Motorola Moto G (2024) vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

The Motorola Moto G (2024) aims to deliver a solid Android experience at an accessible price point, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus attempts to disrupt the mid-range with a focus on design and faster charging. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best balance of features and performance for your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset and 50W charging significantly outperform the Moto G (2024)'s Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and 18W charging, justifying the potential price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G (2024) Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 711, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, March 122024, July 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, March 21Available. Released 2024, August 03
Body
BuildGlass front, silicone polymer back (eco leather), plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.4 x 75 x 8.2 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.32 in)161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight194 g (6.84 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.5 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 700 nits (typ), 1100 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G610 MC4
OSAndroid 14Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 4GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm50 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.76"
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes, 360˚
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired50W wired, 50% in 21 min, 100% in 56 min
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSage GreenBlack, Grey
ModelsXT2417-4, XT2417-1A142P
Price$ 59.03€ 269.90 / ₹ 22,599

Motorola Moto G (2024)

  • More affordable price point
  • Reliable Qualcomm chipset
  • Clean Android experience (typically)

  • Slower charging speed (18W)
  • Less powerful processor
  • Likely lower display brightness

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

  • Faster Dimensity 7350 Pro processor
  • Significantly faster 50W charging
  • Brighter and potentially higher-quality display

  • Higher price tag
  • Nothing OS may not appeal to all users
  • Potential for software quirks

Display Comparison

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1097 nits, compared to an assumed lower peak brightness on the Moto G (2024) given its market positioning. This brightness advantage translates to better outdoor visibility. While panel technology isn't specified for the Moto G (2024), the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus likely utilizes an AMOLED panel, offering superior contrast and color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be comparable, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's design language may offer a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs for the Moto G (2024), a direct comparison is limited. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is expected to feature a more sophisticated camera system, likely with a larger main sensor and improved image processing capabilities. The aperture and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) presence on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will be crucial for low-light photography, areas where the Moto G (2024) is likely to struggle. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit to most users.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro, built on a 4nm process, offers a substantial performance leap over the Motorola Moto G (2024)’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm). The Dimensity 7350 Pro’s CPU configuration – 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 – is demonstrably faster than the Moto G’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically intensive games. The 4nm node also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. While RAM specifications are missing for both, the Dimensity 7350 Pro benefits from faster memory controllers, further enhancing performance.

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus shines in battery and charging. Its active use score of 16:34h indicates excellent battery life, likely due to the efficient Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset. Crucially, the 50W wired charging – reaching 50% in 21 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes – is a significant advantage over the Moto G (2024)’s slower 18W charging. While the Moto G (2024)'s battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto G (2024) if you need a reliable, affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and aren't concerned with demanding gaming or rapid charging. Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, longer battery life under load, and the convenience of significantly quicker charging speeds – even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7350 Pro, built on a 4nm process, is generally known for its thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during demanding tasks, the 4nm node and Nothing's thermal management design should prevent significant throttling, allowing for sustained performance during gaming.
❓ How does the 18W charging on the Motorola Moto G (2024) compare to the 50W charging on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus in real-world usage?
The difference is substantial. 18W charging will take considerably longer to fully charge the Moto G (2024), potentially requiring over two hours. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s 50W charging can reach 100% in under an hour, offering significantly more convenience for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Moto G (2024) be sufficient for playing popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, with its Dimensity 7350 Pro, will provide a smoother and more visually appealing gaming experience at higher settings.