Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-07 | 2022-09-02 | The A23 5G is a newer phone, potentially with more up-to-date software. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | Moto G 5G is thicker but slightly shorter, A23 is thinner and slightly wider. |
| Weight | 212g | 197g | A23 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Moto G 5G offers slightly larger screen, better for multimedia consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Practically identical visual clarity. |
| PPI | 393 | 400 | Very similar sharpness; negligible difference. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | Moto G 5G's IPS LCD typically offers slightly better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A23 5G provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness output, their outdoor visibility might be similar |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6 nm) | A23 5G's chipset (6nm) is more power-efficient; benchmark scores show marginally better performance for the A23 |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 418,000 | A23 5G performs slightly better in benchmarks. Likely to handle daily tasks and some moderate gaming better. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Identical graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life based on capacity. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A23 5G charges slightly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A23 5G can charge while in use without overheating, extending battery life. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | A23 5G has slightly more megapixels, while Moto G 5G has a wider aperture, better in low light |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | Moto G 5G takes higher-resolution selfies; A23 has wider aperture for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | Moto G 5G has higher resolution, capturing more detail. |
| Portrait Mode | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 5G offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro camera capabilities. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Moto G 5G can shoot higher-resolution video at 4k, with better video stabilization; A23 5G only shoots 1080p but uses stabilization |
| Video Slow-mo | Yes, 60 fps | Yes, 120 fps | A23 5G captures more frames for smoother slow-motion. |
| Features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Laser autofocus, RAW, Night Mode | Quadruple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS) | Moto G 5G offers laser focus and night mode; A23 5G has OIS for better stability. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | A23 5G has a much newer OS, potentially more up-to-date features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11ac, Hotspot, Direct | Moto G 5G provides more flexible Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR | 5.1 LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP, APT-x | A23 5G supports a broader range of Bluetooth profiles, enhancing compatibility with various devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A23 5G supports additional satellite systems for potentially better GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Single SIM (Nano) | Moto G 5G supports two SIM cards, while A23 5G only supports one. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | Not specified | Moto G 5G has more storage capacity, better for media storage and larger apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | Not Specified | Moto G 5G provides a RAM option, better for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable | Not Expandable | Not Expandable | Neither phone allows for additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Basic audio features | Moto G 5G might have slightly better audio capture with two mics. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A23 5G's side fingerprint sensor tends to be faster and more ergonomic. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A23 5G has superior screen protection, increasing screen longevity. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung A23 has a broader range of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Display: 6.7" screen, better for media consumption.
- Potentially Better Display Quality IPS LCD technology can provide better viewing angles and colors
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 16MP captures more detail.
- Better wide angle lens: 8MP over the Samsung's 5MP.
- Laser Autofocus and Night Mode: Enhanced focusing speed and low-light image capturing.
- 4K Video Recording: Higher resolution video capabilities.
- Dual SIM Support: Ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
- More Storage Options: Up to 128GB of internal storage.
- More Ram Options: Up to 6GB of RAM for multitasking.
- 2 Microphones: Improved voice capture during calls and recordings
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Advantages:
- Newer Phone: Launched almost 2 years later, newer software and components.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for daily use.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid visual experience.
- Marginally Better Performance: Higher benchmark scores indicating slightly better processing power.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging compared to 20W.
- Bypass Charging: Can charge without overheating, better for gaming.
- Dedicated Portrait Mode Lens: Improved depth of field in photos.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Reduces blurriness in photos and videos, especially in low light.
- More Advanced Bluetooth: Supports a wider range of profiles.
- More Satellite Systems: Possibly more accurate GPS location.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 for enhanced scratch resistance.
- More Sensors: Barometer, geomagnetic, and ultrasonic proximity sensors.
- Newer Operating System: Android 12 (upgradable to 14) with more recent features.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Moto G 5G: Older OS, heavier, lacks OIS and portrait lens.
- A23 5G: Lower-resolution selfie camera, only single SIM.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and prefer a larger screen.
- Budget-Conscious Photographers: Those who prioritize camera features like laser autofocus, night mode, and higher-res main/selfie cameras.
- Travelers: Users who need dual SIM capability for international trips.
- People who prefer 4K Video Recording: More control over their video recording.
- Users who need larger storage capacity: Up to 128GB of storage available.
- Users who need RAM: More ram options available (up to 6GB).
Use Cases:
- Watching movies, streaming, gaming, social media.
- Taking photos in low-light conditions or quick-action shots.
- Managing multiple SIM cards for different numbers.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Ideal User:
- Daily Users: Prioritize a smooth and responsive experience (120Hz).
- Casual Photographers: Appreciate a versatile camera system with OIS.
- Gamers: Benefits from fast charging and bypass charging.
- Users Prioritizing Durability: Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection.
- Users that value sensors: For advanced gaming and health tracking.
- Users looking for the latest operating systems. Can upgrade to Android 14
- Users who value a lighter form factor: Lighter phone for more comfort during extended use.
- Users who value connectivity: More bluetooth profiles are available
Use Cases:
- Daily scrolling through social media, browsing, and casual gaming.
- Capturing photos in a variety of scenarios, and stable videos.
- Enjoying a smooth and fluid user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my priority: Screen size or screen smoothness? (Moto G 5G has a larger display, while A23 5G has a smoother 120Hz refresh rate)
- Do I need dual SIM or expandable storage? (Moto G 5G offers dual SIM, while neither offers expandable storage.)
- Am I more focused on camera quality or general performance? (Moto G 5G has higher res selfie, and 4K video; A23 5G is more performant)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget and Multimedia Enthusiast - Recommendation: Motorola Moto G 5G - If budget is the primary concern and you prioritize screen size, and need the larger storage, higher resolution selfie camera and 4K video capabilities, the Moto G 5G is the better choice.
Scenario 2: Daily User with Focus on Smoothness and Longevity - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A23 5G - If you prioritize a smooth and responsive experience, a more comfortable weight, and want more modern software and protection, the Galaxy A23 5G's 120Hz refresh rate, OIS camera, bypass charging and updated android version are advantages worth the trade-offs.
Scenario 3: Balanced User with Dual SIM Needs - Recommendation: Motorola Moto G 5G - If you need Dual SIM, the Moto G 5G is the better choice.
Personal Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G.
While the Motorola Moto G 5G offers a larger display, the advantages of the A23 5G are more compelling for a modern smartphone experience. The 120Hz refresh rate significantly improves the day-to-day feel of the device, making scrolling and animations much smoother. The slightly better performance, faster charging, and optical image stabilization are practical upgrades that enhance the overall user experience. Additionally, its lighter weight makes it more comfortable for extended use and its newer software adds more longevity. Despite not having the higher resolution front camera, I value the smoother operation and general improvements offered by the A23 5G. While the Motorola has the 4k video recording and other small camera advantages, the Samsung has a more well rounded offering with the OIS and newer software, which edges out the Motorola for my use case.
