Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G60 and the Motorola Moto G04s. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and give you my perspective on which phone is better suited for different users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key specs, with a focus on how they translate to real-world experiences:
Feature | Nokia G60 | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2022-09-01 | 2024-04-29 | The Moto G04s is newer by about 7.9 months. |
Size | 166 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Nokia G60 is slightly larger in all dimensions; G04s is more compact and potentially more pocket-friendly. |
Weight | 190g | 178.8g | Moto G04s is lighter by 11.2g; might feel more comfortable for long periods of use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.58" | 6.56" | Virtually identical screen sizes; negligible difference in daily use. |
Resolution | 1080x2408 | 720x1612 | Nokia G60 has a much sharper and detailed display; text and images will be significantly clearer. |
Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 269 | Nokia G60 has a significantly sharper display with a higher pixel density. |
Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same screen technology; no difference here. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Nokia G60 offers smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable when gaming or browsing. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both displays have a peak brightness of 0 nits. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G | Unisoc T606 | Nokia G60 has a significantly more powerful processor; expect faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
Antutu Score | 410,072 | 220,000 | Nokia G60 has significantly better overall performance in synthetic benchmarks, roughly 86% faster. |
GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Nokia G60 is expected to deliver better graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G04s has a larger battery; expect slightly longer battery life on a single charge. |
Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Lithium | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Nokia G60 charges faster; Lithium vs. Li-Polymer is minor, but the 5W extra does make a difference |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera (MP) | 50MP (f/1.8, 0.7µm pixels) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor, 1.0µm pixels) | Both have 50MP main cameras, but Moto G04s might capture slightly larger pixels for improved low-light performance |
Selfie Camera (MP) | 8MP (f/2.0, 0.64µm pixels) | 5MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels) | Nokia G60 has a higher-resolution selfie camera; G04s may offer better low-light performance with larger pixels. |
Additional Lenses | 5MP Wide, 2MP Depth | None | Nokia G60 offers more versatile photography with a wide-angle and depth sensor for portraits. |
Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-Mo | 1080p@30fps, Slow-Mo, Yes | Both phones offer similar video recording capabilities; G04s has digital stabilization. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Moto G04s ships with a newer version of Android; potentially more optimized and up-to-date features. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Nokia G60 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard which offers faster speeds and improved performance on modern networks. |
Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Nokia G60 offers slightly more features such as APT-X, LDAC, SBC and AAC. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Nokia G60 has QZSS for better location accuracy in some regions while the Moto has SUPL |
SIM | Dual (Nano + eSIM) | Dual (Nano + Nano) | Nokia G60 supports eSIM, great for international travel and more flexibility with carriers. |
Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Moto G04s has a higher storage option; better for those who need lots of space for apps and media. |
RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB | Nokia G60 can have more RAM, potentially better for multitasking if it's the 6GB variant. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, which could be a limitation. |
Audio | |||
Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos | Motorola offers an improved spatial audio experience with Dolby Atmos. |
Security | |||
Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer the same basic biometric security. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G60 is likely to be more durable and resistant to scratches and drops thanks to better Gorilla Glass version. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Both offer the same basic sensors needed for daily use. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G60 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 695 chipset is a significant upgrade over the Unisoc T606, providing much better performance for apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density make the Nokia G60’s display much clearer and more detailed.
- Smoother Experience: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother visual experience when browsing or playing games.
- Versatile Camera System: With an additional wide-angle and depth lens, the Nokia G60 offers more flexibility for different types of photos.
- Newer Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 which allows for faster wifi speeds.
Motorola Moto G04s Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery will likely provide longer battery life than the Nokia G60's 4500mAh battery.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 14, offering the latest features and security updates right out of the box.
- More Storage Options: The option for 256GB internal storage is beneficial for those who require a lot of local storage.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos offers enhanced spatial audio.
- Larger Pixels on Main Camera: The standard camera has slightly larger pixels, which could result in better low-light performance.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Nokia G60: Lacks expandable storage, has an older version of Android, and a smaller battery.
- Motorola Moto G04s: Lower performance chipset, lower resolution display, and less versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Here’s who I think each phone is best suited for:
Nokia G60:
- Power Users: Those who need a phone for multitasking, gaming, and general performance.
- Visual Experience Lovers: Users who appreciate a sharp and smooth display for browsing, media, and social media.
- Photo Enthusiasts: Those who like to experiment with different camera angles, wide-angle and depth photos are available here.
- Travelers: Thanks to its eSIM capability, it can be beneficial for frequent flyers.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Battery Life Seekers: Users who prioritize long battery life and value longer use between charges.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a solid phone with the latest software at a more affordable price point.
- General Consumers: Everyday users who need a reliable device for basic tasks, such as calling, texting, and casual media consumption.
- Media Consumption: With its Dolby Atmos audio, consumers who enjoy media may appreciate this feature.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to consider:
- Do you prioritize performance and a sharper display? If so, the Nokia G60 is the clear winner.
- Is battery life and having the latest Android version crucial for you? Then the Motorola Moto G04s may be a better fit.
- How important is expandable storage? Neither of these phones offers that, which may be a dealbreaker for some.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Gamer: The Nokia G60, with its powerful Snapdragon 695 and 120Hz refresh rate, provides a much better gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: The Road Warrior: The Motorola G04s, with its larger battery, would likely be preferred for its longer battery life when on the go.
- Scenario 3: The Social Media User: The Nokia G60, with its sharper display, more versatile camera system, and Wi-Fi 6, offers a better overall experience for social media use.
- Scenario 4: The Audio Enthusiast: The Motorola G04s has Dolby Atmos, so that would be the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would personally go for the Nokia G60. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I value performance and a great visual experience. The Nokia G60’s Snapdragon 695 chipset makes a significant difference in daily use. Its much sharper display is also a big plus. While the G04s offers a larger battery and the newest version of Android, the core performance difference makes a bigger impact on my daily usage. The eSIM support is also a welcome addition for those who travel. I'm willing to trade a bit of battery life for the improved responsiveness and more versatile camera system the Nokia G60 provides.
Ultimately, the "best" choice depends on your individual priorities. However, for a balanced blend of power, display quality, and practical utility, the Nokia G60 comes out on top for my needs.