Motorola Moto G 5G vs Motorola Moto G23 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 7, 2020 January 24, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 125.14 cm³ 99.66 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.16 "/g 3.53 "/g
Weight 212 g 184.3 g
Height 166.1 mm 162.7 mm
Width 76.1 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 9.9 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Frosted Silver
  • Volcanic Gray
  • Pearl White
  • Steel Blue
  • Matte Charcoal

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.7 % 83.9 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 400 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 111.38 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 39.96 mAh/cm³ 50.17 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 619 Mali-G52 MC2

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 13
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GMotorola Moto G23Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm162.7 × 74.7 × 8.2 mmMoto G 23 is more compact and easier to handle, Moto G 5G is bulkier
Weight212g184.3gMoto G23 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for long use
Display
Size6.7"6.5"Moto G 5G has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption
Resolution1080x2400720x1600Moto G 5G has a much sharper display, better for clarity
Pixel Density393 PPI270 PPIMoto G 5G has a noticeably sharper and clearer display, better for reading and detail-rich content
TechnologyIPS LCDIPS LCDSimilar display quality in terms of color reproduction and viewing angles
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzMoto G23 has smoother scrolling and animations
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth phones' brightness is not available
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)Moto G 5G offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming
AnTuTu Score390,000225,154Moto G 5G is substantially faster, noticeable in app loading, multitasking, and gaming
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G52 MC2Moto G 5G has a better GPU, providing smoother graphics for games and video editing
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhSimilar battery life for general usage
Charging20W Fast Charging, Li-Ion30W Fast Charging, Li-PolymerMoto G23 charges faster, reducing downtime
FeaturesNon-removableNon-removableBoth have non-removable batteries
Camera
Rear Main Camera48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µmMoto G23 has slightly higher resolution; Moto G 5G has wider aperture for better low light
Front Camera16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm16MP, f/2.5, 1.00µmMoto G 5G has a slightly wider aperture, better in low light
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm5MP, f/2.2Moto G 5G captures higher detail in wide-angle shots
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4Similar macro lens performance
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (with EIS), Slow-mo 60fps1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fpsMoto G 5G records higher resolution videos; Moto G23 offers faster slow motion
Camera FeaturesDigital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night ModeDigital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAWMoto G 5G offers more features with Laser AF and Night Mode
Software
OSAndroid 10Android 13Moto G23 has a newer OS, benefiting from better features, security, and performance
Connectivity
WiFi802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Wi-Fi Display802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, DirectBoth support modern WiFi standards, Moto G 5G additionally supports: Wi-Fi Display
Bluetooth5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, LE5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, LEBoth have similar Bluetooth, Moto G23 adds HID for connecting input devices
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, GalileoMoto G23 supports more satellite systems, better accuracy in some regions
SIMDual SIM Dual StandbyDual SIM Dual StandbyBoth support dual SIM
Storage
Internal64GB/128GB64GB/128GBBoth offer similar storage capacity options
RAM4GB/6GB4GB/8GBMoto G23 has a higher RAM option, better multitasking
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports external storage
Audio
Quality2 microphonesDolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphonesMoto G23 provides enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos
Security
FeaturesRear-mounted fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorMoto G23 has a more convenient side-mounted sensor
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, GyroscopeMoto G 5G has additional compass sensor

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset provides significantly better CPU and GPU performance, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience.
  • Sharper Display: The 1080x2400 resolution and 393 PPI offer a noticeably clearer and more detailed visual experience, ideal for reading, watching videos, and browsing detailed images.
  • Better Cameras (Overall): Features a wider aperture on the main and selfie camera for better low-light performance, higher resolution ultrawide lens, Laser AF, and a 4K video recording capability.
  • More Sensors: Has a Compass for navigation and location based games.

Practical Implications: The Moto G 5G is better suited for users who prioritize performance, detailed visuals, and versatile camera capabilities, especially in low light.

Motorola Moto G23 Advantages:

  • Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother, enhancing the overall user experience.
  • Faster Charging: 30W fast charging reduces downtime, making the phone more convenient for on-the-go users.
  • Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13, providing access to the latest features, security updates, and performance improvements.
  • Better Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for more immersive experience and better sound quality.
  • More RAM: 8GB RAM option allows for better multitasking compared to the 6GB RAM option on Moto G 5G.
  • Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for extended use due to its lighter weight and more compact form factor.

Practical Implications: The Moto G23 is a better choice for users who prioritize a smoother display, faster charging, updated software, improved audio experience and greater comfort.

Trade-offs:

  • The Moto G 5G sacrifices display smoothness and charging speed for much better performance, camera quality, and screen clarity.
  • The Moto G23 trades raw performance and some camera capabilities for a smoother display, faster charging, and enhanced audio experience.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:

  • Gamers: The superior processing power and GPU provide a better gaming experience.
  • Content Consumers: The higher resolution display is ideal for watching videos and viewing images.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Better low-light camera performance and 4K video recording make it suitable for users who frequently use the camera.
  • Users Needing Multitasking: The high performance chipset and up to 6 GB of RAM allows for smoother multitasking.
  • Users requiring more location-based features: The added Compass sensor is suitable for location-based apps and games.

Specific Use Cases:

  • Playing graphically intensive games.
  • Watching high-resolution videos.
  • Taking photos and videos in various lighting conditions, particularly low light.
  • Heavy multitasking between apps.

Motorola Moto G23 Ideal User:

  • Everyday Users: Users who prioritize a smooth display and updated software experience.
  • Media Consumers (Audio Focused): Users who enjoy consuming music and videos, benefiting from the improved audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
  • Users Prioritizing Battery Convenience: Faster charging is ideal for on-the-go individuals.
  • Users Who Value Comfort: The lighter weight and compact size makes it easier to carry and hold.
  • General Social Media users: The smoother display and faster charging provides a smooth experience while consuming social media.

Specific Use Cases:

  • Browsing social media and websites, taking advantage of the smoother display.
  • Listening to music and watching videos, benefiting from the improved audio experience.
  • Frequent use throughout the day, making the faster charging essential.
  • A comfortable user experience with a lighter and compact phone.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. Performance vs. Experience? Do you prioritize raw power and visual clarity (Moto G 5G) or smooth display and faster charging (Moto G23)?
  2. Camera Needs? Do you need better low light camera performance and high resolution videos (Moto G 5G) or basic capturing abilities (Moto G23)?
  3. Long-Term Value? Does a more recent software version and enhanced audio experience (Moto G23) appeal more than the performance advantage (Moto G 5G)?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance Focused: If you play demanding mobile games, the Moto G 5G is a much better option due to its superior chipset.
  • Scenario 2: Everyday User: If you mostly browse the web, check social media, and listen to music, the Moto G23 is suitable with its smoother display and updated software, and better audio experience.
  • Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If camera quality is a key requirement, the Moto G 5G is a better option due to its better low light performance, higher resolution video, Laser AF and additional camera features.
  • Scenario 4: Travel and on the go: If you require more battery convenience, the Moto G23 would be a better choice for faster charging time, along with its lighter and more compact design.

My Choice

Based on the analysis, I would choose the Motorola Moto G 5G. While the Moto G23 has some compelling features like a 90Hz display, faster charging, and more RAM, the significant performance advantage of the Snapdragon 750G chipset, combined with the sharper display, better low light camera performance, higher resolution videos and additional sensors, makes the Moto G 5G a more compelling device for my personal preferences. My use cases often involve performance intensive apps, occasional gaming and frequent camera use which makes the Moto G 5G the clear winner. While the Moto G23 does offer a smoother experience in day-to-day use, the jump in performance offered by the Moto G 5G outweighs these small differences.

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.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.