The Motorola Moto G series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, but choosing between models can be tricky. We're pitting the Moto G Play (2023) against the Moto G (2022) to see which offers the best value for your money. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G (2022) is the clear winner. While the Moto G Play (2023) offers a slightly larger screen, the Dimensity 700 chipset in the Moto G (2022) provides significantly better performance and efficiency, making it a more enjoyable daily driver despite similar charging speeds.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 / 1900 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 08 | 2022, April 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 12 | Available. Released 2022, May 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) | 165.4 x 75.8 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.20 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | Water-repellent design |
| 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 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Indigo | Moonlight Gray |
| Models | XT2271-1, XT2271-3, XT2271-5, XT2271-4 | XT2213, XT2213-3 |
| Price | $ 54.00 / C$ 129.00 | $ 65.00 |
Motorola Moto G Play (2023)
- Larger display
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Clean Android experience
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging
- Lower quality camera processing
Motorola Moto G (2022)
- Faster performance
- More efficient chipset
- Better camera processing
- Modern design
- Slightly smaller display
- Still uses 10W charging
- Price slightly higher than G Play
Display Comparison
The Moto G Play (2023) boasts a larger 6.5-inch display compared to the Moto G (2022)'s 6.5-inch display. Both feature HD+ resolution, so while the Play offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience, the difference isn't drastic. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera system. The Moto G Play (2023) typically has a 50MP main sensor, while the Moto G (2022) has a 50MP main sensor as well. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Moto G (2022)'s more powerful processor allows for better image processing and low-light performance. Video recording capabilities are similar on both.
Performance
This is where the Moto G (2022) shines. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7nm process, is considerably more powerful and efficient than the Moto G Play (2023)'s Helio G37 (12nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Moto G (2022). The Play will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Both devices offer a respectable battery life, typically around 5000mAh. However, the Moto G (2022)'s more efficient chipset means it will likely last longer on a single charge, despite having a slightly smaller battery. Both phones share the same slow 10W wired charging.
Buying Guide
The Moto G Play (2023) is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and basic functionality on a very tight budget. The Moto G (2022) is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, faster performance for apps and games, and a more modern chipset, even if it means a slightly smaller screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Moto G Play (2023) good for gaming?
The Moto G Play (2023) can handle basic games, but don't expect smooth performance with 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 couple of years, but the Moto G (2022)'s newer chipset might give it a slight edge in terms of future compatibility.
