1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 164 x 75 x 8.4 mm | Moto G (2023) is more compact and thinner, easier to handle and pocket |
| Weight | 212g | 189g | Moto G (2023) is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | Moto G 5G offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Moto G 5G has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 270 PPI | Moto G 5G has higher pixel density for a noticeably clearer image |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar display tech; no difference in color accuracy or viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G (2023) has smoother animations, which makes scrolling and gaming more fluid |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No difference, peak brightness is identical |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ | Different chipsets, but both offer similar everyday performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 380,000 | Nearly identical benchmark scores, indicating similar real-world performance |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Identical graphics performance; no difference for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 48MP, f/1.7 | Similar main camera, expected similar photo quality in good lighting |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Moto G 5G has a higher resolution selfie camera, however Moto G (2023) has a slightly wider aperture, resulting in better low-light photos |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Moto G 5G offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single shot |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro lens, similar quality for close-up shots |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G 5G records higher-resolution videos with more fps options |
| Slow-motion video | Yes, 60 fps | No, 30 fps | Moto G 5G records slow-motion video with 60fps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar all-day battery life |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Moto G 5G charges faster, minimizing downtime |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Moto G (2023) offers a more modern software with more up-to-date features |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both phones support similar WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Both phones support same Bluetooth version and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G (2023) supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Moto G (2023) offers eSIM for digital carrier switching. Moto G 5G supports using two physical SIMs simultaneously |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128 GB | Moto G (2023) offers only 128 GB variant. Moto G 5G comes in 64/128 GB variants. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB | Moto G 5G offers an option for more RAM for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G (2023) offers stereo speakers, enhancing audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G (2023) has a side mounted fingerprint scanner, which is more convenient to use. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Hall | Moto G (2023) has a Hall sensor, possibly beneficial for advanced cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution (1080x2400) and pixel density (393 PPI) for crisper visuals. This makes reading and viewing photos more enjoyable.
- Higher-Resolution Front Camera: 16MP front camera captures more detailed selfies
- Wide Angle Lens: Dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single shot. This is helpful for landscapes and group photos.
- Faster Charging: 20W charging helps you get back to full battery faster.
- More RAM: Option for 6 GB of RAM which results in smoother multitasking
- Higher Resolution Video: Supports 4K video, offering greater detail in videos.
- Slow Motion Recording: Records slow-motion videos at 60 fps.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a fluid user experience, especially in scrolling and gaming.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13, offering more up-to-date features and security.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Stereo Speakers: Offers a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.
- eSIM Support: Allows for easy switching between carriers without a physical SIM.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More convenient side-mounted sensor for unlocking the device
- Beidou Support: Supports additional satellite for location tracking
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G 5G trades a lower refresh rate and bulkier design for better screen resolution and a telephoto lens.
- The Moto G (2023) prioritizes a smoother display and lighter design over higher resolution video recording.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize a sharper display for watching videos and viewing photos.
- Photography Hobbyists: Users who want a dedicated wide-angle lens, detailed selfies and higher resolution video.
- Power Users: Users who need the option of having more RAM for multitasking.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies.
- Taking detailed photos with the wide-angle camera.
- Recording vlogs or high-quality video clips.
- Moderate multitasking.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those who value a fluid and smooth experience with a lighter, more compact phone.
- Casual Gamers: Users who want a smoother display for casual gaming and scrolling.
- Tech-Savvy Travelers: Those who need eSIM capabilities and improved location accuracy.
- Media Consumers: Users who appreciate the immersive audio experience of stereo speakers
Specific Use Cases:
- Browsing social media and websites.
- Playing casual games.
- Traveling and using GPS navigation.
- Listening to music and watching videos with the immersive audio of stereo speakers
- Users wanting to easily switch to an international plan with an eSIM.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a sharper display (Moto G 5G) or a smoother display (Moto G 2023)?
- Camera Needs: Do you need a wide-angle lens and high-resolution videos (Moto G 5G) or just a solid standard camera with a slight advantage in low light selfies?
- Portability: Is a lighter and more compact phone important to you or can you tolerate a heavier, bulkier phone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption Focused
- Recommendation: If you primarily watch videos and care about clarity, the Moto G 5G is better due to the higher screen resolution. If you prioritize smooth scrolling and sound quality, the Moto G (2023) is better due to its 120Hz refresh rate and stereo speakers.
- Scenario 2: Casual User on the Go
- Recommendation: The Moto G (2023) is the better choice due to its lighter design and eSIM capabilities for international travel, it will also offer a smoother user experience.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focused
- Recommendation: If you want to be able to capture a larger scene with your camera, the Moto G 5G's wide angle lens is a strong reason to pick that device. Otherwise the cameras on both phones are very similar.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Motorola Moto G (2023). While the Moto G 5G offers a higher resolution screen and more versatile camera system, the smoother 120Hz refresh rate, lighter design, more modern Android version, and stereo speakers of the Moto G (2023) would provide a more enjoyable user experience for me personally. While I value a great camera and high resolution screen, I prefer a phone that feels sleek, light and fast and the 2023 edition does a better job of providing that.
The inclusion of eSIM support and an additional satellite positioning system also make it a more practical device for modern usage, in addition to having a more convenient side mounted fingerprint scanner. Despite the minor trade-offs in camera flexibility, the overall package of the Moto G (2023) is a better fit for my needs and preferences.
