Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. We've got a classic case of a mid-range workhorse versus a cutting-edge foldable, so it's going to be interesting to see how these two stack up. I'm not just going to throw specs at you; I’m going to explain what they actually mean for your everyday use. Let’s get started.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones compare, broken down into key areas:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip5 offers a unique, compact form factor when folded, while Moto G71 is a traditional design. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | Z Flip5 is taller but narrower and significantly thinner, making it more pocketable when folded. Moto G71 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 179g | 187g | Moto G71 is slightly lighter (8g difference), which might feel better for longer usage. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Z Flip5 has a slightly larger display, which offers a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Z Flip5 has moderately higher resolution, resulting in sharper, more detailed images. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 425 PPI | Both have similar pixel densities; screen sharpness will be comparable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | Moto G71’s AMOLED offers superior blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. The Z Flip 5's screen technology is not listed. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Z Flip5's 120Hz refresh rate provides significantly smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | Z Flip5 has dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Z Flip5 has a much more powerful processor, offering vastly superior performance in all tasks, including gaming, multitasking, and complex computations. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 1,531,700 | Z Flip5 is leaps and bounds faster than the G71. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | Z Flip5 has a much better GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 3700 mAh | Moto G71 has a much larger battery, potentially giving it much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Moto G71 offers faster wired charging, though Z Flip5's is still pretty quick, and Z Flip5 offers wireless charging. |
| Charging Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Fast Charging, Wireless Charging | Z Flip5 provides more comprehensive charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging, while Moto G71 is more basic here. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 12MP (f/1.8) | Moto G71 has higher resolution, but larger pixel size on Z Flip5 could mean better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.2) | 10MP (f/2.4) | Moto G71 has higher resolution and a slightly wider aperture for selfies, but we don't have the sensor model for Z Flip5. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) | Z Flip5 has a higher resolution wide-angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Moto G71 has a dedicated macro lens, while Z Flip5 doesn't. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | Z Flip5 offers higher video resolution and frame rates with HDR, plus much better slow-motion recording. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 127 (Mobile) | Z Flip5 has been tested by DxOMark, receiving a good overall score of 127. |
| Camera Features | Triple, OIS, Laser AF, RAW | Dual, OIS, NPU AI Engine | Z Flip5 has more advanced features like AI engine and tracking AF, while Moto G71 has laser autofocus and RAW support. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Z Flip5 has a more recent Android version, giving it better features and security updates. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Z Flip5 supports newer Wi-Fi standards offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Z Flip5 has a more modern version with enhanced features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Flip5 has more advanced GPS and better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Z Flip5 supports eSIM for carrier flexibility. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 256GB/512GB | Z Flip5 offers much more storage. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | Z Flip5 has higher RAM which helps with multitasking, but Moto G71 has RAM configuration options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | Dolby Atmos, 2 Mics | Stereo Speakers | Z Flip5 offers stereo speakers, while G71 has a Dolby Atmos enhancement with microphones. |
| SECURITY | Rear fingerprint sensor | Side fingerprint sensor | Z Flip5 features a more modern side-mounted sensor for easier access. |
| BUILD | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Z Flip5 has a superior screen protection. |
| SENSORS | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, Geomagnetic | Z Flip5 has more environmental and navigation sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Longer Battery Life: A larger 5000 mAh battery and very good battery optimisation mean you'll likely get a full day (or even two) of usage without needing a charge.
- Better Value: The G71 was a very affordable device when it was launched, and its price should now be lower. This makes it appealing for cost-conscious buyers.
- Decent Display: An AMOLED screen offers vibrant colours and good contrast.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated macro lens will be useful if you enjoy close-up photography.
- Faster Wired Charging: The 33W fast charging is a step up from many phones in this class.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is a performance beast, giving you top-tier speed for all tasks.
- Cutting-Edge Design: The foldable form factor is unique and eye-catching, making it both compact and practical.
- Superior Display: 120Hz AMOLED screen with 1750 nits of brightness is incredible for outdoor viewing.
- Advanced Camera: Better video recording capabilities, higher-quality photo, and advanced features like NPU AI engine make the Z Flip5 a great choice for mobile photographers.
- More Storage: It comes with either 256 GB or 512 GB of internal storage.
- Modern Connectivity: It has faster Wi-Fi, more modern Bluetooth, and more satellite systems for better GPS.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: More versatile charging options are available for this device.
- Newer Software: It ships with Android 13 and will get upgraded to 14, which means longer software support.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Significantly Weaker Performance: It's just not in the same league as the Z Flip5 in terms of speed and processing power.
- Older Software: It launched with Android 11 and has a limited update cycle.
- Basic Charging: It lacks the wireless and reverse charging capabilities of the Z Flip5.
- Lower Camera Quality: While higher resolution, it lacks the advanced features and performance of the Z Flip 5
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5:
- Higher Price: The Z Flip5 is a premium device with a premium price tag.
- Shorter Battery Life: The Z Flip5's battery capacity is considerably smaller, so you may need to charge more often.
- No Macro Lens: It doesn’t have a dedicated macro lens, which might disappoint some photographers.
- No expandable storage: If you fill the 256 or 512GB storage option, you can not add extra storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize affordability and battery life over top-tier performance.
- Casual users: Individuals who mainly use their phone for social media, browsing, and light productivity.
- Users who want good battery life: The massive battery will help you go through the day.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is best for:
- Tech enthusiasts: Those who want the latest and greatest in mobile technology.
- Power users: People who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Mobile photographers: Those who want a high-quality camera system with advanced features.
- Users who prioritize design: Those who want a stylish and unique phone that stands out from the crowd.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How much are you willing to spend? If you are on a very tight budget, the Moto G71 is the obvious choice.
- What do you value most: performance or battery life? If raw power and cutting-edge features are your priorities, the Z Flip5 is the way to go, but if you don't need the extra power and you are ok with average battery life and average performance, then the G71 is a great pick.
- Are you excited about innovative design? If you find the foldable form factor appealing and are willing to pay a premium for it, the Z Flip5 is a unique and exciting choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Budget Shopper
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G71 5G. You need a reliable smartphone with a good display and long battery life without breaking the bank.
- Scenario 2: The Tech Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. You crave innovation and top-tier performance and want to have a device that shows how advanced modern technology is.
- Scenario 3: The Casual User
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G71 5G. You just want a phone for day-to-day tasks, some social media, and a bit of YouTube, and the G71 gives a great balance of features and value.
- Scenario 4: The Mobile Creator
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. You require the best camera for both photos and video, with high-quality video capture and versatile features.
- Scenario 5: The "Go All Day" User
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G71 5G. You value long battery life that will last throughout a very long day without needing to charge, and you are not so interested in top-tier performance.
My Choice
If I had to pick one for myself, it would be the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. While I appreciate the battery life of the Moto G71, my preference is for cutting-edge performance, a really high-quality camera, and the unique experience of the foldable design. I'm also a big fan of the much brighter screen with its 120Hz refresh rate. As a tech journalist, I want a device that pushes the boundaries of what's possible, and the Z Flip5 is that kind of phone. Yes, it's more expensive, but for me, the superior display, performance, and versatility make it worth the investment, even if the battery life is a bit shorter.
I hope this helps you in your decision! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!
