Motorola Moto G51 5G review

Competition

The sub-€250 price category is fairly populated, but only a handful of competitors offer 5G connectivity, which opens up an opportunity for the Moto G51. The device also rights some wrongs of other Moto handsets in the past by bumping up the screen resolution, using an up-to-date chipset and offering a high refresh rate screen. That's why we will start this section with the few 5G-enabled alternatives and then move onto the non-5G options that are worth considering over the Moto G51 5G.

The Samsung Galaxy A22 5G is one of the first devices to spring to mind as it has an adequate Dimensity 700 5G chipset, big 6.6-inch IPS display and a familiar and well-received One UI on board. The two devices are comparable, but the Moto G51 takes the lead with a smoother (120Hz vs. 90Hz) and brighter display, slightly longer battery life and overall better photography stills in almost all scenarios.

It's not as clear-cut when put against the Realme 8 5G, though. Despite the Realme 9 family right around the corner, the 8 5G is a relevant suggestion that goes for anything between €200 and €250. No high refresh rate and there's no ultrawide camera (which isn't a big omission as you saw in the review), the Realme 8 5G may still win over some users with its faster Dimensity 700 5G chipset, similar battery life, faster charging and arguably better camera capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy A22 5G • Realme 8 5G • Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro • Xiaomi Redmi Note 10

If 5G isn't a priority, however, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro remains unrivaled around these parts. It sells for around €250 (or lower if you shop around) and it's just better equipped for the job. It has a superior 120Hz IPS display protected by Gorilla Glass 6, features a proper IP53 certification against dust and splash, a blazing-fast Snapdragon 860 chipset, higher base storage (128GB), better photography skills, a set of stereo speakers, faster charging and comparable battery endurance. This phone really is a no-brainer in the mid-€250 segment.

Another Xiaomi-made handset is also worth considering - Redmi Note 10. The successors are already upon us, but it's still a device worth the mention with €230 price tag. It's snappier, it's built around a bright OLED display, charges faster and takes better photos.

Verdict

Overall, the Moto G51 is a well-balanced 5G solution, especially if it makes its way to the US market. There are only a few 5G-enabled options in this price range, so the G51 sits comfortably in that spot. That is, of course, in case 5G is top-priority.

Sadly, 5G still isn't a thing in most countries, so if you are willing to "settle" for the 4G LTE network for the next couple of years, other models might accommodate your needs better.

The long battery life, the big, bright and smooth display and the adequate camera performance are nice to have, but they aren't enough to make the G51 stand out.

Pros

• Big, bright, high refresh rate screen.
• Water-repellent design and comfortable ergonomics.
• Excellent battery life.
• Adequate camera performance for the most part.
• Clean Android experience.

Cons

• Slow charging (at least on the 10W model).
• Can't record 4K videos, subpar 1080p quality.
• There are considerably more powerful alternatives out there.
• Supplied USB cable can't be used for USB data transfers, just charging.
• Right side overcrowded with buttons, sub-optimal placement.