The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Motorola One Macro and Realme 5 Pro represent two distinct approaches: Motorola prioritizing battery life and a dedicated macro camera, while Realme focuses on processing power and faster charging. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 5 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 712 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Helio P70 in the Motorola One Macro, and the 20W fast charging is a significant convenience. While the Motorola boasts slightly better battery endurance, the Realme’s overall package is more compelling.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October 09. Released 2019, October 12 | 2019, August 20. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 157.6 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.20 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 157 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm (6.18 x 2.92 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P70 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 616 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | 4035 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Blue | Crystal Green, Crystal Blue, Chroma White |
| Models | PAGS0005IN | RMX1971, RMX1973 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 430 EUR |
| SAR | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.33 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.62 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -92.1dB / Crosstalk -91.0dB |
Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -92.0dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 110h | Endurance rating 100h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1733:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1875:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 71dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 80dB |
Voice 66dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 85dB |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 139869 (v7), 159405 (v8)
GeekBench: 5763 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 182765 (v7)
GeekBench: 6106 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Motorola One Macro
- Exceptional battery life (110h endurance)
- Dedicated macro camera for close-up photography
- Competitive price point
- Slower processor (Helio P70)
- Slow 10W charging
- Less vibrant display
Realme 5 Pro
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 712)
- 20W fast charging (50% in 30 min)
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Slightly shorter battery life (100h endurance)
- No dedicated macro lens
- Potentially more expensive
Display Comparison
The Realme 5 Pro’s display offers a brighter viewing experience with a measured peak brightness of 512 nits compared to the Motorola One Macro’s 442 nits. While both displays have a nominal contrast ratio exceeding 1700:1, the higher brightness of the Realme 5 Pro translates to better visibility outdoors. Both are LCD panels, so don't expect the inky blacks of OLED, but the Realme's advantage in brightness is a tangible benefit for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature multi-camera setups, but the Motorola One Macro’s primary focus is its dedicated macro lens. However, the Realme 5 Pro’s camera system, while lacking a dedicated macro lens, benefits from the superior image signal processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 712. While both phones can capture photos and videos, the Realme 5 Pro is likely to produce more detailed and dynamic images in most scenarios. The Motorola's macro lens is a niche feature, while the Realme offers a more versatile and consistently capable camera experience.
Performance
The Realme 5 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 (10nm) significantly outperforms the Motorola One Macro’s MediaTek Helio P70 (12nm). The Snapdragon 712 utilizes a more efficient manufacturing process and a more modern CPU architecture (Kryo 360 Gold & Silver) compared to the Cortex-A73/A53 combination in the Helio P70. This results in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, particularly noticeable in demanding applications and games. The Realme 5 Pro is the clear winner for performance-sensitive users.
Battery Life
The Motorola One Macro boasts a slightly longer endurance rating of 110 hours compared to the Realme 5 Pro’s 100 hours. However, this advantage is offset by the Realme 5 Pro’s significantly faster 20W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 30 minutes. The Motorola One Macro is limited to 10W charging, resulting in a much slower charging experience. For users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery, the Realme 5 Pro’s fast charging is a game-changer.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola One Macro if you prioritize maximizing battery life above all else and frequently shoot close-up macro photography. Its 110-hour endurance rating is impressive for the price. Buy the Realme 5 Pro if you value smoother performance for gaming and everyday tasks, and appreciate the convenience of rapid 20W charging. It’s the better all-rounder for users who demand more from their smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 712 in the Realme 5 Pro get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 712 is generally efficient, but prolonged gaming will inevitably generate heat. The Realme 5 Pro's thermal management is adequate for moderate gaming, but extended, high-graphics sessions may lead to some throttling to prevent overheating. It's not a flagship-level cooling system, but it's sufficient for its price point.
❓ Is the 2MP macro lens on the Motorola One Macro actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
The 2MP macro lens on the Motorola One Macro allows for very close focusing, but image quality is limited by the small sensor size. While it can capture interesting details, expect softer images and limited dynamic range compared to the main camera on the Realme 5 Pro. It's a fun feature, but not a replacement for a high-quality main camera.
❓ How long does it *really* take to fully charge the Motorola One Macro with its 10W charger?
With its 10W charging, the Motorola One Macro will take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is significantly slower than the Realme 5 Pro's 20W fast charging, making it less convenient for users who need a quick power boost.
