Motorola Moto G Play (2023) vs. Moto G Power 5G: A Head-to-Head Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G Power 5G is the clear winner for most users, offering significantly better performance and 5G connectivity. However, the Moto G Play (2023) remains a compelling option for those on a tight budget who prioritize affordability over raw power and advanced features.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G Play (2023) | Motorola Moto G Power 5G |
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 7, 12, 25, 30, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA 800 / 1900 | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 08 | 2023, April 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 12 | Available. Released 2023, April 13 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) | 163.1 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.42 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.20 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Water-repellent coating | Water-repellent design | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG BXM-8-256 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 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, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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 |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Deep Indigo | Dark Blue |
| Models | XT2271-1, XT2271-3, XT2271-5, XT2271-4 | - |
| Price | $ 54.00 / C$ 129.00 | $ 97.90 / £ 199.00 |
Motorola Moto G Play (2023)
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Clean Android experience
- Lightweight and compact
- Slow performance
- Low-resolution display
- Limited camera capabilities
- Slow charging (10W)
Motorola Moto G Power 5G
- Fast performance (Dimensity 930)
- 5G connectivity
- FHD+ display
- Excellent battery life
- Improved camera
- More expensive than G Play
- Design may be less appealing to some
- Charging speed still relatively slow (15W)
Display Comparison
The Moto G Play (2023) typically features a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent visuals for everyday use. The Moto G Power 5G usually boasts a slightly larger 6.5-inch or 6.8-inch FHD+ display, resulting in sharper images and a more immersive viewing experience. The Power 5G's higher resolution makes a noticeable difference in clarity.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer multiple rear cameras, the Moto G Power 5G generally has a more capable main sensor and image processing. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Power 5G. Both likely include macro and depth sensors, but their quality varies.
Performance
Here's where the Moto G Power 5G shines. Its Dimensity 930 chipset is considerably faster than the Helio G37 in the G Play (2023). Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Power 5G. The G Play (2023) can handle basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
The Moto G Power series is known for its exceptional battery life, and the Moto G Power 5G continues this tradition. It typically features a large 5000mAh battery, providing all-day (or even multi-day) battery life. The Moto G Play (2023) also has a decent battery, but it won't last as long under heavy use.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Motorola Moto G Play (2023)? Users seeking a very budget-friendly phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Who should buy the Motorola Moto G Power 5G? Users who want a smoother experience, faster speeds, 5G connectivity, and a longer-lasting battery for moderate to heavy usage.