Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the newer Moto G04s. I've analyzed the specs, and here's a breakdown of what each phone offers and how they stack up in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-19 | 2024-04-29 | The G04s is the newer device by nearly two years, potentially offering more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 165.4 × 75.8 × 9.4 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | The G04s is slightly smaller and noticeably thinner, leading to better ergonomics and portability. |
| Weight | 204g | 178.8g | The G04s is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Both are very close in size; the difference will be imperceptible for most users. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Nearly identical resolution, meaning similar visual clarity. |
| PPI | 270 | 269 | Similar pixel density; screen sharpness will be comparable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar LCD display technology with wide viewing angles and accurate colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both have a smoother 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness specs not available, meaning that display may be hard to view in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | The Dimensity 700 on the Moto G offers significantly more processing power (7nm vs 12nm), making it faster for apps, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 389,300 | 220,000 | The Moto G scores significantly higher, indicating notably better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Moto G's GPU is more powerful, giving it an advantage in gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 1/2.76" 0.64µm | 50MP f/1.8 1/2.76" 1.00µm | Both have identical 50MP sensors and the Moto G04s has 1.00 µm, whereas the Moto G has 0.64µm which will improve the photos in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 1.12µm | 5MP f/2.2 1.12µm | The Moto G's 13MP front camera will capture much more detailed selfies than the G04s's 5MP option. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | The Moto G has an additional depth sensor for portrait mode, enhancing background blur effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | The Moto G has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No EIS | 1080p@30fps, Yes EIS | Both record at 1080p, but the G04s offers electronic image stabilization, resulting in smoother videos. |
| Slow-motion | No | 120 fps | The G04s features slow-motion capabilities, giving you more creative shooting options. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO, Exposure, Scene, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Digital Image Stabilization, OIS, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO, Exposure, Scene, Self-timer | The G04s has more advanced camera features like digital image stabilization and laser autofocus, enhancing photo quality and usability. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Identical battery capacity should provide similar battery life. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 15W fast charging | The G04s has faster charging, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Motorola Moto G (2022) uses Li-Ion while Motorola Moto G04s uses Li-Polymer. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The G04s has a newer version of Android which will offer the latest features and improved security and privacy updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support similar WiFi standards; The G04s additionally supports dual-band connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | The Moto G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, potentially leading to better power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | The G04s has more satellite systems, increasing the accuracy of location services. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | The G04s supports two SIM cards, which is useful for travel or separating work and personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB | 64/128/256 GB | The G04s has variants that offer significantly more storage, accommodating larger media libraries and apps. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 4GB | The Moto G has more RAM, facilitating better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage, which is a major limitation. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos | The G04s has a slight edge in audio features offering enhanced spatial audio |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The G04s has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The Moto G has additional compass and barometer sensors, offering better orientation and atmospheric data. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G (2022)
- Strengths: Strong performance with the Dimensity 700 chipset, higher RAM for multitasking, better front-facing camera, dedicated macro and depth cameras, and a compass and barometer.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior processor and RAM, a more versatile camera setup, and advanced sensors.
- Trade-Offs: Older Android OS and the device is heavier and thicker than the G04s.
Motorola Moto G04s
- Strengths: Newer Android OS, a lighter and thinner design, faster charging, improved video stabilization, more storage variants, and a more robust GPS and audio system.
- Competitive Advantages: More ergonomic design, and more versatile video stabilization and audio features, and better screen protection.
- Trade-Offs: Significantly less powerful processor and GPU, lower RAM, and less detailed selfie camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Moto G (2022): Best for users who prioritize performance and camera versatility. This phone is ideal for casual gamers, moderate multitaskers, and those who appreciate having an advanced camera system with a better selfie camera and dedicated macro/depth sensors.
- Moto G04s: Suited for users focused on aesthetics, battery life, and a more modern user experience. Ideal for day-to-day use, watching videos, and those who value lighter devices, a newer Android OS, and enhanced audio features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
What matters more to you: smooth performance or a sleek design?
- If you prioritize smooth performance and multitasking, choose the Moto G (2022).
- If you value a lighter, sleeker design and a modern OS, go with the Moto G04s.
How important is camera versatility to you?
- If you want a good quality front-facing camera and are looking for macro and depth features, the Moto G (2022) is the better option.
- If you're fine with a basic setup, and prefer better video stabilization, the G04s will work well for everyday photos and videos.
Do you need lots of internal storage, or is 64GB enough?
- If you need lots of storage, the G04s is the only option with up to 256 GB.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual Gamer: Moto G (2022) due to its superior processing power and GPU.
- Daily Commuter: Moto G04s for its lighter design, faster charging, and better GPS for navigation.
- Social Media Enthusiast: Moto G (2022) for the better front-facing camera.
- Budget-Conscious Shopper: Consider the Moto G04s, especially if you can find it in the 128 or 256 GB storage options.
My Choice:
If I were to choose, I would lean towards the Moto G (2022), despite its slightly older OS and heavier design. The significantly superior performance offered by the Dimensity 700 chipset is the major selling point for me as a tech journalist and frequent user of resource-heavy apps. The extra RAM, versatile camera, and additional sensors also seal the deal. However, if a lightweight design and a newer OS is what I was after the Moto G04s is the better option.
