Samsung Galaxy M32 5G vs Motorola Moto G51 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Contenders

The Samsung Galaxy M32 5G and Motorola Moto G51 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$250 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this, focusing on varying strengths in chipset architecture, display characteristics, and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a slightly more refined software experience, the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 720, built on a 7nm process, offers a performance edge over the Motorola Moto G51 5G’s Snapdragon 480+, despite the latter’s slightly higher clock speeds.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy M32 5G Motorola Moto G51 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe, Asia, Saudi Arabia
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 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, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 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 / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - China
Launch
Announced2021, August 252021, November 03
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 02Available. Released 2021, December 16
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.36 in)170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.71 x 3.01 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight205 g (7.23 oz)208 g (7.34 oz)
 -Water-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 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5Android 11, upgradable to Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
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)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30/60/240fps
Selfie camera
Single13 MP, f/2.2, (wide)13 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 YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD/Adaptive
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging15W wired20W wired (India) 10W wired (Global)
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSlate Black, Sky BlueIndigo Blue, Bright Silver, Aqua Blue
ModelsSM-M326B, SM-M326B/DSXT2171-2, XT2171-1
PriceAbout 220 EURAbout 210 EUR
SAR0.48 W/kg (head)-
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 124h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1634:1
Loudspeaker- -28.3 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 302859 (v9) GeekBench: 1696 (v5.1) GFXBench: 26fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy M32 5G

  • Potentially better sustained performance due to 7nm Dimensity 720
  • Established Samsung software ecosystem
  • Likely better image processing in challenging lighting

  • Slower 15W charging
  • Likely lower peak display brightness

Motorola Moto G51 5G

  • Brighter 595 nit display for outdoor visibility
  • Faster 20W charging (India) / 10W (Global)
  • Cleaner, near-stock Android experience

  • Snapdragon 480+ may throttle under sustained load
  • Potentially less refined software features

Display Comparison

Both the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G and Motorola Moto G51 5G share a contrast ratio of 1634:1, indicating similar levels of black depth and color vibrancy. However, the Moto G51 5G distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 595 nits, significantly exceeding what’s typically found in this price bracket. This translates to superior visibility under direct sunlight. While the M32 5G’s panel specifications aren’t explicitly stated, it’s likely to offer lower peak brightness. The G51’s brightness advantage is particularly beneficial for outdoor photography and video consumption.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer a 'Photo / Video' camera experience, but lack detailed specifications in the provided data. Given the market segment, we can assume both rely on primary sensors around the 48MP-50MP range. The Motorola Moto G51 5G’s brighter display could aid in framing shots, but without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, a definitive camera comparison is impossible. It’s reasonable to expect similar image quality in good lighting conditions, with the M32 potentially offering slightly better dynamic range due to Samsung’s image processing expertise. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and unlikely to deliver significant photographic value.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7nm), while the Motorola Moto G51 5G features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm). Despite the Snapdragon 480+ having slightly higher peak CPU clock speeds (2.2 GHz vs 2.0 GHz on the M32’s Cortex-A76 cores), the Dimensity 720’s more efficient 7nm fabrication process and Cortex-A76 cores generally translate to better sustained performance and thermal management. The 8nm Snapdragon 480+ may show a slight edge in single-core tasks, but the Dimensity 720 is likely to outperform in multi-threaded workloads and gaming. Both phones feature adequate RAM for their price point, but the chipset is the limiting factor.

Battery Life

Both the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G and Motorola Moto G51 5G boast an endurance rating of 124 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, charging speeds differ significantly. The Moto G51 5G supports 20W wired charging (in India) and 10W globally, while the M32 5G is limited to 15W. This means the G51 can potentially recharge faster, offsetting any slight battery capacity differences. The faster charging is a tangible benefit for users who frequently find themselves needing a quick top-up.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming and multitasking without significant throttling, and value a brand with a more established software ecosystem. Buy the Motorola Moto G51 5G if you prioritize long battery life and a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and prefer a cleaner, near-stock Android experience. The G51 is also a better choice for those who frequently use their phone in direct sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 720 in the Galaxy M32 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 720’s 7nm process generally provides good thermal efficiency. While it may get warm during extended gaming, it’s less prone to significant throttling compared to the Snapdragon 480+ in the Moto G51 5G, allowing for more consistent frame rates over longer periods.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the global version of the Moto G51 5G a significant drawback?
Yes, the 10W charging is considerably slower than the 20W option available in India and the M32 5G’s 15W. Expect significantly longer charging times, potentially taking over 3 hours for a full charge from 0%.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G and Motorola Moto G51 5G?
The Galaxy M32 5G runs Samsung’s One UI, which offers a feature-rich experience but can be more resource-intensive. The Moto G51 5G provides a near-stock Android experience, known for its simplicity, speed, and quicker software updates.
❓ Will either phone struggle with common tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming?
Neither phone should struggle with everyday tasks. Both chipsets are capable of handling these workloads smoothly. The difference will be more noticeable during demanding applications like gaming or video editing.