Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. I'll be your guide, translating these specs into real-world implications for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a deep dive into the specs, broken down into key categories, and what they mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | The Moto G71 5G is slightly more compact and easier to handle, while the Poco M4 5G is a bit larger and may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 179g | 200g | The Moto G71 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.58" | The Poco M4 5G offers a slightly larger screen, which might be preferable for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both are sharp enough for daily use, minor difference is negligible. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 401 | Both screens will look very crisp, minor difference is negligible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Moto G71 5G's AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, enhancing media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Poco M4 5G has a smoother scrolling experience due to its higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, these scores are erroneous. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Dimensity 700 (7nm) | The Snapdragon 695 in the Moto G71 5G provides slightly better overall performance, especially in graphically demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 381,300 | Both phones offer similar performance in daily tasks, with a slight edge to the Moto G71 5G. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both GPUs are capable for most games, but the Adreno 619 in the Moto G71 5G may be slightly better for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer a large battery capacity, providing all-day battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | The Moto G71 5G charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | The Poco M4 5G can act as a power bank to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The Moto G71 5G's main camera captures more detailed photos and performs better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Moto G71 5G takes significantly better selfies with more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | The Moto G71 5G offers a wider field of view for group photos and landscapes. |
| Depth Sensor | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Poco M4 5G provides portrait mode blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The Moto G71 5G allows you to take closeup shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps | The Moto G71 5G can record at 60fps, making videos look smoother, both phones provide good video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 12 | The Poco M4 5G ships with a more up to date version of Android, but the Moto G71 5G has a guaranteed update to 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both phones support similar WiFi standards for reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | The Poco M4 5G offers slightly improved wireless audio and device pairing. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones are accurate for navigation, the Moto G71 has slightly more capability with SUPL. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both devices allow for use with two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 64GB or 128GB | Both offer 128GB, but the Poco M4 5G also offers 64GB for those on a budget. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB or 6GB | The Moto G71 5G provides slightly better performance in running multiple apps, particularly if you get the 8GB model. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Basic features | The Moto G71 5G offers superior audio quality and noise cancellation for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | The side sensor of the Poco M4 5G can be more easily accessible. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M4 5G has screen protection against scratching. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Poco M4 5G features a compass. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen provides a much better visual experience with deeper blacks, richer colors, and higher contrast.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus the inclusion of a wide-angle lens and macro lens, offer more versatility.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is significantly faster than the 18W of the Poco M4 5G, getting you up and running much faster.
- More RAM: The 8GB RAM option gives you better performance and multitasking capabilities.
- Better Audio: With Dolby Atmos and dual microphones, the Moto G71 5G has an edge in audio quality.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate offers a noticeably smoother scrolling experience compared to the Moto G71 5G's 60Hz display.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to use the phone as a power bank is a handy feature.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12, which may offer the latest software and features.
- Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass 3 for scratch protection.
Trade-offs:
- Display: The Moto G71 5G's AMOLED display is generally superior, but you might prefer the smoother experience on the Poco M4 5G's 90Hz screen if you are scrolling a lot.
- Camera: The Moto G71 5G has much better picture quality but the Poco M4 5G has 4K video.
- Charging: The Moto G71 5G wins on charging speed, but the Poco M4 5G can charge other devices.
- RAM: The Poco M4 5G is available with 4GB of RAM which will limit multitasking.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Ideal User: This phone is best suited for users who prioritize a high-quality display for media consumption, great camera features, and faster charging. It's an excellent option for social media enthusiasts, content creators, and anyone who values audio quality and multitasking performance.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Taking detailed photos and using the additional lenses for more versatility.
- Enjoying immersive audio with Dolby Atmos.
- Multitasking with several apps open at once.
- Need a fast charging device.
- Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Ideal User: This phone is perfect for users who want a smooth display experience and are comfortable with the limitations of its camera system. Its reverse charging capabilities and potentially lower price point can appeal to users on a budget who still want 5G.
- Use Cases:
- Scrolling through social media feeds and web pages for a smoother experience.
- Using the phone as a backup power source for other devices.
- Basic everyday usage and browsing.
- Users who want the latest Android version.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize screen quality or smooth scrolling? If you value color accuracy and deeper blacks, the Moto G71 5G is the better choice. If you want smooth scrolling, go for the Poco M4 5G.
- How important is camera quality for you? If you take a lot of photos and videos, the Moto G71 5G has the better camera system. If it's just an occasional picture, the Poco M4 5G is fine.
- How important is fast charging and reverse charging? The Moto G71 5G charges quicker, but the Poco M4 5G can charge other devices. Which is more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Media Enthusiast: Choose the Motorola Moto G71 5G for its superior AMOLED display, audio, and camera versatility.
- The Casual User on a Budget: The Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is a good choice for its smooth display and basic features at a more affordable price point.
- The Power User: The Motorola Moto G71 5G offers better camera quality, audio, and multitasking performance (if you get the 8GB version)
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two, I would go with the Motorola Moto G71 5G.
Here's why:
- AMOLED Display: I am a sucker for a good display, and the richness and depth of the AMOLED panel in the Moto G71 5G is just so much better than the IPS LCD. The improvement in color and contrast is noticeable.
- Superior Camera System: While the Poco M4 5G has a decent camera, the Moto G71 5G's higher resolution and additional lenses make it more versatile for different scenarios. As someone who takes lots of photos, this is a big deal.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging would reduce my charging time, and that would significantly improve my daily use.
- Better Audio: The Dolby Atmos and dual microphones are a good addition for better media consumption and call quality, a welcome addition over the basic audio of the Poco M4 5G.
Although the Poco M4 5G has the advantage of the 90Hz display, Android 12, and reverse charging, the overall experience of the Moto G71 5G feels more premium to me. The improved screen, camera system, and faster charging are things I value more in my daily use.
