Motorola Moto G50 5G vs Moto G31: The Ultimate Budget Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G50 5G takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster processor and 5G connectivity. While the G31 boasts a slightly better camera in some scenarios and a potentially more vibrant display, the G50's performance advantage makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G50 5G | Motorola Moto G31 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Australia | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66 - Australia | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Australia | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 25 | 2021, November 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 25 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 167 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm (6.57 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Water-repellent design | Water-repellent design | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Meteorite Grey | Mineral Grey, Baby Blue |
| Models | XT2149-1 | XT2173-3 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Motorola Moto G50 5G
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Charging (15W)
- Generally smoother performance
- LCD Display (less vibrant than AMOLED)
- Camera slightly less impressive than G31 in some scenarios
- Design can feel a bit basic
Motorola Moto G31
- AMOLED Display (vibrant colors, deep blacks)
- Slightly better main camera in some conditions
- More affordable (typically)
- Slower Processor (Helio G85)
- No 5G
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Performance can lag with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, but the G31 often has a reputation for slightly more vibrant colors due to its AMOLED panel (vs. the G50's LCD). Resolution is generally similar (FHD+), so sharpness isn't a major differentiator. The G31's AMOLED also offers better contrast and deeper blacks.
Camera Comparison
The G31 generally has a slightly better main camera sensor, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality in good lighting conditions. Both phones offer a similar camera setup with ultrawide and macro lenses. Low-light performance is comparable, but the G31 might have a slight edge. Video recording capabilities are similar on both.
Performance
This is where the G50 5G shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Helio G85 in the G31. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the G50 5G. The G31 is adequate for everyday tasks, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones offer decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. The G31's 10W charging is significantly slower than the G50 5G's 15W charging, meaning longer charging times.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Moto G50 5G is ideal for users who prioritize speed, future-proofing with 5G, and smoother multitasking. The Moto G31 is a good fit for those who value camera quality and a potentially more visually appealing display, and are less concerned about blazing-fast performance or 5G.