Motorola Moto G31 vs Moto G51 5G: The Ultimate Showdown

Choosing a budget-friendly Motorola can be tough! The Moto G31 and G51 5G are both solid contenders, but cater to different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is the perfect fit for your budget and lifestyle.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Moto G51 5G edges out the G31 thanks to its 5G connectivity, brighter display, and faster charging. While the G31 offers a slightly more powerful chipset for gaming, the G51's overall package makes it the better value for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G31 Motorola Moto G51 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe, Asia, Saudi Arabia
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43 - Europe/Asia
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe/Asia
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - China
Launch
Announced2021, November 182021, November 03
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 06Available. Released 2021, December 16
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.71 x 3.01 x 0.36 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight181 g (6.38 oz)208 g (7.34 oz)
 Water-repellent designWater-repellent design
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 12Android 11, upgradable to Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60/240fps
Selfie camera
Single13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm - Global or 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm - China only
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD/Adaptive
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired20W wired (India) 10W wired (Global)
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMineral Grey, Baby BlueIndigo Blue, Bright Silver, Aqua Blue
ModelsXT2173-3XT2171-2, XT2171-1
PriceAbout 120 EURAbout 210 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 124h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1634:1
Loudspeaker- -28.3 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 302859 (v9) GeekBench: 1696 (v5.1) GFXBench: 26fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Motorola Moto G31

  • Slightly more powerful chipset for gaming
  • Good battery life
  • Affordable price

  • Slower charging (10W)
  • Less bright display
  • No 5G connectivity

Motorola Moto G51 5G

  • 5G connectivity
  • Brighter display
  • Faster charging (20W in some regions)
  • More efficient chipset

  • Slightly less powerful chipset than G31
  • Price slightly higher than G31

Display Comparison

The Moto G51 5G boasts a significantly brighter display (595 nits vs. G31's likely around 400-450 nits) and a slightly better viewing experience. Both offer a 1634:1 contrast ratio, delivering deep blacks. The G51 5G's display is the clear winner here.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems for their price range. While specific camera specs are not detailed, expect similar image quality in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will likely be comparable. The G51 5G may have slight software optimizations.

Performance

The Moto G31's Helio G85 chipset offers a slight edge in raw CPU power, potentially benefiting demanding games. However, the Snapdragon 480+ 5G in the G51 5G is more efficient and benefits from 5G connectivity, making everyday tasks feel snappy. The G31's 12nm process is less efficient than the G51's 8nm.

Battery Life

Both phones boast an impressive endurance rating of 124 hours, indicating excellent battery life. The G51 5G's 20W charging (in some regions) is a significant advantage over the G31's 10W charging, allowing for faster top-ups.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Motorola Moto G31? Users prioritizing gaming performance on a tight budget. Who should buy the Motorola Moto G51 5G? Those seeking 5G connectivity, a vibrant display, and faster charging without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Moto G51 5G worth the extra money?
Yes, if 5G connectivity and faster charging are important to you. The brighter display is also a noticeable upgrade.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Moto G31 has a slightly more powerful chipset, but both phones are best suited for casual gaming rather than demanding titles.
❓ What is the difference in charging speed?
The Moto G51 5G supports 20W charging (in some regions), while the Moto G31 is limited to 10W.