Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia X30 and the Motorola Moto G73. I've got my engineering hat on and my user-experience goggles ready, so let's get into the nitty-gritty.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First up, a detailed table breaking down the specs, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | Nokia X30 | Motorola Moto G73 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-21 | 2023-01-24 | Moto G73 is about 4 months newer; expect slightly more up-to-date software. |
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | Moto G73 is a bit taller and thicker, but similar width. Both feel pretty similar in hand. |
| Weight | 185g | 181g | Both are nearly identical in weight, so handling feels similar. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Almost identical display size; a barely noticeable difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharpness and detail are the same on both screens. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 405 PPI | Both screens offer sharp visuals; a negligible difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Nokia X30 offers superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy, which results in a better viewing experience overall. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Motorola offers a smoother experience when scrolling, navigating menus, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Assuming that "0 nits" means we don't have brightness numbers, we can't compare here. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6nm) | Moto G73's chipset is a stronger performer, leading to faster app loading and smoother overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 410,072 | 497,466 | Moto G73 has a 21% higher score in benchmarks; a tangible difference in real-world speed. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Different GPUs suggest varied performance in graphics-intensive tasks; Moto G73 seems to have an edge here. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4200mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G73’s larger battery suggests better endurance throughout the day. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Lithium) | 30W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Nokia charges slightly faster, but the difference is minimal. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm pixels | Both have similar main cameras; Expect similar image quality from the main sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm pixels | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm pixels | Similar selfie cameras on both phones. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | Nokia offers higher resolution while Motorola has a slightly wider aperture. Both have strengths in wide angle shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps, OIS, 120 fps Slow-mo | 1080p@30/60fps, 240 fps Slow-mo | Nokia X30 offers Optical Image Stabilization and a 120 fps slow-mo; Moto G73 offers 240 fps slow motion and no stabilization. |
| Camera Features | OIS, CDAF | 4K video, Ultra-stable, Manual Focus, Front Flash | Nokia has OIS and CDAF, which helps with image stabilization and autofocus. Motorola has 4K Video recording, front flash and additional manual focus features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Motorola's software is more up-to-date out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, MIMO | Both have WiFi 6. Motorola has MIMO, which offers potentially better and stable wireless connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with EDR,SBC | 5.3 | Moto G73 has a more recent Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | Moto G73 has more satellite support, potentially better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Same storage options on both devices. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Moto G73 provides 8GB of RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; choose carefully for storage needs. |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Moto G73 has much better audio capabilities with spatial sound and stereo speakers. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Motorola has a faster and more convenient side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Nokia has a significantly better screen protector in Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass | Nokia has a Gyroscope whereas Motorola has a Compass. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia X30 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers a much better viewing experience with vibrant colors and true blacks.
- Optical Image Stabilization: The OIS can be useful to get more stable images and videos.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is a big plus for durability.
Motorola Moto G73 Strengths:
- Better Performance: The Dimensity 930 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Snapdragon 695, resulting in snappier everyday use.
- Smoother Display: A 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery is great for extended use without needing to recharge as often.
- Advanced Audio: The Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide superior audio quality.
- More Satellites: Additional GPS systems for better accuracy.
- More features: Motorola has a more complete set of camera features including front flash, manual focus and 4K video.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13 out of the box.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Nokia X30: Slower chipset, smaller battery, and basic audio features.
- Motorola Moto G73: IPS LCD doesn't offer the same display quality, and the build quality might be less durable.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia X30 is best for:
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize display quality for watching videos and consuming content.
- Users concerned with durability: Those who want a more durable device.
- Nokia Enthusiasts: Those who like the Nokia brand.
Motorola Moto G73 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need reliable performance for multitasking, gaming, and daily usage.
- Audio Lovers: Those who care about sound quality for music, movies, and calls.
- Practical Users: Those who want good battery life, smooth performance, and the latest software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- How much do you value display quality? If you want the best viewing experience with vibrant colors and deep blacks, the Nokia is a better option. If a very smooth 120Hz experience is enough, the Moto G73 will be good too.
- Do you prioritize performance and battery life? The Moto G73 has a clear advantage here, with a faster chipset and bigger battery.
- What is more important, video or build quality? The Moto G73 has more video features, but Nokia has better screen protection.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Movie Buff: The Nokia X30 would be the better choice for its AMOLED screen and focus on media consumption.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer: The Motorola Moto G73 is the better bet for its faster processor, smoother display, and long-lasting battery.
- Scenario 3: Daily Driver: The Motorola Moto G73 offers a well-rounded experience with its great battery, software, and performance.
- Scenario 4: Long-term investment: The Nokia X30 with its high-quality screen protection might be a better choice.
My Pick
If I had to choose one, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G73. Here's why:
As much as I appreciate the superior display of the Nokia X30, the overall package of the Motorola Moto G73 just makes more sense for my daily use. The combination of a smoother 120Hz display, the snappier Dimensity 930 chipset, the larger battery for all-day usage, and the superior audio experience are simply hard to ignore. It's a more well-rounded device that fits my needs for productivity, entertainment, and day-to-day reliability. The 8GB of RAM is also important for multitasking.
While the Nokia X30 has its strengths, the Motorola G73 offers a better balance of performance and features that align more with my priorities. As an engineer and tech journalist, I also appreciate the faster performance of the G73, and this is what I would value more than the screen, which is still very good on the G73.
