Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia X30 and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). I'm going to break this down into sections that make sense for real-world use, rather than just listing off specs. Let's see how these two stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a look at how the two phones compare in key areas, focusing on what these specs actually mean for you.
| Feature | Nokia X30 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm | The Motorola is slightly larger and thicker, which might feel less comfortable in smaller hands. The Nokia is more compact. |
| Weight | 185g | 190g | Both are relatively lightweight. The Nokia is just a bit lighter which might be more comfortable over long usage times. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Nokia has superior screen protection, offering greater scratch resistance for the display. The Moto's screen protection is not specified. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | The Motorola offers a larger display for more immersive viewing of videos and photos but is slightly less convenient for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution, offering sharp images and text. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Both devices have very similar pixel densities. The Nokia provides slightly sharper details given its smaller display area. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant and deep blacks. AMOLED tends to have slightly better contrast and true blacks while P-OLED is more cost-effective while maintaining similar visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Motorola provides smoother animations and a more fluid scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Motorola’s significantly brighter display will be much easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | The Motorola’s newer chip provides significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and general use and more efficient power consumption. |
| AnTuTu Score | 410,072 | 514,000 | The Motorola is faster and will feel snappier, with better performance in demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 710 | The Motorola's GPU will render graphics more quickly and smoothly, providing an advantage in graphics-heavy apps and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, Sony LYT-700C Sensor | Both have 50MP main cameras with similar aperture. The Moto’s larger sensor and sensor model could have slight advantage in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 32MP, f/2.45 | The Motorola offers higher resolution selfies. The Nokia has a slightly wider aperture, potentially offering better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The Nokia offers a dedicated wide angle lens for landscape and group shots. |
| Macro Camera | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2 | The Motorola offers a macro lens for capturing close-up detail. |
| Video Resolution | 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | The Motorola offers higher resolution video and higher frame rate for smooth video recording. |
| Features | OIS, CDAF | OIS, PDAF, Time-lapse, 4k Video, Dual capture | The Moto has more advanced autofocus and additional video modes |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4200mAh | 5000mAh | The Motorola has a significantly larger battery, likely offering much better battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 30W fast charging, 15W wireless | Both offer fast charging, but Nokia's is a tad faster. Motorola’s inclusion of 15W wireless charging is a very nice addition. |
| Additional Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Reverse charging, 15W Wireless Charging | The Moto can wirelessly charge and act as a power bank, a great bonus for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (max 13) | Android 14 (max 15) | The Motorola has a newer OS and is likely to receive more software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | The Motorola’s Wi-Fi 6E offers faster speeds and lower latency, plus access to the less crowded 6GHz band if you have a compatible router. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.1 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC | Both have similar Bluetooth capabilities. The Nokia additionally supports EDR and AAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | The Motorola supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy in a variety of scenarios. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Motorola supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. The Nokia supports using two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB | The Motorola comes with a standard 256GB of storage while the Nokia offers a less expensive 128GB model for those who need less storage. Both lack expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB | The Motorola has a standard 8GB of RAM. Both are adequate for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Motorola’s audio features offer superior sound quality and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer a standard fingerprint sensor for device security. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | The Motorola includes a compass for location-based apps. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia X30
Strengths:
- More Compact: Its smaller size and lighter weight make it more comfortable for one-handed use and to carry around.
- Solid Display: The AMOLED display provides excellent colors and contrast, good for media consumption.
- Faster Charging: A slightly faster charging speed provides more convenience.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus adds significant durability and scratch resistance.
- Wide Angle Camera: The presence of a dedicated wide angle lens offers more versatility in photography.
Competitive Advantages:
- Premium Build: The Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection gives it a more premium and durable feel.
- Potentially Lower Price Point: With a 128GB variant option, it might be a more budget-friendly option if you don't need a lot of storage.
Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Older Chipset: It lags in performance compared to the Motorola, impacting gaming and demanding apps.
- Lower Battery Capacity: A smaller battery means more frequent charging, especially for heavy users.
- Older OS: It's running an older version of Android, and may not receive long term software support.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The newer Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset offers a significant performance boost over the Nokia.
- Longer Battery Life: A larger battery provides all-day use for almost everyone.
- Brighter Display: The display is much brighter, making it usable under direct sunlight.
- Smoother Display: A 120Hz refresh rate screen is great for visual fluidity.
- Higher Video Resolution: The ability to record videos in 4K resolution at 30fps and slow-motion 240fps makes it a solid choice for content creators.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: The inclusion of wireless charging and reverse charging adds convenience.
- Latest Android OS: Comes with Android 14.
- Better Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers enhances the sound quality and immersion.
- eSIM Support: The inclusion of eSIM provides flexibility and convenience for switching carriers.
- Macro Lens: The addition of a macro lens allows for capturing detailed close-up photography.
- Comprehensive Satellite Support: Offers more accurate location tracking with the addition of GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System.
Competitive Advantages:
- Feature-Rich: Offers a combination of high performance, great battery life, better display and wireless charging that the Nokia does not match.
- More Future-Proof: With a newer OS and chipset, it’s likely to remain relevant for longer.
Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Slightly Larger and Heavier: It's bigger and may not be as comfortable for all users or ideal for one-handed operation.
- No Screen Protection: The lack of specified screen protection for the display adds a risk of damage if not handled with care.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia X30
Best for:
- Users who prioritize a compact and lightweight design.
- Casual users who don't need top-tier performance.
- Those who want a good display and more premium feel but have a limited budget.
- Users who desire a wider field of view in their photos.
- Anyone not requiring top of the line performance.
Use Cases:
- Daily browsing, social media, and light media consumption.
- Users who value a compact, comfortable phone.
- Basic photography and sharing.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
Best for:
- Users who prioritize performance, battery life, and screen quality.
- Users who use their phones for gaming, videos, and creating content.
- Users who need long battery life that can last all day.
- Those who are often out in bright sunlight and need a bright, easily visible screen.
- Users who would find the stylus feature of the phone useful.
- Content creators who need high resolution video capture.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, streaming, and extensive app use.
- Frequent outdoor use.
- Content creation and high quality photography.
- Users who value audio quality.
- Travelers needing reliable navigation.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize performance and battery life or a smaller, more compact phone?
- If performance and battery life: Choose the Motorola.
- If compact design: Choose the Nokia.
- How important is camera quality to you?
- If content creation and video is important: Choose the Motorola for better video resolution and modes.
- If versatility with wide angle lens and average photos: Choose the Nokia.
- What's your budget?
- If budget is the main constraint: Nokia has a 128GB option, making it cheaper than the Motorola.
- If you value features and performance over budget: Choose the Motorola.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for social media, browsing, and light tasks, the Nokia X30 is a good choice due to its more compact size and lower price.
- The Power User: If you're a gamer, content creator, or frequently use demanding apps, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the clear winner due to its superior performance, better display, longer battery life and better camera.
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: If you are often out in bright sunlight, the Motorola’s much brighter screen will be essential and provides an advantage.
- The Audiophile: If you like listening to music and audio content, the Moto G Stylus with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers will provide much more enjoyment.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). As a tech journalist and someone who values performance and usability, the Motorola offers a significant edge in several key areas:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is a noticeable upgrade, which translates to snappier responsiveness and smoother multitasking.
- Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and much brighter screen would make a real difference in everyday use, especially outdoors.
- Battery: The larger battery ensures I won't be hunting for a charger during busy days.
- Features: The inclusion of features like wireless charging, reverse charging, 4k video and an eSIM, which are not in the Nokia are valuable conveniences that I would appreciate.
While the Nokia X30 has its strengths, particularly its compact design and screen protection, the overall package offered by the Motorola is better suited to my needs and expectations of what I want in a modern smartphone. The slight increase in size and weight would be a worthwhile trade-off for the performance and features that the Motorola brings to the table.
