Motorola consistently delivers solid budget smartphones, and the Moto G22 and G42 are two of their latest contenders. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G42 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset and more efficient 6nm process. While the G22 offers a slightly larger battery, the G42's improved performance and overall efficiency make it the better choice 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 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66 - LATAM, Brazil |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 04 | 2022, June 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 04 | Available. Released 2022, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.95 x 0.33 in) | 160.4 x 73.5 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 175 g (6.17 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 (~83.9% 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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), 1/2.76", 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 | 16 MP, f/2.2, (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 | 5.0, 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) | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl White, Iceberg Blue, Cosmic Black, Mint Green | Atlantic Green, Metallic Rose |
| Models | XT2231-1, XT2231-2, XT2231-5 | XT2233-2 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Motorola Moto G22
- Slightly larger battery
- Potentially lower price
- Slower processor
- 60Hz display
- No OIS on main camera
- Less efficient chipset
Motorola Moto G42
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 680)
- 120Hz display
- OIS on main camera
- More efficient chipset
- Smaller battery (slightly)
- Charging speed may be slower in some regions
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, but the Moto G42 boasts a smoother 120Hz refresh rate compared to the G22's standard 60Hz. This results in noticeably smoother scrolling and animations on the G42. Both likely use an AMOLED panel, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the G42's higher refresh rate gives it a distinct advantage.
Camera Comparison
The Moto G42 features a 50MP main camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), which should provide better low-light performance and sharper images. The G22 also has a 50MP main camera, but lacks OIS. Both likely have similar ultrawide and macro lenses. Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the G42's OIS gives it an edge in challenging scenarios.
Performance
This is where the G42 truly shines. The Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is significantly more powerful and efficient than the Helio G37 (12nm) in the G22. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the G42. The G22 will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Moto G22 has a slightly larger 5000mAh battery compared to the G42's 4500mAh. However, the G42's more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset means it will likely offer comparable or even better battery life in real-world usage. Both phones support 20W charging, although the G22's charging speed varies by region.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Motorola Moto G22? Users prioritizing a slightly larger battery and potentially lower price point (depending on deals) might find the G22 acceptable. Who should buy the Motorola Moto G42? Anyone seeking a smoother, faster experience, better performance for everyday tasks and gaming, and a more modern chipset should opt for the G42.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Moto G42 worth the extra money compared to the G22?
Yes, the G42's significantly improved performance and 120Hz display make it worth the extra investment for most users. The Snapdragon 680 offers a much smoother and more responsive experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While the G22 has a larger battery, the G42's more efficient chipset likely results in comparable or even better real-world battery life.
