Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G73 and the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro. These mid-range contenders pack a punch, but they approach the game with slightly different strategies. As a tech journalist who loves digging into the details, I’m excited to break down what these phones bring to the table, beyond the spec sheets.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G73 | Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 × 73.8 × 8.3 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 7.9 mm | The Poco is a bit taller and wider, the Moto slightly thicker. Might affect one-handed use for some. |
| Weight | 181g | 181g | Both feel the same in hand in terms of weight. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on Screen | Poco is more scratch/damage resistant in a fall, but details about Moto build quality not available in data. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The Poco provides a slightly more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp visuals on both, suitable for media consumption and gaming. |
| PPI | 405 | 395 | Both are sharp, the difference is not noticeable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Key Difference: The Poco offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and vibrant colors - better for media and viewing in sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Data not available |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 930 | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Key Difference: The Poco has better CPU performance offering faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 497,466 | 609,106 | Poco is significantly faster in benchmarks, indicating better overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | Adreno 642L | Poco has the better GPU for high performance gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Key Difference: Poco has significantly higher main camera resolution for better detail, but Motorola has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Both have the same selfie camera |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar performance for capturing wide scenes. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco has the option for macro photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps | Key Difference: The Poco supports higher quality video recording. |
| Camera Features | Dual Camera, Front Flash | Triple Camera, PDAF, RAW | The Poco has a triple camera setup with better auto focus and image customization |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should comfortably last a full day with typical use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Key Difference: The Poco charges much faster, a huge benefit for busy users. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 13 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | The Moto has the advantage with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both have the latest Wi-Fi standard for fast speeds on capable networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 | Both offer a good experience with headphones, Moto has better codec support. |
| GPS | Comprehensive | Standard | The Moto offers a more accurate and faster location experience |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both provide the same storage options for apps, photos, and files. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6/8GB | Both offer a great multitasking experience |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports external storage. |
| Other Features | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both offer great audio quality for music and videos. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both are equally safe and easy to unlock. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Poco is better suited for gaming and AR apps |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G73 Strengths:
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13, ensuring the latest features and security updates.
- Better GPS: More robust and accurate GPS performance.
- Wider Camera Aperture: Potentially better low-light main camera performance, however, missing some sensor details.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Newer Bluetooth version with better codec support.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides a significantly better visual experience with deeper blacks and vibrant colors.
- Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset delivers better overall speed and responsiveness, especially for gaming.
- Better Camera Quality: Higher resolution main camera, better autofocus and more image customizations.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging dramatically reduces charging times.
- Additional Camera Features: The Macro lens, along with the other camera software features, provides a more versatile photography experience.
- Build Quality: Superior screen protection.
- Additional Sensors: Equipped with a gyroscope sensor which is good for gaming and AR apps.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G73 sacrifices processing and display quality for a slightly newer OS and some extra connectivity.
- The Poco X5 Pro, while offering better performance and camera, has an older Android version out of the box and lacks a more accurate GPS compared to the Moto.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G73:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize the latest software version, GPS accuracy for navigation, and are less demanding on performance.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, navigating, and reliable software updates are important.
- Price-to-Value: Good for budget-conscious buyers who value a solid core experience.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro:
- Ideal For: Mobile gamers, media enthusiasts, and anyone who values performance, display quality, camera quality, and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Gaming, watching videos, photography, and fast turnaround on charging.
- Price-to-Value: Offers high-end features at a mid-range price, great for power users who want the most bang for their buck.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
How important is display quality? If you value vibrant colors and deep blacks, the Poco's AMOLED screen is a clear winner. If an LCD screen is okay then the Motorola is a cheaper option.
What are your priorities regarding performance and software updates? The Poco offers better performance, while the Moto provides the latest version of Android. Decide whether performance or software updates are more important to you.
How often do you need to charge your phone? If fast charging is crucial for you, the Poco is the better choice with it's 67W charging, while the Moto has 30W.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The "Casual User": If you primarily browse the web, use social media, and don't need extreme performance or a top-tier display, the Motorola Moto G73 is the more affordable option for you that has a more accurate GPS and a solid core experience.
- The "Mobile Gamer": The Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro will be your best bet. Its superior display, powerful processor and gyroscope sensor are made for an enhanced gaming experience.
- The "Media Enthusiast": The Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro is ideal, with its superior AMOLED display and 4k video capture.
- The "Photographer": The Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro's versatile camera capabilities, along with a higher resolution main camera, make it a more appealing choice for photographers.
- The "Road Warrior": If you need a phone that charges quickly and accurately maps your location, the Poco X5 Pro's fast charging is better for busy schedules, while the Moto G73 is better for navigation accuracy.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally lean towards the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro. As someone who appreciates a vibrant display and smooth performance, the AMOLED screen and Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset are too good to pass up, making it ideal for my daily use. While the Motorola offers a slightly newer Android OS, the user experience of the Poco is what matters to me. I always need a fast-charging device that's ready for whatever the day throws at me, and the Poco delivers on that and more. I am not a heavy navigator, so the additional GPS features on the Moto do not weigh as heavily for me. While the missing front flash for the Moto is an interesting addition, a proper lighting setup is always ideal anyway. Overall, the Poco X5 Pro is the better choice for me.
