Motorola Moto G23 vs Moto G42: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

The Motorola Moto G series consistently delivers excellent value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Moto G23 and the Moto G42. Which one offers the best bang for your buck?
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Moto G23 boasts a faster chipset and quicker charging, making it a better performer overall. However, the Moto G42’s more efficient 6nm processor and potentially better display (depending on panel type) offer a compelling alternative for those prioritizing efficiency and a potentially smoother visual experience. It's a close call!

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G23 Motorola Moto G42
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe, AP/MEAHSDPA 800 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66 - LATAM, Brazil
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - AP/MEA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - India
Launch
Announced2023, January 242022, June 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, January 24Available. Released 2022, June 28
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2 mm (6.41 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)160.4 x 73.5 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight184.3 g (6.49 oz)175 g (6.17 oz)
 Water-resistant designWater-repellent design
Display
ProtectionPanda glass-
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak)AMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 610
OSAndroid 13, planned upgrade to Android 14Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)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)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired18W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMatte Charcoal, Pearl White, Steel BlueAtlantic Green, Metallic Rose
ModelsXT2333-1XT2233-2
PriceAbout 80 EURAbout 170 EUR

Motorola Moto G23

  • Faster Processor (Helio G85)
  • Faster Charging (30W)
  • Potentially Higher Refresh Rate Display (120Hz)
  • Larger Screen (6.6 inches)

  • Less Efficient Chipset (12nm)
  • Likely IPS LCD Display
  • Potentially Lower Battery Life than G42

Motorola Moto G42

  • More Efficient Chipset (6nm)
  • Potentially AMOLED Display (Superior Colors & Contrast)
  • Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on Main Camera
  • Compact Design

  • Slower Processor (Snapdragon 680)
  • Slower Charging (18W)
  • Potentially Lower Refresh Rate Display (90Hz)

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, but the Moto G42 is rumored to have an AMOLED panel, offering superior contrast and vibrant colors compared to the G23's likely IPS LCD. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both. The G42 might also have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs G23's 120Hz, though this is unconfirmed for the G23).

Camera Comparison

The Moto G23 typically features a 50MP main camera, while the Moto G42 often includes a 50MP main camera with OIS. Both likely have ultrawide and macro lenses. Image quality will depend on software processing and sensor size, but the G42's OIS could provide better low-light performance and more stable videos.

Performance

The Moto G23's Helio G85 chipset generally outperforms the Snapdragon 680 in raw processing power, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. The G85's octa-core architecture and 12nm process, while less efficient, provides a noticeable speed boost. The G42's 6nm Snapdragon 680 is more power-efficient, potentially leading to better battery life despite the lower performance.

Battery Life

Both phones have a 5000mAh battery. However, the Moto G42's more efficient 6nm chipset gives it a potential edge in battery life, despite the slower 18W charging. The Moto G23's 30W charging offers significantly faster top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Moto G23 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and fast charging, especially those who enjoy gaming or multitasking. The Moto G42 is a great choice for users who value battery life, a potentially better display, and a more compact design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Moto G23 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset.
❓ Does the Moto G42 have a better camera?
The Moto G42 potentially has a better camera due to the inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which improves low-light performance and video stability.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While both have a 5000mAh battery, the Moto G42's more efficient 6nm chipset *could* lead to slightly better battery life, but it charges slower.
❓ Is the Moto G23 worth the extra cost?
If performance is a priority, the Moto G23's faster processor and quicker charging make it worth the extra cost. If you value display quality and battery efficiency, the Moto G42 is a strong contender.