Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A55. I'm approaching this from the perspective of a tech journalist who's also an engineer at heart, aiming to translate the nitty-gritty into clear, practical insights.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, along with real-world implications for each:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-19 | 2024-03-15 | The A55 is significantly newer, suggesting more up-to-date software and features. |
| Foldable Design | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-foldable smartphones. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm | The A55 is slightly wider, the G71 5G is a bit thicker. This may impact grip comfort, with the G71 potentially being more comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 179g | 213g | The G71 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and single-handed operation. The A55 feels more substantial. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | The A55 provides a slightly larger viewing area, enhancing media consumption and gaming immersion. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have sharp, high-resolution displays that are great for detail-rich content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 390 | The G71 5G has slightly sharper display due to higher PPI, although the difference is subtle |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both feature vibrant and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The A55 has a significantly smoother experience for scrolling, animations, and gaming due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, suggesting equivalent visibility in bright light conditions, though this looks like missing data. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) | The A55's newer 4nm chip should offer better power efficiency and faster processing speeds compared to the 6nm Snapdragon. |
| Antutu Score | 396,564 | 713,393 | The A55 demonstrates significantly superior performance in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Xclipse 530 | The A55's GPU should provide better graphics performance in gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer comparable all-day battery life for typical usage patterns. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The G71 5G charges slightly faster, reducing the time spent plugged into a charger. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both devices have non-removable batteries. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | A55's larger sensor generally captures more light, leading to better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | A55 has a higher resolution selfie camera, generally leading to better details in your selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | A55 has a higher resolution ultrawide camera, capturing wider shots with more detail. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A55 has higher resolution macro lens allowing for more detailed close up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | The A55 supports higher quality 4K video recording, along with electronic image stabilization (EIS) for steadier recordings. It also has much better slow-motion capabilities |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Mobile 108, Photo 110, Video 117 | The A55 is the only phone tested, showing a decent balance of photography and video quality. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, PDAF, LAF, RAW | 2x2 OCL, OIS, AI Engine, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | The A55 has optical image stabilization (OIS) and more advanced software features like AI, promising smoother shots, and enhanced processing of photos. G71 has dedicated Phase and Laser autofocus, which may aid in subject focus speeds in some situations, while OIS on the A55 is going to be better at reducing motion blur. |
| SOFTWARE & CONNECTIVITY | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 12) | Android 14 (Up to 18) | A55 launches with a much newer OS version and gets more future updates, ensuring latest features and security patches |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | A55 offers faster and more reliable WiFi performance with WiFi 6. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A55 provides better connectivity and potentially higher quality audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A55 provides more precise positioning with QZSS support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | A55 has the added flexibility of eSIM. |
| STORAGE & AUDIO | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128/256GB | A55 offers a higher storage option which is essential for storing more media. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12GB | A55 offers more RAM options, enabling smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | A55 offers better audio with Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers for more immersive sound. The G71 is limited to Dolby Atmos and 2 microphones. |
| SECURITY & BUILD | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint (rear) | Fingerprint (basic) | Both offer biometric fingerprint scanners. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | A55 has better screen protection that should provide more scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | A55 has more diverse sensors, supporting features like environmental sensing. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Lighter Build: Its lighter weight (179g) makes it more comfortable for extended use.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is a bit quicker than the A55's 25W.
- Slightly Sharper Display: Higher PPI makes for a subtly sharper image, though not significantly noticeable in day to day use.
- Phase and Laser Autofocus: Dedicated autofocus systems may provide faster focusing in some scenarios.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Strengths:
- Newer and More Powerful: The Exynos 1480 chip provides significantly better performance, especially in graphics and multi-tasking.
- Superior Display: 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals and a slightly larger 6.6" screen.
- Enhanced Camera System: Larger main camera sensor, better selfie camera, and advanced video features including 4K recording and stabilization.
- Better Software Support: Launched with Android 14, gets four more OS updates than the G71, keeping the device fresh and secure for longer.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster wireless performance.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio and Stereo Speakers.
- More RAM and storage Options Up to 12GB RAM and 256 GB storage
- More Sensors: Includes a barometer, and compass, useful for various applications.
- Better screen protection: Gorilla Glass Victus
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Motorola Moto G71 5G: Slower performance, older software, lower camera specifications, lacks 4k and OIS, heavier by 34g.
- Samsung Galaxy A55: Heavier and wider than G71, but these come with the benefit of added features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G is best for:
- Casual Users on a Budget: Those who prioritize a lightweight device, good battery life, and are not too demanding on performance or camera quality.
- Users with smaller hands The smaller width of the phone may make it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Users who prioritize speed of charge With 33w charging, the G71 will charge slightly faster than the Samsung A55
Samsung Galaxy A55 is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Those who need a smooth user experience, capable of running demanding apps and games.
- Media Consumption: Users who value a larger, smoother screen and better audio for watching videos, gaming, and enjoying media.
- Photography and Videography: Users who want higher quality photos, videos, and a more versatile camera system for various scenarios.
- Long term Users: Users who prefer to use the same phone for several years due to increased software updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you play games, multitask heavily, or need very quick app loading, the A55 is a clear winner.
- What do you value more: compactness and lightweight design or screen quality and camera capabilities? If portability is key, G71 wins. If screen and camera quality are paramount, pick the A55.
- How important is having the latest software and features? If you want the most recent Android experience and the most extended software support period, the A55 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student: The A55 offers better performance for productivity apps, a smoother screen for studying, and a better camera for social media.
- Traveler: The A55's better GPS, camera, and performance are advantageous, while its heavier build may be a minor inconvenience.
- Casual User: The G71 is suitable for those on a strict budget who prioritize a lightweight device and battery life over cutting-edge features.
- Gamer: The A55 is the best option, with its faster chipset, better GPU and smoother 120Hz display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A55.
Here's why:
- Performance: As a tech journalist, I often run multiple apps and need a phone that can keep up. The A55's superior chip and higher RAM option ensures it will perform faster and more consistently.
- Display: The smoother 120Hz refresh rate and better quality display make a noticeable difference in daily use.
- Camera: I value a good camera, and the A55’s improved sensors and video capabilities will capture better memories, especially in challenging lighting.
- Future-Proofing: With its newer Android version and more OS updates, the A55 is the best option in the long term.
While the Motorola Moto G71 5G has its merits (like lighter build and faster charging), the Samsung Galaxy A55 simply offers a more advanced overall package, particularly in performance, camera, and software. It is a great all-rounder and a much more complete device, albeit at a higher price point.
