The Motorola Moto G Fast and Samsung Galaxy A14 represent compelling options in the sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their underlying hardware, particularly in chipset choice. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for various user profiles.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing consistent, if not blazing-fast, performance and a simpler software experience, the Motorola Moto G Fast is the better choice. However, the Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos 850 variant, offers a more modern chipset and faster charging, making it suitable for those who value future-proofing and quicker top-ups.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 05. Released 2020, June 12 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm (6.37 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.4 g (6.67 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | - | Unspecified |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl White | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | XT2045-3 | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Motorola Moto G Fast
- Proven Snapdragon 665 chipset offers reliable performance.
- Clean Android experience with minimal bloatware.
- Potentially better thermal management under sustained loads.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Older chipset may struggle with demanding apps.
- Display specifications are unknown.
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Faster 15W charging.
- Exynos 850 variant offers a more modern and efficient chipset.
- Larger display size for enhanced media consumption.
- Helio G80 variant may experience thermal throttling.
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource-intensive.
- 2MP macro camera offers limited utility.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The Galaxy A14’s larger screen size is a benefit for media consumption, but the Moto G Fast’s display specifics are unavailable. The lack of high refresh rates on either device is expected at this price point. Color accuracy and peak brightness are likely similar, leaning towards adequate rather than impressive.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. The Galaxy A14’s main sensor specifications are unavailable, but it’s reasonable to assume it’s a 13MP or 50MP sensor. The Moto G Fast’s camera details are also missing. Both will likely struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the Galaxy A14 is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit. Image processing will likely favor Samsung’s typically vibrant style, while Motorola aims for a more natural look.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Moto G Fast’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm) is a proven performer, but its age shows. Its octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) provides a balanced approach. The Galaxy A14 presents a split: the Helio G80 (12nm) and the Exynos 850 (8nm). The Exynos 850, built on a smaller 8nm process, offers a significant architectural advantage in terms of power efficiency and potential performance. The Helio G80 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) is a capable chip, but the Exynos 850’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance. The Snapdragon 665 will likely exhibit more consistent performance under sustained loads, while the Helio G80 may experience more thermal throttling. The Exynos 850 aims to bridge the gap.
Battery Life
Both phones offer all-day battery life, but the charging speeds differ. The Moto G Fast is limited to 10W wired charging, resulting in a longer 0-100% charge time. The Galaxy A14’s 15W wired charging provides a noticeable improvement, reducing charging times. While the Galaxy A14’s battery capacity is unknown, the faster charging speed is a significant advantage for users who frequently need to top up their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G Fast if you need a reliable daily driver with predictable performance for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. It’s ideal for users who prefer a clean Android experience and aren’t demanding gamers. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prefer a larger display, potentially faster processing (Exynos version), and the convenience of 15W charging. It’s a better fit for users who consume more media and appreciate Samsung’s One UI.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Galaxy A14 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 is more efficient than the Helio G80, it's still a budget chipset. Expect some thermal throttling during extended gaming, but it should be manageable for casual gaming. The Snapdragon 665 in the Moto G Fast may maintain more consistent performance over longer periods, albeit at a lower overall frame rate.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A14 worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited image quality. The small sensor size and fixed focus result in blurry, often unusable images. It's best to rely on the main camera for most photography needs.
❓ Which phone is better for streaming videos and browsing the web?
The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos 850 variant, is likely better suited for streaming and browsing due to its potentially faster processor and larger display. However, both phones should handle these tasks adequately.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Moto G Fast and Galaxy A14?
The Moto G Fast offers a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware, providing a cleaner and faster interface. The Galaxy A14 runs Samsung’s One UI, which is feature-rich but can be more resource-intensive and include pre-installed apps.
