Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison of the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the Motorola ThinkPhone. Buckle up, because we’re about to get into the nitty-gritty and figure out which of these two devices might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on how these numbers translate to real-world use:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 165.4 x 75.8 x 9.4 mm | 158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3 mm | The ThinkPhone is noticeably more compact, easier for one-handed use & pocketing. |
| Weight | 204g | 188.5g | ThinkPhone is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Plastic | Gorilla Glass Victus | The ThinkPhone has a more durable screen which is more scratch resistant. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very similar sizes, negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | The ThinkPhone offers a much sharper, more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 399 PPI | ThinkPhone has a clearer display with text and images looking noticeably crisper. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | ThinkPhone's P-OLED offers better colors, deeper blacks, and superior viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | The ThinkPhone delivers smoother animations and a more fluid scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The ThinkPhone is substantially brighter, making it much more usable outdoors under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | ThinkPhone offers vastly superior performance; smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 389,300 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone is significantly more powerful, noticeable in demanding tasks & gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 730 | The ThinkPhone's GPU offers much better graphics performance, particularly in gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | The ThinkPhone charges much faster, a real time-saver. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W Wireless | The ThinkPhone offers wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.00µm | The ThinkPhone's larger sensor captures more light, generally offering better photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.45, µm | ThinkPhone’s selfie camera captures higher resolution, detailed self-portraits. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, µm | Both offer comparable depth-sensing for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G 2022 can take close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle Camera | None | 13MP, f/2.4, µm | ThinkPhone captures wider scenes with the wide angle lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | ThinkPhone has superior video capabilities, especially for higher quality recordings and slow mo. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | ThinkPhone ships with a more recent Android version with updated features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The ThinkPhone supports faster, more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | ThinkPhone has the newer standard for better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | ThinkPhone uses more satellite systems, resulting in more accurate location data. |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | ThinkPhone supports two SIM cards at once. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB | 256 GB | ThinkPhone offers much more internal storage for apps, media and files. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | ThinkPhone offers improved multitasking and general speed. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | ThinkPhone offers superior audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | The side-mounted fingerprint reader on the Moto G is more comfortable. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer, Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Moto G offers additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G (2022)
Strengths: This is a budget-friendly phone offering decent performance for everyday tasks. It has a large battery and includes a macro camera for close up photography.
Competitive Advantages: Its price point is the biggest advantage, making it accessible for users on a tight budget.
Trade-offs: The lower screen resolution, basic display technology and slower processor are the main compromises made to keep costs down.
Motorola ThinkPhone
- Strengths: It excels in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and offers premium features like wireless charging and stereo speakers. It has great potential for photography, videography, multitasking, gaming, and media consumption.
- Competitive Advantages: The powerful chipset, high-resolution screen, superior camera system, and faster charging make it a top-tier device.
- Trade-offs: It is bulkier than the other phone, lacks a macro camera, and lacks some of the extra sensors like the compass.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G (2022)
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users, those needing a basic device for communication and everyday apps.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, basic photography, and media consumption.
- Recommendation: If you primarily need a phone for calling, texting, and light internet use, and don’t want to spend much, this is a reasonable option.
Motorola ThinkPhone
- Best Suited For: Power users, mobile professionals, and tech enthusiasts who require a premium experience.
- Use Cases: Demanding gaming, high-quality photography and video production, multitasking, media consumption, and anyone looking for a seamless and responsive experience.
- Recommendation: If you need top performance and premium features, and are willing to pay more for it, the ThinkPhone will be a very rewarding investment.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is Your Primary Use Case?
- Basic Usage: Moto G (2022) is sufficient and more economical.
- Demanding Usage: ThinkPhone is necessary for smooth, high-performance experiences.
- What's Your Budget?
- Budget-Conscious: Moto G (2022) is the clear choice.
- Premium Experience: ThinkPhone offers more features and a top tier performance for a higher price.
- How Much Do You Value Screen Quality and Camera Capabilities?
- Basic Display, Photo and Video Moto G (2022) is okay if you can cope with the limitations.
- High Quality Display and Media Creation: ThinkPhone offers much better photo and video quality with a much nicer display.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I Need a Reliable Phone, But I Don't Want to Break the Bank." - The Moto G (2022) is your best bet. It will cover all your basics without emptying your wallet.
- Scenario 2: "I Want the Best Possible Performance for Gaming and Multitasking." - The ThinkPhone is a no brainer. The powerful processor, higher refresh rate, and faster ram will provide you the best possible performance.
- Scenario 3: "I Love Taking Photos and Videos with my Phone." - The ThinkPhone is the superior choice. You'll have the best camera, with support for up to 8k video, along with superior image and video stabilization.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Motorola ThinkPhone. While it's certainly the more expensive option, the sheer jump in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities is too significant to ignore for someone who loves tech as much as I do.
Here's why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a powerhouse. As a tech journalist, I often juggle multiple apps, edit photos on the go, and even game occasionally. The ThinkPhone will handle all of these tasks with ease.
- Display: The P-OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate is simply gorgeous. As someone who spends a lot of time staring at my phone, the sharper resolution and vibrant colours on the ThinkPhone would be a joy for daily use.
- Camera: The larger sensor size and higher resolution video recording make a noticeable difference. I value the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos.
- Future Proofing: The ThinkPhone will be more future-proof, giving me the confidence that it will last me a few years before feeling obsolete.
- Charging Speed: The 68W fast charging is a game-changer. I need a phone that will keep up with my busy life, and being able to charge it in short bursts is a very welcome feature.
Yes, the Moto G (2022) is a perfectly good phone for its price bracket, but if you are seeking the best possible experience, the ThinkPhone is the superior choice. It ticks all the boxes for a high performance phone and if you're a tech enthusiast like me, it's just too tempting to pass on the extra capabilities.
