Motorola Moto G (2023) vs. Edge (2023): Which Motorola Phone Wins?

Motorola's 2023 lineup presents a clear choice: the ultra-affordable Moto G (2023) offering 5G connectivity at a low price point, versus the more premium Motorola Edge (2023) focusing on faster charging and a more capable processor. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing affordability and basic 5G connectivity, the Motorola Moto G (2023) is the better choice. However, the Motorola Edge (2023) justifies its higher price with significantly faster 68W charging and a more powerful Dimensity 7030 chipset, benefiting users who demand quicker top-ups and smoother multitasking.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G (2023) Motorola Edge (2023)
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, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, May 022023, October 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, May 25Available. Released 2023, October 11
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, aluminum frame, silicone polymer back (eco leather)
Dimensions164 x 75 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.95 x 0.33 in)158.4 x 72 x 7.6 mm (6.24 x 2.83 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)168 g (5.93 oz)
 Water-repellent design-
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzP-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G610 MC3
OSAndroid 13, planned upgrade to Android 14Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.4, (wide), 1/1.5", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
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/6e/k/v/r, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging15W wired68W wired 15W wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4400 mAh
Misc
ColorsInk BlueEclipse Black
ModelsXT2313-
Price$ 56.55$ 189.95

Motorola Moto G (2023)

  • Significantly more affordable
  • 5G connectivity at a budget price
  • Acceptable performance for basic tasks

  • Slow 15W charging
  • Less powerful processor
  • Likely limited gaming capabilities

Motorola Edge (2023)

  • 68W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • More powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7030 chipset
  • Smoother multitasking and app performance

  • Higher price point
  • May not justify the cost for basic users
  • Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load

Display Comparison

While both devices likely feature LCD panels given their price points, detailed display specs are unavailable. The focus here is on performance. The Moto G (2023) will likely prioritize maximizing screen-on time, while the Edge (2023) may offer slightly better color accuracy due to its higher tier positioning. Bezels are expected to be comparable, reflecting the budget-conscious nature of both devices.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, it's difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Edge (2023) is likely to feature a more capable main sensor, benefiting from its higher price bracket. Motorola often prioritizes software processing, so image quality will depend heavily on algorithms. The presence of 68W charging suggests a focus on all-day usability, implying a need for a decent camera to capture those moments. The Moto G (2023) will likely suffice for casual photography, but won't compete in low-light conditions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Edge (2023) utilizes the MediaTek Dimensity 7030, fabricated on a more efficient 6nm process compared to the Moto G (2023)'s Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm). This translates to better power efficiency and sustained performance. The Dimensity 7030’s Cortex-A78 cores (2x2.5 GHz) offer a significant architectural advantage over the Kryo 460 cores (2x2.2 GHz) in the Snapdragon 480+, resulting in faster app loading and smoother multitasking. The Snapdragon 480+ is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with graphically intensive games. The Edge's chipset will provide a noticeably more responsive experience.

Battery Life

The Motorola Edge (2023) boasts a significant advantage with its 68W wired charging, capable of rapidly replenishing the battery. The Moto G (2023)'s 15W charging is comparatively slow. While battery capacity isn't specified, the Edge's faster charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. Users who frequently find themselves needing a quick top-up will greatly benefit from the Edge's charging speed. The Edge also adds 15W wireless charging, a feature absent on the Moto G (2023).

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto G (2023) if you need a reliable, budget-friendly 5G smartphone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light communication. Buy the Motorola Edge (2023) if you prioritize fast charging, smoother performance for demanding apps, and are willing to spend more for a more refined user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 7030 in the Edge (2023) get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7030 is a capable chipset, but its thermal performance will depend on Motorola's cooling solution. While the 6nm process is more efficient than the 8nm Snapdragon 480+, sustained gaming could lead to some throttling to prevent overheating. Expect performance to dip slightly after prolonged use, but it will still outperform the Moto G (2023) in these scenarios.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Moto G (2023) realistically usable for daily charging?
15W charging is slow by today's standards. While it will charge the phone overnight, users who frequently need a quick top-up will find it frustratingly slow. Plan to charge the Moto G (2023) overnight or during extended periods of inactivity.
❓ Does the Motorola Edge (2023) support fast charging with all USB-PD chargers?
Motorola typically supports USB-PD (Power Delivery) for its fast charging. However, to achieve the full 68W charging speed, you'll need a charger specifically rated for that wattage and compatible with Motorola's TurboPower charging protocol. Using a standard USB-PD charger may result in slower charging speeds.