Motorola Moto G51 5G vs Moto G42: The Ultimate Budget Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G51 5G takes the lead with its 5G connectivity and significantly brighter display. However, the Moto G42 boasts a more efficient chipset and a potentially better camera experience. Ultimately, the G51 5G is better for those prioritizing speed and brightness, while the G42 excels in efficiency and potentially camera quality.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Motorola Moto G42 |
| 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 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43 - Europe/Asia | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66 - LATAM, Brazil |
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - China | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - India | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 03 | 2022, June 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 16 | Available. Released 2022, June 28 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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) | 160.4 x 73.5 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 208 g (7.34 oz) | 175 g (6.17 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 (~83.9% 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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), 1/2.76", 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 | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 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) | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Indigo Blue, Bright Silver, Aqua Blue | Atlantic Green, Metallic Rose |
| Models | XT2171-2, XT2171-1 | XT2233-2 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 170 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 (595 nits)
- Potentially Faster Performance
- Excellent Battery Life (124h Endurance)
- Variable Charging Speed (10W-20W)
- Camera Performance Uncertain
Motorola Moto G42
- Efficient Snapdragon 680 Chipset
- Potentially Better Camera Software
- Sleek Design
- Good Battery Life
- No 5G Connectivity
- Less Bright Display
- Slightly Slower Performance
Display Comparison
The Moto G51 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 595 nits, significantly outshining the G42. Its 1634:1 contrast ratio is also impressive. The G42's display is likely adequate but won't offer the same vibrancy or visibility in bright sunlight. Both phones likely feature similar resolution (FHD+), but the G51's brightness is a key differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is a bit more nuanced. While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities (specific megapixels are missing), the G42's Snapdragon 680 is often paired with better camera software optimization. The G51 5G's camera is likely decent, but the G42 might offer slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Both likely feature a main sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens.
Performance
The Moto G51 5G's Snapdragon 480+ 5G offers a noticeable performance edge over the G42's Snapdragon 680 4G, especially when considering 5G connectivity. While both are budget chipsets, the 480+ generally handles multitasking and demanding apps slightly better. The G42's 6nm process offers better power efficiency, though.
Battery Life
The Moto G51 5G's endurance rating of 124h is exceptional, suggesting excellent battery life. The G42, with its more efficient Snapdragon 680, likely also provides solid battery life, though potentially not quite as impressive as the G51 5G. Charging speeds are a drawback for both, with the G51 5G varying between 10W and 20W depending on the region, and the G42 at 18W.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Motorola Moto G51 5G? Users who want 5G connectivity, a brighter display for outdoor use, and a generally faster experience. Who should buy the Motorola Moto G42? Those prioritizing battery efficiency, a potentially better camera, and a slightly more refined design.