The Vodafone Smart Ultra 6 and Motorola Moto G (3rd generation) were both popular budget smartphones offering solid value. But which one truly reigns supreme? We're diving deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Vodafone Smart Ultra 6 edges out the Moto G3 thanks to its octa-core processor, offering noticeably better performance for multitasking and demanding apps. While the Moto G3 boasts impressive battery life, the Ultra 6's overall speed and slightly better display make it the winner.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - XT1541 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 20 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - XT1541 |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17, 25, 26, 41 - XT1548 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, June. Released 2015, June | 2015, July. Released 2015, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.06 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 142.1 x 72.4 x 11.6 mm (5.59 x 2.85 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 159 g (5.61 oz) | 155 g (5.47 oz) |
| | - | IPX7 water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.1 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 405 | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 5.0.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2470 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Black, White |
| Models | Smart ultra 6 | XT1541, XT1540, XT1548, Moto G3 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.06 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.60 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -91.5dB / Crosstalk -92.6dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 76h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1009:1 (nominal), 2.026 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 75dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 75dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark X: 1866 |
Vodafone Smart ultra 6
- Faster Octa-Core Processor
- Slightly Better Performance
- Potentially Better Image Processing
- Shorter Battery Life
- Less Readily Available Display Specs
- Potentially Less Durable Build
Motorola Moto G (3rd gen)
- Exceptional Battery Life (76h Endurance)
- Good Outdoor Display Visibility
- Reliable and Consistent Camera
- Slower Quad-Core Processor
- Less Powerful for Demanding Tasks
- Older Hardware
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.0-inch 720p (HD) display, offering decent clarity for everyday use. The Moto G3's contrast ratio of 1009:1 (nominal) and 2.026 (sunlight) is impressive, providing good visibility even in bright conditions. The Vodafone Smart Ultra 6's display is likely comparable, though specific contrast ratio data is less readily available. Overall, the Moto G3 has a slight edge in outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally comparable. Both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions. The Moto G3's camera is known for its reliable and consistent results. The Vodafone Smart Ultra 6's camera might offer slightly better detail due to the more powerful processor assisting in image processing, but this is not a significant difference. Low-light performance on both is average for the price range.
Performance
Here's where the Vodafone Smart Ultra 6 shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 (octa-core) significantly outperforms the Moto G3's Snapdragon 410 (quad-core). The Ultra 6's eight cores provide more processing power for smoother multitasking, gaming, and running demanding applications. The Moto G3 is perfectly adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with heavier workloads.
Battery Life
The Moto G3 is the clear winner in battery life. Its endurance rating of 76 hours is exceptional, allowing for multiple days of use on a single charge. The Vodafone Smart Ultra 6's battery capacity is likely smaller, resulting in shorter battery life, though still respectable for a smartphone.
Buying Guide
The Vodafone Smart Ultra 6 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother user experience, even on a budget. The Moto G3 is a great choice for those who value exceptional battery life and a reliable, straightforward Android experience, especially if they're light users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Vodafone Smart Ultra 6 worth buying in 2024?
While it's an older device, the Ultra 6's performance can still be useful for basic tasks. However, newer budget phones offer significantly better specs and features at a similar price.
❓ How does the Moto G3's battery life compare to modern smartphones?
The Moto G3's 76-hour endurance rating was exceptional for its time. Modern smartphones often offer similar or better battery life, but it still stands out as a highlight of the G3.
