HTC Desire 20+ vs Motorola Moto G 5G Plus: A Detailed Comparison

Both the HTC Desire 20+ and Motorola Moto G 5G Plus represent attempts to deliver 5G connectivity at a more accessible price point. However, they approach this goal with different chipsets and feature sets. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money, focusing on real-world performance implications.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing overall performance and slightly faster charging, the Motorola Moto G 5G Plus is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 765 offers a modest but noticeable performance uplift over the Desire 20+'s Snapdragon 720G, and the 20W charging is a plus. However, the Desire 20+ remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.

PHONES
Phone Names HTC Desire 20+ Motorola Moto G 5G Plus
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A, Cat6 300/75 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66
Launch
Announced2020, October 192020, July 07. Released 2020, July 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2020, October 22Discontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions164.9 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.49 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)168.3 x 74 x 9.7 mm (6.63 x 2.91 x 0.38 in)
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight203 g (7.16 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
 -Water-repellent coating
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz, HDR10
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.3 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 618Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) 5 MP, f/2.4, (depth)48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro), AF Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual-16 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (normal), 1.0µm 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jack-Yes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging15W wired, QC420W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsDawn Orange, Twilight Black, BlueSurfing Blue, Mystic Lilac
Models-XT2075, XT2075-2, XT2075-3
PriceAbout 250 EURAbout 260 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 114h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1269:1
Loudspeaker- -28.4 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 299926 (v8) GeekBench: 1898 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

HTC Desire 20+

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Established HTC brand
  • Comparable battery endurance

  • Less powerful Snapdragon 720G
  • Slower 15W charging
  • Display likely less bright

Motorola Moto G 5G Plus

  • More powerful Snapdragon 765 5G
  • Faster 20W charging
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility

  • Potentially higher price
  • Motorola's software update track record can be inconsistent
  • Similar battery endurance to Desire 20+

Display Comparison

Both devices share a contrast ratio of 1269:1, indicating similar levels of black depth and color vibrancy. However, the Motorola Moto G 5G Plus boasts a significantly brighter display at 543 nits, compared to an unlisted value for the Desire 20+. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels (given the price bracket), the Moto G 5G Plus’s superior brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor use.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Snapdragon 765 in the Moto G 5G Plus generally offers superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos and videos. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests both phones target casual photographers rather than enthusiasts.

Performance

The Motorola Moto G 5G Plus’s Snapdragon 765 5G, fabricated on a 7nm process, offers a performance advantage over the HTC Desire 20+'s Snapdragon 720G (8nm). The 765 features a Kryo 475 Prime core alongside a Kryo 475 Gold core, providing a more robust architecture for demanding tasks. While both CPUs have six Kryo 465/475 Silver cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, the 765’s prime core provides a noticeable boost in single-core performance. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

Both the HTC Desire 20+ and Motorola Moto G 5G Plus achieve an endurance rating of 114 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Moto G 5G Plus supports 20W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4), while the Desire 20+ is limited to 15W QC4. This faster charging speed on the Moto G 5G Plus means significantly less time tethered to a wall outlet, offering a more convenient user experience. A full charge from 0-100% will be noticeably quicker on the Motorola device.

Buying Guide

Buy the HTC Desire 20+ if you prioritize a brand with a long history in mobile and are looking for the most affordable 5G experience, accepting a slight performance compromise. Buy the Motorola Moto G 5G Plus if you value a more powerful processor for smoother multitasking and gaming, coupled with faster charging capabilities, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 765 in the Moto G 5G Plus get noticeably warmer than the Snapdragon 720G during prolonged gaming?
While both chipsets are efficient, the Snapdragon 765, being more powerful, *can* generate more heat under sustained load. However, the 7nm process node helps mitigate this, and Motorola's thermal management design will play a crucial role. Expect slightly warmer temperatures on the Moto G 5G Plus during intensive gaming, but likely not to the point of significant throttling.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on both phones a sign of poor camera performance?
Not necessarily. It suggests both manufacturers are targeting casual users who prioritize convenience over advanced photography features. While you shouldn't expect flagship-level image quality, both phones should be capable of taking decent photos in good lighting conditions. The Snapdragon 765's ISP in the Moto G 5G Plus may offer a slight edge in image processing.
❓ How does Motorola's software update policy compare to HTC's for these devices?
Historically, Motorola has a less consistent track record for software updates compared to HTC. While both companies have improved in recent years, Motorola's updates can sometimes be delayed or limited in scope. HTC, while not always the fastest, generally provides more predictable updates for its devices.