Motorola Moto G50 5G vs Nokia X100: A 5G Showdown

The world of 5G smartphones is expanding, and budget options are becoming increasingly appealing. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Motorola Moto G50 5G and the Nokia X100. Both promise 5G connectivity at an accessible price, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia X100 edges out the Moto G50 5G thanks to its slightly faster processor, better charging capabilities (QC3 support), and generally more refined software experience. While the Moto G50 5G offers competitive pricing, the X100 provides a more polished and future-proof package.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G50 5G Nokia X100
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - AustraliaHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66 - Australia1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41, 71
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Australia25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, August 252021, November 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, August 25Available. Released 2021, November 19
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame-
Dimensions167 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm (6.57 x 3.01 x 0.37 in)171.4 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm (6.75 x 3.14 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight206 g (7.27 oz)217 g (7.65 oz)
 Water-repellent design-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~78.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single-16 MP, (wide)
Triple48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30/60fpsYes
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm16 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
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, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging15W wired18W wired, QC3
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4470 mAh
Misc
ColorsMeteorite GreyMidnight Blue
ModelsXT2149-1-
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 220 EUR

Motorola Moto G50 5G

  • Affordable price
  • Clean Android experience
  • Decent 5G connectivity
  • Large display

  • Slower processor
  • Slower charging
  • Average camera performance
  • Plastic build

Nokia X100

  • Better performance
  • Faster charging (QC3)
  • Improved camera quality
  • More refined software
  • Slightly more premium feel

  • Higher price
  • LCD display (not OLED)
  • Can still experience occasional lag

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large displays, with the Nokia X100 boasting a 6.67-inch screen compared to the Moto G50 5G's 6.5-inch display. While both are LCD panels, the X100's display often exhibits slightly better color accuracy and brightness. Resolution is similar, both offering HD+ quality, which is adequate but not exceptional.

Camera Comparison

The Nokia X100 typically features a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor (48MP vs Moto G50 5G's 13MP) and potentially a dedicated macro lens. Image quality on the X100 is generally better, especially in low-light conditions, thanks to improved processing and potentially larger sensors. Both offer decent video recording capabilities.

Performance

The Nokia X100's Snapdragon 480 5G chipset generally outperforms the Moto G50 5G's Dimensity 700. The Snapdragon 480's 8nm process offers better efficiency, and the Kryo 460 cores, while individually slower than the Cortex-A76, benefit from a more balanced architecture. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the X100.

Battery Life

Both phones offer large batteries (5000mAh), providing all-day battery life. However, the Nokia X100's support for 18W fast charging (with QC3) gives it an advantage over the Moto G50 5G's slower 15W charging. This means quicker top-ups for the X100.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Moto G50 5G is ideal for users prioritizing affordability and a clean Android experience. The Nokia X100 is a better choice for those seeking a smoother performance, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better 5G speeds?
Both phones support 5G, but real-world speeds will depend on network availability and carrier support. The Nokia X100's slightly more powerful chipset *may* offer marginally better 5G performance, but the difference is likely to be minimal.
❓ Is the Motorola Moto G50 5G worth buying if I'm on a tight budget?
Yes, the Moto G50 5G remains a solid option for budget-conscious buyers. It provides 5G connectivity and a clean Android experience at a competitive price. However, be aware of its performance limitations.