Motorola's G-series consistently delivers excellent value. The Moto G52 and G42 are two compelling options in the budget smartphone space, but which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G52 edges out the G42 thanks to its faster 30W charging and potentially a slightly better display (though this is often debated). Both share the same capable Snapdragon 680 chipset, making the charging speed the key differentiator for most users. Ultimately, the G42 remains a strong contender, especially if price is a major factor.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66 - LATAM, Brazil |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | 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, April 12 | 2022, June 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.1 x 74.5 x 8 mm (6.30 x 2.93 x 0.31 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 |
| Weight | 169 g (5.96 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| | Water-repellent design | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13 | Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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) | 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 |
|---|
| 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, with stereo speakers | 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 | 30W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Gray, Porcelain White | Atlantic Green, Metallic Rose |
| Models | XT2221-1, XT2221-2 | XT2233-2 |
| Price | About 470 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Motorola Moto G52
- Faster 30W Charging
- Potentially Brighter AMOLED Display
- Sleek Design
- 120Hz Refresh Rate
- No OIS on Main Camera
- Price Slightly Higher than G42
- May lack some regional availability
Motorola Moto G42
- 50MP Main Camera with OIS
- More Affordable
- Good Value for Money
- Solid Performance
- Slower 18W Charging
- IPS LCD Display (potentially less vibrant)
- Design less premium than G52
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, but the G52 is rumored to have a slightly brighter AMOLED panel, while the G42 uses an IPS LCD. While both offer a 120Hz refresh rate, the G52's AMOLED could provide better contrast and color accuracy. However, real-world differences can be subtle.
Camera Comparison
The Moto G42 boasts a 50MP main camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), which is a significant advantage for sharper photos and videos, especially in low light. The G52 has a 50MP main camera as well, but lacks OIS. Both phones include ultrawide and macro lenses, but image quality will depend on software processing and lighting conditions.
Performance
Sharing the same Snapdragon 680 chipset and octa-core CPU, both phones offer similar performance for everyday tasks, browsing, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds, but they're more than capable for the average user. RAM and storage configurations may vary by region.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the G52's 30W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the G42's 18W charging. This is a crucial factor for users who value quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Moto G52 is ideal for users who prioritize faster charging and potentially a more vibrant display. It's a good choice for those who frequently use their phone throughout the day and need a quick power boost. The Motorola Moto G42 is a great option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a reliable and capable smartphone with a good camera and solid performance. It's perfect for everyday tasks and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Moto G52's AMOLED display worth the extra cost?
It depends on your priorities. If you value vibrant colors and deep blacks, the AMOLED display is a noticeable upgrade. However, the G42's IPS LCD is still perfectly adequate for most users.
❓ Which phone is better for photography?
The Moto G42 is generally better for photography due to its OIS, which helps reduce blur and improve low-light performance. The G52's camera is still capable, but lacks this key feature.
