Motorola Moto G Play (2023) vs. Moto G Power (2022): A Head-to-Head Comparison

Motorola's G-series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with essential features. The Moto G Play (2023) and Moto G Power (2022) are two contenders in this space, both offering budget-friendly options. But which one reigns supreme for your needs?
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Moto G Power (2022) generally edges out the G Play (2023) due to its larger battery and often slightly better software support. While the G Play (2023) might offer minor improvements in display or design, the Power's longevity and value proposition make it the stronger choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G Play (2023) Motorola Moto G Power (2022)
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, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71 - USA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA 800 / 1900 -
Launch
Announced2022, December 082021, November 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, December 12Available. Released 2022, February 22
Body
BuildPlastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in)167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight203 g (7.20 oz)203 g (7.16 oz)
 Water-repellent coatingWater-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 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)-
ChipsetMediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320-
OSAndroid 12Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR
Triple16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.65µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 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), accelerometer, proximity, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsDeep IndigoBlack
ModelsXT2271-1, XT2271-3, XT2271-5, XT2271-4-
Price$ 54.00 / C$ 129.00About 70 EUR

Motorola Moto G Play (2023)

  • Potentially more compact design
  • May have slightly newer software
  • Likely more modern aesthetic

  • Smaller battery life
  • Potentially less versatile camera
  • Similar performance to G Power

Motorola Moto G Power (2022)

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Larger display for media
  • Generally better camera system
  • Often better value for money

  • Older design
  • May receive software updates for a shorter period

Display Comparison

The Moto G Power (2022) typically features a larger 6.5-inch display compared to the G Play (2023)'s likely smaller screen (around 6.1-6.2 inches). Both likely use an HD+ resolution, so image quality won't be a major differentiator. The Power's larger size offers a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

The Moto G Power (2022) generally boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially a macro lens. The G Play (2023) might have a slightly improved front-facing camera, but overall, the Power's camera setup is likely superior.

Performance

Both phones share the same Mediatek Helio G37 chipset. Expect similar performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing speeds or demanding gaming capabilities from either device. RAM and storage configurations will vary, potentially impacting multitasking performance.

Battery Life

This is where the Moto G Power (2022) truly shines. It's known for its massive battery capacity (typically 5000mAh or greater), providing exceptional battery life. The G Play (2023) will have a smaller battery, resulting in shorter usage times.

Buying Guide

The Moto G Play (2023) is ideal for users prioritizing a compact design and potentially a slightly more modern aesthetic, and who don't heavily rely on extended battery life. The Moto G Power (2022) is perfect for those who need a phone that can last all day (or even longer) on a single charge and appreciate a larger display for media consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Moto G Play (2023) worth the upgrade from an older Moto G?
It depends on your current phone. If you have a very old Moto G, the G Play (2023) will offer improvements. However, if you have a recent G-series phone, the upgrade might not be significant.
❓ How long does the Moto G Power (2022) battery last?
The Moto G Power (2022) can easily last a full day on a single charge, and often longer with moderate usage. Some users report getting 2-3 days of battery life.