Motorola G Pure vs. Moto G Play (2021): A Detailed Budget Showdown

Looking for an affordable smartphone that gets the job done? The Motorola G Pure and Moto G Play (2021) are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Moto G Play (2021) edges out the G Pure thanks to its slightly more efficient Snapdragon chipset and generally smoother performance. While both are budget options, the Moto G Play provides a marginally better user experience, making it the recommended choice for most buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola G Pure Motorola Moto G Play (2021)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 41, 66, 71
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 -2, 4, 5, 12, 14, 30, 66
Launch
Announced2021, October 072021, January 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, October 14Available. Released 2021, January 14
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backPlastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions167.4 x 75.6 x 8.8 mm (6.59 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)166.6 x 76 x 9.4 mm (6.56 x 2.99 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)204 g (7.20 oz)
 Water-repellent designWater-repellent coating
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Adreno 610
OSAndroid 11Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single5 MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted)Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsDeep IndigoMisty Blue
ModelsXT-2163-4, XT2163-4, XT2163-6, XT2163-1, XT2163-2XT2093-3, XT2093-7, XT2093-DL, XT2093DL
Price$ 63.99 / C$ 123.00About 60 EUR

Motorola G Pure

  • Larger display
  • Potentially better call quality (carrier dependent)
  • Simple, clean software experience

  • Less powerful chipset
  • Lower overall performance
  • May feel sluggish with multiple apps open

Motorola Moto G Play (2021)

  • More efficient chipset
  • Slightly better performance
  • More modern design
  • Generally smoother user experience

  • Smaller display compared to G Pure
  • Camera performance is average
  • 10W charging is slow

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for everyday use. However, the Moto G Play (2021) might exhibit slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern panel. Expect similar brightness levels on both.

Camera Comparison

The G Pure boasts a 13MP main camera, while the Moto G Play (2021) has a 13MP main camera as well. Image quality is comparable, with both struggling in low-light conditions. The Moto G Play (2021) might offer slightly better image processing due to its newer chipset.

Performance

The Snapdragon 460 in the Moto G Play (2021) is generally more efficient and offers better performance than the Helio G25 in the G Pure. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Moto G Play. Both phones are best suited for basic tasks and light gaming.

Battery Life

Both phones feature a 5,000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Moto G Play (2021)'s more efficient chipset could translate to slightly better battery endurance in real-world usage.

Buying Guide

The Motorola G Pure is a good option for users prioritizing a larger screen and potentially slightly better call quality (depending on carrier). The Moto G Play (2021) is ideal for those seeking a bit more performance and a more modern chipset, even if it means a slightly smaller display.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Moto G Play (2021) likely has slightly better battery life due to its more efficient Snapdragon 460 chipset, although both offer all-day usage.
❓ Can I play games on these phones?
Both phones can handle basic games, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics. The Moto G Play (2021) will provide a slightly smoother gaming experience.
❓ What is the charging speed like?
Both phones use 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow. Expect a full charge to take several hours.
❓ Which phone has more RAM?
Both typically come with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, depending on the specific configuration. Check the product listing for the exact amount.