Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. I've got my tech specs handy and a mind full of real-world user scenarios. This should give us a clear picture of which phone shines where.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on what they mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-19 | 2024-08-03 | Nothing Phone (2a) is significantly newer; expect more modern features and software. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.5 mm | Nothing Phone (2a) is slightly wider, potentially affecting one-handed use. |
| Weight | 179g | 190g | Moto G71 is a bit lighter, more comfortable for extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2a) offers more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both are sharp, differences negligible. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 395 | Both have very similar pixel densities |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (2a) has noticeably smoother animations, scrolling, and gameplay. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) is much brighter, significantly better for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 (6nm) | Dimensity 7350 Pro (4nm) | Nothing Phone (2a) uses a more powerful, more efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 805,721 | Nothing Phone (2a) has more than double the raw power, translates to quicker apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Nothing Phone (2a) better graphics performance for gaming and multimedia. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity; should translate to comparable usage time. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 50W Fast Charging | Nothing Phone (2a) charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, No charger in box | Neither battery is replaceable; the Nothing Phone (2a) doesn’t come with a charger, additional cost. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Nothing Phone (2a)'s larger sensor and pixels mean better light capture and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (2a) features a higher resolution sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | Moto G71 has dedicated ultrawide, missing on the Nothing Phone (2a). |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G71 has a dedicated macro lens; Nothing phone does not have a macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (2a) has a single ultrawide/macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps; No EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | Nothing Phone (2a) offers better video quality and stabilization. |
| Features | Digital/Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, PDAF, LAF, Panorama, HDR, RAW | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Digital image stabilization, OIS, PDAF, Panorama, HDR, RAW, Night Mode | Moto G71 has Optical zoom and LAF; Nothing has 4K Video, OIS, and Night Mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 14, upgradable to 17 | Nothing Phone (2a) has significantly newer OS with more features, longer updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Nothing Phone (2a) offers faster, more efficient Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) has the newest Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (2a) has more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 256GB | Nothing Phone (2a) offers double the storage space. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 12GB | Nothing Phone (2a) handles multitasking far better due to larger RAM capacity. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Nothing Phone (2a) offers a better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Similar basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) offers enhanced durability. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Nothing Phone (2a) features more sensors, adding more advanced functionality and better performance in gaming applications. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- Dedicated Macro and Wide-Angle Lenses: Offers a more versatile camera system at the cost of sensor size.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio tuning.
Motorola Moto G71 5G Limitations:
- Older Software: Android 11 limits access to newer features and future updates.
- Lower Performance: Slower chipset, leading to less smooth experience, particularly in heavy tasks.
- Basic Display: Lower refresh rate and brightness.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Strengths:
- Superior Performance: A significantly faster processor for gaming and heavy tasks.
- Better Display: Higher refresh rate, more brightness.
- Enhanced Camera: Larger sensor, better low-light performance, and 4k recording capabilities
- More RAM and Storage: Excellent for multitasking and storing media.
- Faster Charging: 50W charging allows for quicker top-ups
- Newer Software: Android 14 with longer update life.
- Better build: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better screen protection.
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Limitations:
- Slightly Heavier: May feel less comfortable in long durations.
- No charger in box: Requires users to buy a charger seperately
- No Macro Lens: Lacks the dedicated macro lens found in the Moto G71.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- User Profile: Budget-conscious users, light smartphone users, anyone who prefers a lighter device, and those who like to have a macro lens.
- Use Case: Basic everyday tasks, occasional photography, media consumption, and those that value a wider variety of lenses.
- Price-to-Value: A budget-friendly option that gets basic tasks done but may feel sluggish for intensive use.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:
- User Profile: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, users who value performance, media creators who want high quality photos and videos, those seeking a fast and responsive experience.
- Use Case: Heavy multitasking, mobile gaming, high quality photography, watching media, future proofing.
- Price-to-Value: A more premium experience for a higher price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- What is your primary use case? If it’s basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and calls, the Moto G71 is okay. For gaming, content creation, or heavy use, the Nothing Phone (2a) is much better.
- How much do you value performance and smooth operation? If a responsive experience is important, the Nothing Phone (2a)'s superior processor and 120Hz display are essential.
- How much do you value having a charger in the box and how much do you care about a dedicated macro lens? If you want a charger included, then the Moto G71 is the best choice. If you want to be able to take close up images then the Moto G71 is better as the Nothing phone has no dedicated macro lens.
Scenario Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If saving money is the priority and you are okay with a less-powerful, older phone that can take pretty good pictures, the Motorola Moto G71 5G will suffice.
- Performance Seeker: If you want a fast, smooth, and future-proof phone, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the clear winner.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you want to take pictures up close with a macro lens, the Moto G71 is better. Otherwise, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a superior sensor and quality.
Final Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. While I appreciate the Moto G71 5G's lighter build and dedicated macro lens, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's improvements in performance, display, camera, and software simply outweigh the drawbacks. For me, a responsive device with a beautiful screen and excellent photo/video quality is critical for my daily workflow and entertainment. I'm willing to purchase a charger separately to enjoy the performance benefits of the Nothing phone.
