Motorola Moto G53 vs Moto G51 5G: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

Motorola continues to deliver compelling budget smartphones, and the Moto G53 and G51 5G are prime examples. Both offer 5G connectivity and a focus on value, but which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Moto G53 edges out the G51 5G thanks to its slightly brighter display and potentially faster charging (depending on region). Both offer similar performance and battery life, making the G53 a marginally better choice for most users seeking a budget 5G experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G53 Motorola Moto G51 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA & AP, ChinaHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe, Asia, Saudi Arabia
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42 - EMEA & AP1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43 - Europe/Asia
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - EMEA & AP1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe/Asia
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - China1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - China
Launch
Announced2022, December 152021, November 03
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, December 15Available. Released 2021, December 16
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2 mm (6.41 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.71 x 3.01 x 0.36 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight183 g (6.46 oz)208 g (7.34 oz)
 Water-resistant designWater-repellent design
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 13, planned upgrade to Android 14Android 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 RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro)-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED 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)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60/240fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm or 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm13 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 Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD/Adaptive
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radio (market/region dependent)FM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-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
Charging18W wired (China, LATAM) 10W wired (International) Reverse wired20W wired (India) 10W wired (Global)
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsInk Blue, Arctic Silver, Pale PinkIndigo Blue, Bright Silver, Aqua Blue
ModelsXT2335-2XT2171-2, XT2171-1
Price$ 295.00 / £ 143.15About 210 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 123h Endurance rating 124h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1746:1 (nominal) Contrast ratio: 1634:1
Loudspeaker -26.0 LUFS (Very good) -28.3 LUFS (Average)
Performance AnTuTu: 314195 (v9) GeekBench: 1594 (v5.1), 1797 (v6.0) GFXBench: 29fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 302859 (v9) GeekBench: 1696 (v5.1) GFXBench: 26fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Motorola Moto G53

  • Slightly brighter display
  • Potentially faster charging (region dependent)
  • Modern design

  • Charging speed varies by region
  • Camera performance unknown

Motorola Moto G51 5G

  • Reliable Motorola experience
  • Solid battery life
  • Potentially faster charging (India)

  • Slightly dimmer display
  • Charging speed varies by region
  • Camera performance unknown

Display Comparison

The Moto G53 boasts a slightly higher contrast ratio (1746:1 vs 1634:1) and a marginally brighter display (599 nits vs 595 nits). While the difference is subtle, the G53's display offers a bit more vibrancy and visibility in bright conditions. Both phones likely feature an FHD+ resolution and a similar refresh rate (likely 120Hz, based on typical Moto G series specs).

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is difficult to definitively assess without detailed testing. Both phones are advertised as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, suggesting a standard camera setup. Expect a primary sensor, likely a 50MP sensor based on typical Moto G series specs, and potentially ultrawide and macro lenses. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing and sensor size.

Performance

Both devices share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset and Octa-core CPU. Expect similar performance in everyday tasks, app usage, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but both should handle typical usage without significant issues. RAM and storage configurations will likely vary by region.

Battery Life

Battery life is remarkably similar, with both phones achieving an endurance rating of 123-124 hours. This suggests comparable battery capacity (likely around 5000mAh) and efficient power management. Charging speeds differ; the G53 offers 18W (China/LATAM) or 10W (International) wired charging, while the G51 5G offers 20W (India) or 10W (Global) wired charging. The G53's faster charging (in some regions) is a slight advantage.

Buying Guide

The Moto G53 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly better display and potentially faster charging. The Moto G51 5G is a great option for those seeking a reliable budget 5G phone with a solid battery and a familiar Motorola experience, especially if the 20W charging is available in your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference in charging speed between the Moto G53 and G51 5G?
The Moto G53 offers 18W charging in some regions (China/LATAM) and 10W in others (International), while the Moto G51 5G offers 20W in India and 10W globally. Check your region's specifications.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?
Both phones have 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera performance requires testing. Expect a standard camera setup with a primary sensor, likely around 50MP, and potentially ultrawide and macro lenses.