The Motorola Moto G9 (India) and Samsung Galaxy A31 represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The G9 prioritizes a newer Qualcomm chipset, while the A31 focuses on a larger display and established brand recognition. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G9 (India) emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset, built on a more efficient 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Galaxy A31’s 12nm Helio P65, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While both phones offer similar battery endurance, the G9’s faster 20W charging is a significant convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-A315F |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - SM-A315F |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 24. Released 2020, August 31 | 2020, March 24. Released 2020, April 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.2 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 159.3 x 73.1 x 8.6 mm (6.27 x 2.88 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| 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 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Forest Green, Sapphire Blue | Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush Blue, Prism Crush Red, Prism Crush White |
| Models | - | SM-A315F, SM-A315F/DS, SM-A315G/DS, SM-A315G, SM-A315N |
| Price | About 130 EUR | £ 139.00 / € 138.27 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.68 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 124h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.9 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 151815 (v8)
GeekBench: 5096 (v4.4), 1216 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Motorola Moto G9 (India)
- Faster Snapdragon 662 processor
- 20W fast charging
- More efficient 11nm chipset
- Display brightness likely lower than A31
- Camera specs are currently unknown
Samsung Galaxy A31
- Brighter 635 nit display
- Samsung’s One UI software
- Established brand reputation
- Less powerful Helio P65 processor
- Slower 15W charging
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A31 boasts a measured peak brightness of 635 nits, a significant advantage over the Moto G9, which lacks published brightness data but is expected to be lower. While the A31’s contrast ratio is listed as ‘Infinite’ (nominal), this is typical marketing hyperbole. Both displays are likely LCD panels, but the A31’s higher brightness makes it more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. The Moto G9’s display size isn’t specified, but the A31’s larger screen will appeal to media consumers. However, the G9’s potential for a higher refresh rate (though unconfirmed) could offer a smoother visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature ‘Photo / Video’ capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size or megapixel count. Given the price bracket, image quality will likely be similar in good lighting conditions. However, the Moto G9’s image processing, powered by the Snapdragon 662’s ISP, may offer slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction. The A31’s camera system may benefit from Samsung’s established software algorithms, but without detailed specifications, it’s difficult to definitively assess its advantage. The prevalence of low-resolution auxiliary cameras (often 2MP) on both devices suggests limited utility beyond marketing numbers.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G9’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, fabricated on an 11nm process, offers a clear architectural advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A31’s MediaTek Helio P65 (12nm). The Snapdragon 662’s Kryo 260 cores – a mix of 4x2.0 GHz Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Silver – provide a more balanced and efficient performance profile compared to the Helio P65’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. This translates to better sustained performance under load and improved power efficiency. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon’s architecture is more modern and optimized for mobile gaming and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both the Motorola Moto G9 and Samsung Galaxy A31 achieve an endurance rating of 124 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage scenarios. However, the Moto G9’s 20W wired charging significantly outperforms the Galaxy A31’s 15W charging. This means the G9 can replenish its battery much faster, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging speed of the G9 provides a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G9 (India) if you prioritize responsive performance for everyday tasks and occasional gaming, and value faster charging speeds. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A31 if a brighter display is paramount, and you prefer the Samsung ecosystem and its associated software features. The A31 is also a reasonable choice for users who heavily rely on Samsung’s One UI customizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio P65 in the Galaxy A31 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P65 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain stable performance. The Snapdragon 662 in the Moto G9 offers a more consistent gaming experience, allowing for higher settings and potentially smoother gameplay.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using for detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones produce images with limited detail and sharpness. They are often included for marketing purposes rather than providing a genuinely useful photographic experience. Expect soft, noisy images that are unlikely to be impressive.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Moto G9 with the 20W charger?
While a precise time isn't available, the Moto G9's 20W charging should fully charge the battery in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on battery capacity. This is significantly faster than the Galaxy A31's 15W charging.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A31 receive regular software updates and security patches?
Samsung generally provides more consistent software updates than many other Android manufacturers in this price range. However, the frequency and duration of updates for the A31 may be limited compared to Samsung’s flagship devices. Check Samsung’s official support page for the latest update information.
