Motorola consistently delivers reliable budget smartphones, and the Moto G22 and G31 are prime examples. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G31 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster processor, better camera capabilities, and more efficient charging. While the G22 offers a slightly cleaner software experience, the G31's overall performance and features justify its slight price premium. It's a clear winner for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 04 | 2021, November 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 04 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.95 x 0.33 in) | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | Water-repellent design | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 103.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired (India)
15W wired (Global) | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl White, Iceberg Blue, Cosmic Black, Mint Green | Mineral Grey, Baby Blue |
| Models | XT2231-1, XT2231-2, XT2231-5 | XT2173-3 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Motorola Moto G22
- 90Hz AMOLED Display
- Clean Android Experience
- Slightly Longer Software Support (potentially)
- Weaker Processor
- Less Capable Camera
- Slower Charging
- Lower Brightness on Display
Motorola Moto G31
- Faster Processor (Helio G85)
- Better Camera with OIS
- Larger Display
- Faster Charging (10W)
- IPS LCD Display (less vibrant)
- Slightly Less Clean Android (bloatware possible)
- Potentially Shorter Software Support
Display Comparison
The Moto G22 boasts a 90Hz AMOLED display, offering smoother scrolling and vibrant colors. The Moto G31 features a 6.8-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a larger screen and potentially faster visuals, though color accuracy and contrast won't match the AMOLED.
Camera Comparison
The Moto G31 generally offers a superior camera experience. It features a 50MP main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), allowing for sharper photos and better low-light performance. The G22's camera is decent but lacks the same level of detail and stabilization.
Performance
The Moto G31's Helio G85 chipset is a noticeable upgrade over the G22's Helio G37. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the G31. The G22 is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large batteries (5000mAh), but the G31's more efficient processor and faster charging (10W vs 15/20W) give it a slight edge in overall battery life and charging speed.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Motorola Moto G22? Users prioritizing a very clean Android experience and slightly longer software support. Who should buy the Motorola Moto G31? Those seeking better performance, a more versatile camera system, and faster charging speeds, even on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Moto G31's Helio G85 chipset provides significantly better gaming performance compared to the Moto G22's Helio G37.
❓ Is the Moto G22's AMOLED display worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, the AMOLED display on the Moto G22 is a plus. However, the G31's larger IPS LCD offers a bigger screen and a 120Hz refresh rate.