Motorola Moto G51 5G vs Moto G31: The Ultimate Budget Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G51 5G takes the lead thanks to its 5G connectivity, brighter display, and more powerful chipset. However, the G31 remains a solid choice for those prioritizing a slightly more refined camera experience and a lower price point. Ultimately, 5G and a better screen make the G51 the better overall value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Motorola Moto G31 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe, Asia, Saudi Arabia | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43 - Europe/Asia | 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/Sub6 - Europe/Asia | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - China | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 03 | 2021, November 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 16 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.71 x 3.01 x 0.36 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 | 208 g (7.34 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Water-repellent design | Water-repellent design | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | AMOLED |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 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) | 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@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm - Global or 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm - China only | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD/Adaptive | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 20W wired (India) 10W wired (Global) | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Indigo Blue, Bright Silver, Aqua Blue | Mineral Grey, Baby Blue |
| Models | XT2171-2, XT2171-1 | XT2173-3 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 120 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 G51 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Brighter Display
- More Powerful Chipset
- Excellent Battery Life
- Higher Contrast Ratio
- Charging speed varies by region (10W or 20W)
- Camera might not be as refined as G31
Motorola Moto G31
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Slightly more compact design (likely)
- Generally lower price
- No 5G connectivity
- Less powerful chipset
- Lower display brightness
- Slower charging
Display Comparison
The Moto G51 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 595 nits compared to the G31's likely lower brightness (typical of its generation). The 1634:1 contrast ratio on the G51 5G also suggests richer blacks and better overall image quality. Both phones likely feature similar resolution and panel type (IPS LCD), but the G51 5G's brightness advantage is noticeable.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer decent camera setups, the Moto G31 is often praised for its slightly better image processing and color accuracy. The G51 5G's camera is still capable, but the G31 might edge it out in certain scenarios, particularly in good lighting conditions. Both likely feature a main sensor around 50MP, but the G31's software optimization is a factor.
Performance
The Snapdragon 480+ 5G in the Moto G51 5G offers a noticeable performance boost over the Helio G85 in the Moto G31. The 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the G51 5G. Gaming performance will also be better on the G51 5G.
Battery Life
The Moto G51 5G's endurance rating of 124h is exceptional, suggesting outstanding battery life. The Moto G31, while still offering good battery performance, likely falls short of this figure. The G51 5G's more efficient chipset also contributes to its superior battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Moto G51 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity, a brighter display for comfortable viewing, and a smoother overall experience. The Moto G31 is a good fit for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize camera quality and a slightly more compact design.