MWC 2017 saw the launch of a lot of new, cutting-edge flagship phones like the LG G6 or the Huawei P10 Plus.
However, some Android OEMs have chosen to focus on the middle range category – at least for the first part of 2017. Nokia and Motorola are two notable players that just released mid-range smartphones which seem to borrow a few premium qualities from their more expensive brothers.
In 2017 middle-range devices are getting a lot more advanced – at least in some areas. and in what follows we are going to compare the Nokia 6 and Motorola Moto G5 Plus and show you the differences between them, so you can decide which one is better suited for your needs. Let’s begin:
Design & Display
5.5-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution vs 5.2-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution
403ppi vs 424 ppi
The Nokia 6 features a spacious 5.5-inch display that’s just borderline phablet territory. The phone is made out of a block of aluminum and features diamond cut edges, so it looks quite stylish. As for the Moto G5 Plus – the device features a smaller display with the same 1080p resolution, just like the Nokia 6.
Compared to the Moto G4 bunch, Motorola has completely overhauled the design which now focuses on a premium metal finish. Both devices look very luxurious – a far cry from the middle-range devices that were available a few years back.
Computing power
Snapdragon 430 vs Snapdragon 625
Adreno 505 vs Adreno 506
3GB/4GB of RAM vs 2GB/3GB of RAM
32GB/64GB of internal storage vs 32GB of internal storage
The Nokia 6 is quite disappointing in the processor department, as it relies only on a lower-entry Snapdragon 430 processor (octa-core 1.4GHz Cortex-A53). However, the Limited Edition, Nokia 6 Arte Black does offer more RAM and storage than the Moto G5 Plus.
The Moto G5 Plus draws life from a much more decent Snapdragon 625 (octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53), so you can expect it to run smoother than the Nokia 6 – especially in the long run.
Both smartphones feature a microSD card slot – the Nokia 6 allows for memory expansion up to 256GB and so does the Moto G5 Plus.
Cameras
16MP/8MP vs 12MP/5MP
If you’re interested in buying a mid-range phone for photography reasons, the Nokia 6 will probably be a better choice. The Nokia 6 features a 16MP main camera with f/2.0, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED flash and an 8MP selfie camera wide angle lens and autof-focus.
For its part, the Moto G5 Plus has a 12MP main snapper with f/1.7, autofocus and dual-LED flash and a standard 5MP selfie camera.
Software
Android 7.1.1 Nougat vs Android 7.0 Nougat
At the presentation launch, HMD said the Nokia 6 (as well as Nokia 5, Nokia 3) will come with a very pure form of Android onboard. The company wants to ensure all its portfolio will receive timely software updates, so it has partnered up with Google to ensure this happens.
The Nokia 6 arrives with the latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat, while the Moto G5 Plus features “only” Android 7.0 Nougat. But given Motorola’s positive track record with updates, the Moto G5 Plus should be the beneficiary of all the new Android builds that might come at a later date. Motorola’s approach to Android is also very clean – something that a lot of users appreciate.
Note that both phones come with the Google Assistant onboard. So far the virtual companion has been exclusive to the Google Pixel and LG just announced the G6 will be getting it too. However, Nokia and Motorola are offering the Google Assistant on the cheap.
Battery
3,000 mAh (non-removable) vs 3,000 mAh (non-removable)
Both phones take advantage of similar battery packs. The Moto lineup is well known for delivering products with long battery life, but Nokia’s phone takes advantage of a low-power processor and has a clean Android version onboard, so it’s probably going to be quite long lasting too.
Value
$242 vs $229
The two phones feature similar price tags. The entry-level Nokia 6 with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage will retail for approximately $242, while the Nokia 6 Arte Black Limited Edition with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage will retail for $315.
As for the Moto G5 Plus, the version with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage is bound to start selling for $229.
