Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Motorola Edge 30 Neo. Both phones aim for the mid-range market, but they offer distinct features that cater to different user needs. As a tech journalist, I'll break down the specs and translate them into practical implications for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Neo | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 152.9 × 71.2 × 7.8 mm | The Edge 30 Neo is more compact and easier to handle, while the G71 5G is slightly larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 179g | 155g | The Edge 30 Neo is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.28" | The G71 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp, detailed screens for enjoyable media consumption. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 419 PPI | Both have similar sharpness, and the difference is barely noticeable to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both use quality OLED tech, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 30 Neo offers much smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, however this data isn't available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Both phones have identical processing power, handling everyday tasks and gaming well. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 425,200 | The Edge 30 Neo has a marginally higher score, suggesting slightly better performance under load. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Both have identical graphics processing capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | 64MP (f/1.8, 1/2", 0.70µm) | The Edge 30 Neo has a higher resolution and larger sensor, suggesting better low-light performance and more detailed photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.2, 1.00µm) | 32MP (f/2.4, 0.70µm) | The Edge 30 Neo has higher resolution for more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | - | The G71 5G includes a dedicated wide-angle camera for more versatile shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | - | The G71 5G has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | - | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | The Edge 30 Neo has a wide angle and macro camera that is combined and has a higher quality. |
| Video | Up to 1080p@60fps, No stabilization | Up to 1080p@120fps, Yes stabilization | The Edge 30 Neo offers higher frame rate video recording and has image stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4020mAh | The G71 5G has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 68W fast charging, 5W wireless charging | The Edge 30 Neo charges much faster and supports wireless charging, adding convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradeable to 15) | The Edge 30 Neo comes with a newer version of Android and will have updates for longer. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | The Edge 30 Neo offers the option for more storage. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | Both phones are good for multitasking, with the Edge 30 Neo only being offered with 8GB RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | The Edge 30 Neo offers more immersive audio with stereo speakers. |
| Other | |||
| Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 | The Edge 30 Neo has a slightly newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | The G71 5G uses more satellite systems for location services. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Larger Battery: Its 5000mAh battery should provide better endurance, making it a reliable choice for users who need their phones to last all day without a charge.
- Dedicated Lenses: The inclusion of a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens adds versatility to its camera system.
- More Satellite Systems: The G71 5G uses more satellite systems for location services.
Motorola Edge 30 Neo Strengths:
- Superior Display: The 120Hz refresh rate significantly enhances the visual experience, making scrolling smoother and animations more fluid.
- Faster Charging & Wireless: 68W fast charging and 5W wireless charging are excellent for convenience, allowing quick top-ups.
- Better Cameras: The higher resolution main and selfie cameras result in more detailed images, also having improved sensor sizes.
- Stereo Speakers: The addition of stereo speakers is ideal for users who frequently watch videos or listen to music on their phones.
- More Up-to-Date OS: Starting with Android 12 and more future updates compared to the G71 5G, means it will be relevant for longer.
- More Storage: The 256GB option offers the user more storage for media and files.
- Lighter and more Compact: The Edge 30 Neo is easier to hold and use for extended periods.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Motorola Moto G71 5G: While it offers a larger battery and dedicated lenses, it lacks the smoothness of a 120Hz display and faster charging found in the Edge 30 Neo. Its older Android software will also not be supported for as long.
- Motorola Edge 30 Neo: It compromises on battery capacity compared to the G71 5G and has the loss of a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens, but makes up for it by having a combined 13MP sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize battery life and want more camera versatility.
- Use Cases: Ideal for travelers, photographers who want different shooting options, or anyone who is often away from a charger.
Motorola Edge 30 Neo:
- Ideal for: Users who value a smooth visual experience, fast charging, and higher quality cameras.
- Use Cases: Perfect for media consumption, social media, and casual gamers, especially if they like higher frame rate video recordings.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- How important is a smooth visual experience? If you value smoother scrolling and transitions, the 120Hz display on the Edge 30 Neo is a must.
- Do you prioritize battery life or quick charging? If you need all-day battery life, the G71 5G is a better choice, however, if you are okay with charging more often, the Edge 30 Neo is better with its much faster charging and the ability to charge wirelessly.
- What camera features are most important to you? If you often take macro or wide-angle shots, the G71 5G might suit you. If you want high-quality pictures and videos with more detail, the Edge 30 Neo offers the higher resolutions and the OIS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the All-Day User: If you're always on the go and need a phone that can last from morning till night, the Motorola Moto G71 5G is the better choice due to its larger battery capacity.
- For the Media Enthusiast: If you spend a lot of time streaming videos or gaming, the Motorola Edge 30 Neo’s 120Hz display and stereo speakers will greatly enhance your experience.
- For the Casual Photographer: If you want more camera options and a dedicated macro and wide-angle lens, the Moto G71 5G is the better option. However if you don't mind using a combination wide-angle + macro lens, the Edge 30 Neo has the better sensors and image processing.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Neo. While the G71 5G has the larger battery, the Edge 30 Neo's combination of a 120Hz refresh rate, faster charging (and the convenience of wireless charging), better camera quality and stereo speakers makes it the more compelling option in my book. The smooth display is a feature I value highly, and the fact that it's lighter and more compact is also beneficial for daily use. Plus the more modern software with a promise of longer support is also valuable. Although the G71 5G has a decent set of features, the advantages of the Edge 30 Neo make the additional trade-off in battery a worthy one.
