Lenovo's Moto G5 Plus is the latest in a line of bang-for-buck budget phones, dating back to when Google owned Motorola. Let's see how the features and specs of the Moto G5 Plus compare to those of its flagship sibling, the modular Moto Z.
Size
Dimensions aren't radically different, with the Moto G5 Plus coming in at 2-percent shorter, 1-percent narrower and 87-percent thicker.
Keep in mind, though, that the Moto Z's razor-thin depth measurement includes the phone only without any of its modular backplates attached. Also note that the G5 Plus has a curved back, and its depth measures only the thickest point.
Weight
Without any mods attached to the Moto Z, the G5 Plus comes out 14-percent heavier.
Build
Motorola took a step in the premium-build direction this year, as the Moto G5 Plus steps away from its all-plastic predecessors with some aluminum onboard.
Colors
You have two or three color options for each phone, though the Moto Z can get a different look and color depending on which mod(s) you snap onto its back.
Modular build
Speaking of which, the Moto Z takes a unique and simple approach to modularity, with built-in magnets that snap various attachments into place on the back of the phone.
Our favorite mod was the simplest: a battery. But there are also options for a camera with optical zoom, a JBL speaker, a projector and a car-mount dock. There are also functionless mods that add a different material or color to the phone.
Display size
The Moto G5 Plus' screen is about 11-percent smaller than the Moto Z's.
Display resolution
Being a budget phone, the G5 Plus naturally gets a lower-res (but still sharp) 1080p display, compared to the ultra-sharp QHD screen on the Z.
Display type
Motorola went with IPS over AMOLED in its mid-ranged phone.
Processor
The G5 Plus has a mid-ranged (but still capable) Snapdragon 625, while the Moto Z uses Android's early-2016 high-end silicon.
RAM
Depending which storage tier you choose for the G5 Plus, you get either 2 GB or 4 GB of RAM.
Storage
Internal storage options are identical.
microSD
Both also have a microSD slot.
Camera megapixels
Camera resolutions are similar, though we'd be surprised if the mid-ranged G5 Plus' camera were as good as the Z's high-end one.
Camera aperture (rear)
The Moto G5 Plus does, however, have a slightly wider aperture. This can often mean better low-lit photography.
OIS
Lenovo left Optical Image Stabilization out of the G5 Plus.
Battery
The Moto G5 Plus has a 15-percent bigger (higher-capacity) battery, which, when combined with its lower-resolution screen, could bode well for battery life.
Remember, though, that the Moto Z gives you the option of snapping on a battery mod for a big boost (at cost).
Fast charging
Both have quick-charging tech baked in.
Water resistance
Both have some light water resistance, but neither has a significant IP rating.
Fingerprint sensor
Both have fingerprint sensors below their screens.
NFC
One compromise in the cheaper Moto G5 Plus is a lack of NFC, which means no Android Pay.
Software
Both run mostly-stock versions of Android Nougat.
Release
The G5 Plus launches this month, while the Z was introduced last (Northern) summer, so it may be due for an update announcement within 3-4 months.
Starting price (full retail)
Motorola keeps pushing the boundaries of how good a $200-300 phone can be, and the Moto G5 Plus looks like it could raise that bar higher. Stay tuned for more in our full review.
For more, you can check out New Atlas' MWC hands-on with the Moto G5 Plus (and its Moto G5 twin, which won't be sold in the US) and our full review of the Moto Z.
