Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Nokia X30
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-14 | 2022-09-21 | The Nokia X30 is significantly newer, likely offering more up-to-date features and software support. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 158.9 x 73.9 x 8 mm | The Nokia X30 is more compact and thinner, making it easier to handle and pocket. The Motorola One 5G Ace is noticeably larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 185g | The Nokia X30 is significantly lighter, which enhances comfort during prolonged use and reduces hand fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | The Motorola One 5G Ace has a slightly larger screen, which can be beneficial for media consumption and gaming; The Nokia X30 is more compact for one handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness; differences will be negligible in normal use. |
| PPI | 393 | 409 | The Nokia X30 offers slightly higher pixel density for a sharper image. This difference is subtle and not noticeable for many users. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Nokia X30's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors than the Motorola One 5G Ace's LCD panel, resulting in better picture quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Nokia X30 has a smoother scrolling and animation experience, making it feel more responsive compared to the Motorola One 5G Ace. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is the same for both; No practical difference in max brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The Nokia X30 uses a newer chipset (6nm vs 8nm) which should result in better efficiency, and the higher Antutu benchmark suggests it's the more powerful of the two. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 410,072 | The Nokia X30 has a higher score, indicating noticeably smoother performance, especially for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Both have the same graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4200mAh | The Motorola One 5G Ace should offer longer battery life due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Nokia X30 charges considerably faster, reducing time spent plugged in and offering quicker top-ups. |
| Features | 10W charger in box | Non-removable | Motorola One 5G Ace provides a charger in box while both have a non-removable battery |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm | The Nokia X30 has a slightly higher resolution sensor with larger pixels, potentially leading to better low-light performance. The Motorola has a wider aperture for more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | The Motorola One 5G Ace's wider aperture might perform slightly better in lower-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.4, µm | The Nokia X30 provides higher resolution and detail in wide-angle shots. The Motorola has a wider aperture for more light. Pixel size not listed for the Nokia X30. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | The Motorola One 5G Ace offers a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots, which the Nokia X30 lacks. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 1080p@60fps | The Motorola One 5G Ace can record at 4K which results in higher quality video. Both offer electronic image stabilization(EIS) |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, PDAF, LAF, RAW | Dual Camera, OIS, CDAF | Motorola One 5G Ace: PDAF & LAF for faster focusing, RAW capture for more editing control, and dedicated macro lens. Nokia X30: OIS for sharper videos, CDAF for focusing. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | The Nokia X30 offers a more recent version of Android with access to latest features, and longer update support than Motorola One 5G Ace. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi 6 | Nokia X30 supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and better performance on modern networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE, aptX, LDAC | The Nokia X30 offers high-quality audio codecs for superior wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Nokia X30 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | The Nokia X30 supports dual SIMs, which is ideal for users needing two phone numbers on one device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | The Nokia X30 offers more internal storage, beneficial for those with large collections of media and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | The Nokia X30 has more RAM, which allows for smoother multitasking and faster app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, meaning you're stuck with internal capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Basic audio features | The Motorola One 5G Ace has a 2 microphone setup for slightly better voice capture during calls and voice recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have fingerprint sensors for device unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Nokia X30 has superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Motorola One 5G Ace features a compass for advanced navigation features not included on the Nokia. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides longer usage time.
- Macro Camera: Dedicated lens for close-up shots.
- 4K Video Recording: Higher video resolution for content creation.
- Wider Aperture Lenses: The slightly wider lens on each of the cameras may result in slightly better low light photography.
- Compass Sensor: Enables navigation and augmented reality applications.
Practical Implications: Better battery life, more detailed close-up photos, higher resolution video recording. Better suited to people who like to record video content.
Nokia X30 Advantages:
- Newer & Faster Chipset: The Snapdragon 695 5G offers better performance and efficiency.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display offers superior visuals.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Better Software: Ships with newer Android version and a clear path for updates.
- Dual SIM Support: Enables use of two numbers on one device.
- More RAM and Storage: Greater multitasking capabilities and file storage.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling experience.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for more protection
- Superior Audio Codecs: APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC enhance wireless audio experience.
- Better Location Accuracy: More satellite systems provide better navigation.
- Wider Angle Lense: Higher resolution for better quality wide angle photos.
Practical Implications: More fluid performance, faster charging, higher display quality, more future proof software, and better audio. Better suited to people who value modern features, fast performance, and media consumption.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola One 5G Ace: Larger size and weight, older Android version, slower charging, and an IPS LCD screen that doesn't offer the visual quality of an AMOLED. Lacks dual sim functionality.
- Nokia X30: Smaller battery, no dedicated macro lens, lower video quality compared to 4k recording and a slightly narrower main lens aperture. Lacks compass sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, who enjoy taking close up shots with a macro camera, who don't require the latest software, and are okay with the IPS LCD display technology.
- Use Cases: Long days without needing to charge frequently, occasional macro shots, light gaming and video recording, and general day to day use.
- Price-to-value: Good budget option if you prioritize battery life and are not a power user.
Nokia X30:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a premium display, smooth and speedy performance, the latest software and security updates, good audio quality, and faster charging.
- Use Cases: Streaming videos, mobile gaming, photography, multi-tasking, use of dual sim for travel or work/personal, and overall modern day to day use.
- Price-to-value: Higher price tag, but offers better overall performance, better display, superior build quality and longevity due to software updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your priority: Battery life or display quality and overall performance? (Motorola One 5G Ace prioritizes battery while the Nokia X30 excels in display and performance)
- How important are the latest software updates? (Nokia X30 is on a newer Android version with a better update policy.)
- Do you need dual SIM functionality and high-quality wireless audio? (Nokia X30 has these features; Motorola One 5G Ace does not.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you are on a strict budget and need the most battery life possible, and don't need the latest features, the Motorola One 5G Ace may be the better option due to its lower cost.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you watch a lot of videos and enjoy mobile games, the Nokia X30's AMOLED display, higher refresh rate, and better performance make it more enjoyable and a worthy investment.
- Traveler/Professional: If you require dual SIM functionality, better navigation accuracy, better wireless audio, and a more compact device, the Nokia X30 is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Nokia X30. While the Motorola One 5G Ace offers a larger battery and 4K recording, the Nokia X30 provides a superior overall experience that aligns more with my preferences. The AMOLED display is significantly better for daily media consumption and more visually appealing. The faster processor, combined with more RAM and the updated software, results in a snappier, more future-proof device. Additionally, the faster charging means I would be spending less time tethered to a charger. The dual-sim capability is extremely useful for frequent travelers. The smaller form factor, better build quality, and better audio options makes the Nokia X30 a more compelling and practical choice for my needs despite the lower battery life.
