The Motorola Moto G series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, but with so many options, choosing the right one can be tricky. We're pitting the Moto G (2022) against the Moto G Play (2023) to see which offers the best value for your money. Let's dive in!
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G (2022) takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster processor and smoother overall performance. While the Moto G Play (2023) boasts a larger battery, the G (2022)'s superior chipset makes it the better choice for most users seeking a responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 22 | 2022, December 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 19 | Available. Released 2022, December 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 75.8 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 204 g (7.20 oz) | 203 g (7.20 oz) |
| | Water-repellent design | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Gray | Deep Indigo |
| Models | XT2213, XT2213-3 | XT2271-1, XT2271-3, XT2271-5, XT2271-4 |
| Price | $ 65.00 | $ 54.00 / C$ 129.00 |
Motorola Moto G (2022)
- Faster Processor
- Better Performance
- Sharper Display
- Generally Better Camera
- Smaller Battery than G Play (2023)
- 10W Charging is Slow
Motorola Moto G Play (2023)
- Longer Battery Life
- Larger Display (potentially)
- Affordable Price
- Slower Processor
- Lower Resolution Display
- Less Responsive
Display Comparison
The Moto G (2022) typically features a 6.5-inch FHD+ display, offering sharper visuals and a more immersive viewing experience. The Moto G Play (2023) often has a slightly larger, but lower resolution display (likely HD+), which can result in a less crisp image. Both offer a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera system, but the Moto G (2022) generally has a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. Expect slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, from the G (2022). Both likely offer similar ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
This is where the Moto G (2022) shines. Its Dimensity 700 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Helio G37 in the Moto G Play (2023). Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the G (2022). The G Play (2023) will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Moto G Play (2023) often packs a larger battery (typically 5000mAh) compared to the Moto G (2022). This translates to longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more for moderate users. However, the slower processor in the G Play (2020) can partially offset this advantage.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Moto G (2022) is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother user experience, even on a budget. The Moto G Play (2023) is best suited for those who heavily value battery life and are less concerned with raw processing power, or those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calls and messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Moto G Play (2023) good for gaming?
The Moto G Play (2023)'s Helio G37 chipset is adequate for very basic games, but don't expect smooth performance in demanding titles. The Moto G (2022) is a much better choice for gaming.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Motorola generally provides timely software updates. Both phones will likely receive Android updates for a reasonable period, but the Moto G (2022) might get updates for slightly longer due to its more modern chipset.
