The Samsung Galaxy M31 and Motorola Moto G9 Plus represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a feature-rich experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this goal. This comparison dissects their core components to reveal which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G9 Plus emerges as the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and better efficiency compared to the Samsung Galaxy M31’s 10nm Exynos 9611. The 30W fast charging is a significant benefit, offsetting the similar battery endurance ratings.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 Brazil |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 25. Released 2020, March 05 | 2020, September 07. Released 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 170 x 78.1 x 9.7 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 223 g (7.87 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~386 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (standard) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 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 (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 30W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Space Black, Red | Rose Gold, Indigo Blue |
| Models | SM-M315F, SM-M315F/DS, SM-M315F/DSN | XT2087-1 |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.69 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.48 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | C$ 885.00 | - |
| RENEWED | £ 199.00 | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 136h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1356:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.0 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 253105 (v8)
GeekBench: 1695 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy M31
- Large display size
- Potential Samsung ecosystem benefits
- 128GB storage with 6GB RAM
- Less efficient Exynos 9611 chipset
- Slower 15W charging
- Limited display detail in specifications
Motorola Moto G9 Plus
- More efficient Snapdragon 730G chipset
- Faster 30W charging
- Higher peak display brightness
- Camera specifications lack detail
- May not appeal to Samsung ecosystem users
- No information on RAM type (LPDDR4x assumed)
Display Comparison
Both devices offer large displays, but the Moto G9 Plus boasts a measured peak brightness of 522 nits, providing better visibility in direct sunlight. While both share a 1356:1 contrast ratio, the overall viewing experience on the G9 Plus is likely more vibrant due to the more efficient panel. The Galaxy M31’s display specifications are less detailed, leaving room for potential compromises in color accuracy or viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but lack specific details for a meaningful comparison. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. However, given Motorola’s generally strong image processing algorithms and the G9 Plus’s more modern chipset, it’s likely to offer better dynamic range and low-light performance. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the M31 is unlikely to provide significant value, as these sensors typically lack the resolution and detail needed for compelling macro photography.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G9 Plus’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G (8nm) significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M31’s Exynos 9611 (10nm). The 8nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved thermal efficiency, translating to sustained performance during demanding tasks. The Snapdragon 730G’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver – is optimized for a balance of power and efficiency, while the Exynos 9611’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration, while boasting higher clock speeds on the prime cores, is less efficient. This difference will be most noticeable in gaming and resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
Both the Samsung Galaxy M31 and Motorola Moto G9 Plus achieve an endurance rating of 136 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life. However, the Moto G9 Plus’s 30W wired charging is a game-changer. This allows for significantly faster charging times compared to the Galaxy M31’s 15W charging, reducing downtime and providing greater convenience. While both phones offer all-day battery life for moderate users, the G9 Plus’s faster charging provides a crucial advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M31 if you prioritize a large display and are heavily invested in the Samsung ecosystem, potentially benefiting from software features and integration. Buy the Motorola Moto G9 Plus if you value performance, faster charging, and a more modern chipset architecture, making it ideal for users who frequently game or multitask.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy M31 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611, built on a 10nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling compared to the Snapdragon 730G’s 8nm architecture. While it can handle casual gaming, extended sessions with graphically demanding titles may result in reduced performance due to overheating.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Moto G9 Plus compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
While the Moto G9 Plus supports 30W charging, it utilizes Motorola’s proprietary TurboPower technology. While it may work with some PD chargers, optimal charging speeds are best achieved with the included Motorola charger or a charger specifically designed for TurboPower.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 730G handle multitasking compared to the Exynos 9611?
The Snapdragon 730G’s CPU architecture and more efficient process node allow for smoother multitasking. The combination of Kryo Gold and Silver cores provides a better balance between performance and power consumption, resulting in fewer stutters and faster app switching.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Galaxy M31 worth considering for close-up photography?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited image quality. The low resolution and small sensor size result in images lacking detail and sharpness. It's unlikely to provide a significant improvement over using the main camera in standard photo mode.
