Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the newer Moto G85. We’re looking at two phones from the same family but with different priorities, and I'm here to break down what that means for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Let's start with a good look at the specs, grouped into categories that make sense for practical use:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 75.8 x 9.4 mm | 161.9 x 73.1 x 7.6 mm | G85 is noticeably slimmer and lighter; more pocketable and comfortable for long use. |
| Weight | 204g | 171g | G85 is significantly lighter, improving ergonomics. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones have a standard build. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The G85 will have more scratch resistance on the screen, meaning increased longevity. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | G85 offers a slightly larger viewing area for media and games. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | G85 has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 395 PPI | The G85's higher pixel density offers a significantly sharper image. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | G85's OLED provides more vibrant colors, better contrast, and deeper blacks, an overall richer visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | G85 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations, although the difference is subtle. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | G85 provides dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight; a game-changer for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6nm) | G85’s processor generally offers better app performance and overall system speed. |
| AnTuTu Score | 389,300 | 475,000 | G85 scores higher on benchmarks, indicating faster real-world performance in day-to-day tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 | G85’s GPU tends to offer better graphical performance, particularly for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64µm pixels | 50MP f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, 1.00µm pixels | G85 has a larger sensor and larger pixels for better low-light performance and more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | 32MP f/2.4, 0.70µm pixels | G85 has a higher resolution sensor for more detailed selfies, though the G (2022) has slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | None | 8MP f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | G85 offers a wide-angle lens for versatile photography, which the Moto G (2022) lacks. |
| Portrait (depth) | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | None | G (2022) has a dedicated depth lens. The G85 will most likely use software to simulate a portrait effect. |
| Macro | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | None | G (2022) has a dedicated macro lens.The G85 does not have this lens. |
| Video Stabilization | None | Yes | G85 has a video stabilization technology which helps videos stay smoother and less shaky. |
| DXOMark Score | None | Main Score: 88; Photo: 83; Video: 109 | G85 has a Dxomark Score and is a reference for the camera performance. The G (2022) does not. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera | Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, LAF | G85 offers more advanced camera capabilities, including image stabilization and autofocus technologies. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery size, but real-world battery will be different with the different processors and screen tech. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 30W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | G85 offers much faster charging, quickly topping up the battery, and Li-Polymer batteries are more durable. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | G85 has a newer version of Android, which is more secure and offers the most recent features. |
| Wi-Fi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | G85 offers a faster WiFi connection, lower latency and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Both have similar Bluetooth specs but Moto G (2022) has more profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | G85 has better, more accurate location tracking thanks to more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM, eSIM | The G85 is better for international travelers or users who want to use multiple phone numbers. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB | 128 GB/256 GB | G85 offers considerably more internal storage. The Moto G (2022) is quite limited. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB/12 GB | G85’s higher RAM means smoother multitasking, faster app switching, and better gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | G85 has a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers and better voice recording. |
| Security & Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | G (2022) has a more advanced fingerprint sensor, faster and more reliable. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | G (2022) provides more environmental data with a barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G (2022):
- Strengths: It offers a solid, basic experience at a lower price point. It has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a dedicated macro lens, a dedicated depth lens and a barometer. It has a very comprehensive suite of Bluetooth profiles.
- Competitive Advantages: It includes a macro and depth lens for versatility.
- Trade-offs: The display is lower resolution, the processor is not as powerful, and the charging is quite slow. The lack of storage is a very limiting factor.
Motorola Moto G85:
- Strengths: The G85 is a significant upgrade with a much better display, more powerful processor, and improved cameras. It's sleeker and lighter. The inclusion of a wide angle lens and a large storage option is great.
- Competitive Advantages: The P-OLED screen and faster charging are excellent features, especially for this tier of phone. The overall performance is very noticeable over the Moto G (2022).
- Trade-offs: It's a bit more expensive, and it lacks a dedicated depth and macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G (2022) is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks (calls, texts, web browsing) and are looking for a very cheap device.
- First-Time Smartphone Users: Those new to smartphones who don't need advanced features and are comfortable with a slightly lower-resolution screen.
- Users Needing Environmental Data: The barometer provides real-time pressure readings.
Motorola Moto G85 is ideal for:
- Multimedia Lovers: People who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and want a vibrant, high-resolution display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want versatile camera options and need better low-light performance. The addition of OIS and wide angle lens will improve photo quality.
- Power Users: Users who require a smooth experience for multitasking and gaming, and need the extra RAM.
- Users on the go: Users who need faster charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you spend a lot of time watching videos or browsing, the G85's P-OLED screen is a significant upgrade.
- Do you need high performance for gaming or multitasking? If so, the G85's more powerful processor and extra RAM are essential.
- Are you willing to trade off faster charging and better screen quality for a lower price point? If budget is your top priority, the G (2022) is the more affordable option but with many trade-offs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are on a strict budget and mainly use your phone for basic tasks. Recommendation: Go for the Moto G (2022) as it is a budget friendly and reliable option.
- Scenario 2: You enjoy photography and want a phone that can handle media consumption. Recommendation: The G85 is the better choice for its advanced camera features, great display, and better performance.
- Scenario 3: You need the best possible performance for gaming and heavy multitasking. Recommendation: The G85, with its improved processor and RAM, is the better option for this use case.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Moto G85. The improvements in the display, processor, camera, and charging speed make it a much better overall package. While it comes at a higher price point, the enhanced user experience makes it worth the investment, especially for someone like me who uses the device for photography, media consumption, and productivity. The difference in screen quality alone is enough for me to go with the G85, with the added benefits of a more modern operating system and better performance, the choice is pretty clear.
