Motorola Moto S50 vs vivo X100 Ultra: Which Android Flagship Reigns Supreme?

The Motorola Moto S50 aims to deliver a compelling mid-range experience with a focus on efficiency, while the vivo X100 Ultra represents a no-compromise flagship, boasting the latest Snapdragon silicon and a premium feature set. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and a top-tier display, the vivo X100 Ultra is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and significantly brighter display justify the higher price. However, the Moto S50 offers a solid experience at a more accessible price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto S50 vivo X100 Ultra
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bandsSA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, September 052024, May 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, September 05Available. Released 2024, May 28
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer (eco leather) backGlass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions154.1 x 71.2 x 8.1 mm (6.07 x 2.80 x 0.32 in)164.1 x 75.6 x 9.2 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight170 g (6.00 oz)229 g (8.08 oz)
Display
Resolution1272 x 2670 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~517 ppi density)
Size6.36 inches, 103.5 cm2 (~94.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO P-OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 3000 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR, 3000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G615 MC2Adreno 750
OSAndroid 14Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, OriginOS 5
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, LED flash, panorama, HDR, 3D LUT import
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.5", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.0, 73mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, PDAF50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/0.98", 1.6µm, dual pixel PDAF, gimbal OIS 200 MP, f/2.7, 85mm (periscope telephoto), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 3.7x optical zoom, macro 3.4:1 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 0.7µm50 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LHDC
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging68W wired, 50% in 13 min 15W wireless80W wired, PD, PPS, QC, UFCS 30W wireless Reverse wired Reverse wireless
Type4310 mAhSi/C Li-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsNautical Blue, Latte, PoincianaTitanium, White, Grey
ModelsXT2309-5V2366GA, V2366HA
PriceAbout 280 EURAbout 980 EUR

Motorola Moto S50

  • More affordable price point
  • Decent performance for everyday tasks
  • Respectable 68W wired charging

  • Significantly less powerful chipset
  • Likely inferior display quality
  • Limited camera capabilities compared to the X100 Ultra

vivo X100 Ultra

  • Top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance
  • Exceptionally bright and likely LTPO display
  • Fast 80W wired and 30W wireless charging with reverse charging

  • Higher price tag
  • Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load (requires further testing)
  • Larger size and weight

Display Comparison

The vivo X100 Ultra’s display immediately stands out with a measured peak brightness of 1801 nits, offering exceptional visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Moto S50’s display specs are not provided, it’s likely to be significantly dimmer. The X100 Ultra’s panel likely utilizes LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, conserving battery life while maintaining smooth visuals – a feature not confirmed for the Moto S50. The X100 Ultra’s superior brightness will be particularly beneficial for outdoor use and HDR content consumption.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the Moto S50, a direct comparison is limited. However, the vivo X100 Ultra is expected to feature a more sophisticated camera system, likely including a larger main sensor and advanced image processing capabilities. The X100 Ultra’s image processing will likely prioritize detail and dynamic range, while the Moto S50 will likely focus on providing a balanced, all-around camera experience. The X100 Ultra’s superior processing power will also enable faster image capture and more advanced computational photography features.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Motorola Moto S50 utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm), while the vivo X100 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s CPU configuration – 1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, and 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520 – represents a significant architectural leap over the Moto S50’s 4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to substantially faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance on the X100 Ultra, particularly in demanding applications and games. While both are 4nm chips, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 benefits from Qualcomm’s advanced manufacturing process and optimizations.

Battery Life

The vivo X100 Ultra boasts an impressive active use battery score of 12:55h, indicating excellent battery life. The Moto S50 offers 68W wired charging, reaching 50% in 13 minutes, and 15W wireless charging. The X100 Ultra counters with 80W wired charging (supporting PD, PPS, QC, UFCS) and 30W wireless charging, alongside reverse wired and wireless charging capabilities. While the Moto S50’s charging speed is respectable, the X100 Ultra’s faster wired and wireless charging, combined with its longer battery life, provides a more convenient and versatile charging experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto S50 if you need a reliable daily driver with decent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, and value affordability. Buy the vivo X100 Ultra if you demand the absolute best in processing power, a stunning display, and are willing to pay a premium for a flagship experience geared towards power users and content creators.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 7300 in the Moto S50 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 7300 is a capable chip, it will likely require reduced graphics settings and frame rate caps in demanding titles like Genshin Impact to maintain a smooth and consistent gaming experience. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the X100 Ultra will handle these games with ease at maximum settings.
❓ How does the charging speed of the vivo X100 Ultra compare to other flagship phones?
The X100 Ultra’s 80W wired charging is competitive with other flagship phones, though some brands offer faster charging speeds (100W+). However, the X100 Ultra’s support for multiple charging protocols (PD, PPS, QC, UFCS) ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers and accessories.
❓ Is the reverse wireless charging on the vivo X100 Ultra useful for charging accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the reverse wireless charging feature is quite useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While it's not as fast as dedicated chargers, it provides a convenient way to charge these devices on the go without needing a separate power source.