Motorola Moto G (2023) vs Nothing Phone (2a) - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date May 25, 2023 March 12, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 103.32 cm³ 106.1 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.44 "/g 3.53 "/g
Weight 189 g 190 g
Height 164 mm 161.7 mm
Width 75 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Ink Blue
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White
  • Milk

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.7 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2412
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.9 % 87.6 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 394 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 700 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 1100 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1300 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 48.39 mAh/cm³ 47.12 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) Octa-core (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 619 Mali-G610 MC4

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 14
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G (2023)Nothing Phone (2a)Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)164 x 75 x 8.4161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6Virtually identical in size; negligible real-world difference.
Weight (g)189190Negligible weight difference; both feel similarly substantial.
Build MaterialsNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability without this information.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCDAMOLEDAMOLED offers significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially brighter colors, leading to a more vibrant viewing experience.
Display Size (inches)6.56.7Slightly larger screen on the Nothing Phone (2a) provides more immersive content consumption.
Resolution720 x 16001080 x 2412Much sharper and more detailed visuals on the Nothing Phone (2a) due to higher resolution. Noticeably clearer text and images.
Refresh Rate (Hz)120120Both offer smooth scrolling and animations thanks to the high refresh rate.
HDRNoHDR10+Nothing Phone (2a) supports HDR content, resulting in a wider dynamic range and more realistic visuals in supported content.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 480+ 5GDimensity 7200 ProDimensity 7200 Pro is significantly more powerful, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz)Octa-core (2x2.8 GHz & 6x2.0 GHz)Faster clock speeds on the Nothing Phone (2a) translate to improved responsiveness and overall speed.
RAM (GB)412More RAM on the Nothing Phone (2a) allows for significantly better multitasking and prevents apps from closing in the background as frequently.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)4850While megapixels aren't everything, the Nothing Phone (2a) likely benefits from a larger sensor (specified) and advanced features, potentially leading to better image quality.
OISNoYesOptical Image Stabilization on the Nothing Phone (2a) significantly improves low-light photography and video stability.
Video Recording1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@120fpsNothing Phone (2a) offers much higher resolution video recording and slow-motion capabilities.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Similar battery capacity; real-world battery life will depend on software optimization and usage patterns.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G (2023) Advantages:

  • Potentially Lower Price: While pricing can vary, the Moto G series is generally known for its affordability.

Nothing Phone (2a) Advantages:

  • Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 7200 Pro, coupled with more RAM, offers a substantially smoother and faster user experience.
  • Superior Display: The AMOLED display with HDR10+ support provides a vastly improved visual experience.
  • Enhanced Camera Features: OIS, higher resolution video recording, and a potentially larger sensor offer more versatility and better image/video quality.
  • More Up-to-Date Software: Ships with a newer Android version and longer promised software updates.
  • NFC for contactless payments: A crucial feature missing in the Moto G (2023).

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G (2023): Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic communication (calls, texts, web browsing) and light app usage. Not recommended for demanding tasks like gaming or photography.

Nothing Phone (2a): Users who value performance, a high-quality display, a capable camera, and up-to-date software. Suitable for demanding tasks, gaming, media consumption, and mobile photography.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? The Moto G (2023) is likely more affordable.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? For basic tasks, the Moto G might suffice. For demanding tasks, the Nothing Phone (2a) is necessary.
  3. How important are display quality, camera features, and long-term software updates? The Nothing Phone (2a) excels in these areas.

My Choice: Nothing Phone (2a)

The Nothing Phone (2a) is the clear winner for me. The significantly improved performance, superior display, enhanced camera, NFC functionality, and the promise of longer software updates outweigh the potential price difference. While the Moto G (2023) might be acceptable for extremely budget-conscious users with basic needs, the Nothing Phone (2a) offers a much more compelling overall package for a moderately higher price, delivering a vastly superior user experience in almost every aspect. The difference in chipset and RAM alone would make a huge difference in day-to-day usage, making the Nothing Phone (2a) a much more future-proof choice.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.