 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, while the Pixel relies on its ultrawide to do that. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, No stabilisation | 4K@30/60fps HDR, OIS, EIS, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps HDR, OIS, EIS | The Pixel has significantly superior video recording, offering higher resolution and stabilisation. |
| DxoMark | - | Mobile (140), Selfie (138) | The Pixel 7 demonstrates its clear superiority in overall camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4355 mAh | The Moto boasts a bigger battery, likely offering longer usage per charge. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging, 23W Wireless Charging | The Moto charges faster via cable. The Pixel has a slower wired charge, but offers wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | The Pixel is on newer Android, receiving prompt updates and longer-term support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Pixel has faster Wi-Fi, more suited for modern networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The Pixel has a newer Bluetooth version, offering more advanced features and better connectivity. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The Pixel offers an eSIM for digital carrier switching, giving more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB / 256GB | The Pixel offers a 256GB version if needed, compared to the Moto's 128GB, but no SD card slot on either |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8GB | The Pixel has a minimum of 8GB RAM which is great for multi-tasking. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Strengths: This phone is a budget-friendly workhorse with a big battery, a decent AMOLED screen, and fast charging, making it a good choice for basic smartphone tasks. It also features a macro camera, which is missing on the Pixel 7
- Competitive Advantages: Its main draw is its large battery and value for money. It is a good option if you want battery over top performance.
- Trade-offs: The Snapdragon 695 is noticeably less powerful than the Pixel's Tensor G2, and the camera setup is not as capable. The display is also significantly less bright, and the refresh rate is a basic 60Hz.
Google Pixel 7:
- Strengths: The Pixel 7 is a flagship device through and through, with a powerful processor, excellent camera system, bright display, and fluid experience. Its software experience is also second to none with consistent updates and unique features.
- Competitive Advantages: The custom Tensor G2 chip offers incredible AI capabilities for photos and other functions. Its camera quality is top-notch, making it a standout for photography lovers. The display is also a big selling point with its brightness and smoothness.
- Trade-offs: Its battery life is not as long as the Motorola’s, it has a slower charging speed, and it's a fair bit more expensive.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G is best for:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritise battery life over top-end performance.
- Those who want a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and media consumption and don't need the best camera.
- People who prefer a lightweight device.
- Individuals who would benefit from the 2MP macro camera.
Google Pixel 7 is best for:
- Users who prioritize a high-quality camera and cutting-edge photography features.
- Those who want a fluid and snappy performance for gaming and intensive apps.
- Anyone who values a smooth, bright, vibrant, and responsive display.
- Tech enthusiasts who want the latest software and unique features.
- Anyone wanting a premium smartphone experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before you make a decision, consider these questions:
- How important is camera quality to you? If photography is a big part of your life, the Pixel 7 is a no-brainer. The Moto G71 is very average and not recommended for photo lovers.
- What’s your budget? If you’re on a tight budget, the Moto G71 5G offers great value for the price. If you can stretch your budget, the Pixel 7 offers a significantly better experience.
- Do you prioritise battery life or performance? The Moto G71 will likely get you through a day easier, but the Pixel 7 will handle anything you throw at it with ease.
Scenario Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If your main focus is on social media, web browsing, and everyday tasks, the Moto G71 5G is likely sufficient.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: The Pixel 7 is the clear winner here. Its camera hardware and software offer vastly superior image quality and capabilities.
- For the Mobile Gamer: The Pixel 7’s superior processor and graphics will provide a much better gaming experience than the Moto.
- For the Value Seeker: If you’re on a strict budget, the Moto G71 5G offers good value, especially if you need long-lasting battery.
- For the Premium Experience: The Google Pixel 7 is the way to go if you want cutting-edge tech and a premium overall experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I'd go with the Google Pixel 7. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I am looking for cutting-edge tech. While I appreciate the Moto G71’s battery life and value, the Pixel 7’s top-tier performance, exceptional camera, and premium build are more in line with my priorities. The Pixel’s custom Google Tensor G2 chip makes everything so much more snappy and quick. The software experience is also far better as I prefer the more stock Android approach with frequent updates from Google. The display is significantly brighter, smoother, and more responsive. The added bonus of wireless charging also helps if you need a quick top-up. The Google Pixel 7 has a very strong all-round package.
While the Moto has a good value, I'm willing to pay a bit more for the significantly better performance and premium experience offered by the Pixel 7.
