1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | Motorola is taller, wider, and thicker; OnePlus is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 208g | OnePlus is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.8" | Motorola offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness; good for detailed content |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 387 PPI | Both offer sharp images; OnePlus has a negligibly higher pixel density |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and superior power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is the same; values are not available, however, higher brightness is better for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G | OnePlus offers much faster processing, better gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 381,000 | OnePlus offers far superior overall performance based on benchmark results. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 619 | OnePlus has a more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | OnePlus has larger sensor and wider aperture leading to better low-light performance; Motorola has slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.00µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | OnePlus offers higher resolution; Motorola offers slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481, 1.00µm | 8MP, 1.12µm | OnePlus has a much higher resolution wide angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | OnePlus offers depth data for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, 1.75µm | OnePlus has a higher resolution macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 1080p@60fps | OnePlus offers higher video resolution; both offer slow motion. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, 4K video, Manual Focus, Quadruple Camera | Laser Autofocus, Triple Camera | OnePlus provides better stabilization and more video features; Motorola features laser AF. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola offers slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 10W fast charging | OnePlus charges significantly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | OnePlus has a more up-to-date operating system and more software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | OnePlus supports a newer WiFi standard for better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with aptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.1 | OnePlus offers better Bluetooth audio codec support. |
| GPS | L1+L5, B1, E1+E5a | SUPL | OnePlus offers more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | OnePlus offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/8 GB | OnePlus offers significantly more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | OnePlus has better audio experience with stereo speakers and active noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Motorola offers a more convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | OnePlus offers a compass sensor for better navigation. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown protection type for both devices |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers significantly higher processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming performance. This is a clear advantage for power users and gamers.
- Better Display Quality: The AMOLED panel provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the IPS LCD on the Motorola. This results in a richer visual experience, especially when viewing photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: The 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging times. This is more convenient for users who are often on the go.
- Enhanced Camera System: The OnePlus features a higher resolution wide-angle lens, more video features including 4K, and OIS which helps reduce blurring for photos.
- Better Audio: The inclusion of stereo speakers provides a more immersive audio experience, while noise cancellation mic will be better for phone calls.
- More RAM & Storage: Offers 12GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage compared to Motorola's 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage options.
- More WiFi/Bluetooth Features: Support for Wi-Fi 6 and aptX, LDAC, AAC codecs provides faster and higher quality wireless experience.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers slightly longer battery life, which could be beneficial for users who prioritize longevity between charges.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor may be more convenient for some users compared to the basic sensor on the OnePlus.
- Slightly larger display: A larger screen can be great for media consumption
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: While superior in most aspects, it has a smaller battery, basic fingerprint sensor, and is older (by release date)
- Motorola Moto G51 5G: Offers a larger battery, but compromises on performance, display quality, camera, and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and GPU, combined with 120Hz refresh rate, provide a much better gaming experience.
- Multimedia Consumers: The vibrant AMOLED display and stereo speakers enhance the viewing and listening experience for movies and music.
- Power Users: The faster chipset, more RAM, and faster charging make it ideal for multitasking and demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The superior camera setup, including OIS, and 4k recording will be useful for higher quality photography.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: This phone is likely more affordable and suitable for users who want basic smartphone functionality.
- Users Who Prioritize Battery Life: The larger battery will appeal to users who need a longer-lasting phone and do not mind the performance trade-offs.
- Casual Users: For those who primarily use their phones for calls, social media, and browsing, the Moto G51 is sufficient.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9R: Playing graphic-intensive games, watching high-quality videos, multitasking with many apps open, capturing high-quality videos.
- Motorola Moto G51 5G: Long phone calls, extended browsing sessions, using GPS navigation for a long period, everyday use.
Price-to-Value:
- The OnePlus 9R offers much higher value for performance-oriented users, given its superior specs.
- The Motorola G51 5G offers better value for users who prioritize basic usage and battery longevity on a budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, or is basic functionality sufficient?
- Display Preference: Do you prefer vibrant colours and deep blacks, or is a standard LCD screen acceptable?
- Battery and Charging: Is fast charging essential for your daily routine, or is a larger battery more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming/Performance: If you prioritize performance and gaming, the OnePlus 9R is the clear choice due to its much faster chipset, more RAM and higher refresh rate.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious, Long Battery Life: If your budget is limited and long battery life is essential, the Motorola Moto G51 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Mixed Use, Display Quality Matters: If you want a balance of performance, camera, and display quality, the OnePlus 9R offers a superior experience and great bang for the buck.
What I Would Choose and Why
I would choose the OnePlus 9R. While the Motorola Moto G51 5G has a larger battery, the performance difference between the two phones is substantial. The Snapdragon 870 in the OnePlus 9R is a considerably more powerful chipset, making it much better for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. The AMOLED display is also a significant upgrade, offering much more vibrant colours, higher contrast, and deeper blacks. The faster charging, better camera, and additional audio features, all make for a much more premium and versatile experience. Although the Motorola has a more convenient fingerprint sensor and the larger battery would be appreciated, the significantly faster performance, enhanced display, better camera features of the OnePlus 9R are a greater benefit and offer a better overall experience. For me, performance and display quality outweigh the slightly larger battery of the Moto.
