Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S23+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-07 | 2023-02-17 | Samsung is significantly newer, implying newer technologies and software support |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | Moto G is taller, thicker, and bulkier, making the S23+ more pocketable and comfortable. |
| Weight | 212g | 196g | S23+ is lighter, making it easier to hold and use for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Moto G has a slightly larger display, but the difference is minimal. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have similar resolutions; differences are negligible for daily use. |
| PPI | 393 | 393 | Identical pixel density means similar sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S23+ has superior display technology providing richer blacks, vibrant colors, and better energy efficiency for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23+ offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming visuals. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ provides significantly better visibility outdoors under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23+ has a much more powerful and efficient chipset, resulting in faster apps, smoother multitasking and gaming, and better long-term performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 1,508,732 | S23+ offers a significantly higher benchmark score, reflecting noticeably faster performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | S23+ offers superior graphics capabilities for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Similar main camera resolutions; differences minimal. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | Moto G has a slightly wider aperture, which may result in slightly better low-light performance but depends on other factors such as sensor size. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | - | 1/1.57" | S23+ has a larger sensor, generally leading to better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | S23+ has slightly larger pixels, capturing more light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 12MP | Moto G has higher resolution, but image quality depends on the sensor and processing. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 10MP (f/2.4) | S23+ offers optical zoom capabilities, lacking in Moto G. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | 12.2MP (f/2.2) | S23+ has a higher resolution wide-angle lens with a larger sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | No | Moto G provides a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS) | Up to 8K@30fps (HDR, EIS, Stereo) | S23+ supports higher video resolutions and HDR recording with stereo sound and advanced stabilization, making it better for videography. |
| DXOMARK Score | - | 133 | S23+ has a tested camera performance, indicating good photo and video capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, EIS, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Night Mode | Digital & Optical Zoom, OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | S23+ has superior optical zoom and stabilization features for better image quality, especially in video, while Moto G offers Laser Auto Focus (LAF) for faster focusing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Moto G has a slightly larger battery, but real-world battery life depends on software and usage patterns. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 45W fast charging | S23+ has faster charging capabilities reducing charging times. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 10W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless, Non-removable | S23+ has advanced battery features such as reverse wireless charging and bypass charging, offering more versatility. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Slightly larger battery: May offer marginally longer battery life in some usage scenarios.
- Dedicated macro lens: Allows for close-up photography.
- Laser Auto Focus (LAF): potentially faster focusing in some situations.
- Slightly wider main camera aperture: Theoretically better low light, although the impact is reduced by smaller sensor.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:
- Superior display: AMOLED screen offers better colors, contrast, and brightness, especially under sunlight.
- Much faster performance: Flagship chipset delivers significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Advanced camera system: Higher quality main sensor, dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom, and superior video capabilities.
- Faster charging: Supports 45W fast charging and wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Newer software: Ships with Android 13 and is expected to receive longer software support.
- Better build quality: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 screen protection.
- Enhanced audio: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers.
- More connectivity features Newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G 5G: Offers a larger battery and a macro lens, but significantly lower performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speeds compared to S23+.
- Samsung Galaxy S23+: Smaller battery capacity, no macro lens and higher price point than the Motorola.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing affordability over premium features.
- Users with basic needs: Primarily using the phone for calling, texting, and light browsing.
- Users who need a macro camera: Specifically looking for close up photos.
- Users not concerned with high-end gaming or videography.
- Users that value a slightly larger battery capacity and are willing to accept slower charging.
Use Cases:
- Long-lasting battery for extended light usage.
- Budget-friendly option for basic tasks and everyday use.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Ideal User:
- Power users: Requiring fast performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Photography enthusiasts: Wanting versatile and high-quality cameras with zoom capabilities.
- Media consumers: Appreciating a vibrant display and high-quality audio.
- Users that desire faster charging.
- Users looking for better build quality.
- Users who value future-proofing and longer software support.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming and demanding apps.
- Professional-grade photography and videography.
- Immersive media consumption with superior audio.
- Long-term usage with newer technology and software updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Moto G is a budget device while the S23+ is a flagship phone with a significantly higher price.
- What is more important: performance or battery life? While Moto G has a bigger battery, S23+ is substantially faster and will be significantly smoother and more responsive in daily use.
- How important is the camera quality? S23+ offers a vastly superior camera system, while Moto G's main camera may not be up to the same standard.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget: If your budget is very limited, the Motorola Moto G 5G is the only option, but be prepared for compromises in performance and features.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User: If you want a smooth and fast experience for everyday tasks, S23+ offers far better performance and display.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Enthusiast: If you prioritize high-quality media consumption, the AMOLED display and stereo speakers of the S23+ make it the preferred choice.
- Scenario 4: Photography Focus: If camera quality is your priority, the S23+ with its versatile lenses and superior video recording is the clear winner.
- Scenario 5: Power User: If you demand the best possible performance for gaming and multitasking, the S23+ is the only sensible choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+. While it's more expensive, the improvements it offers in almost every area, especially the display, performance, and camera are well worth the extra cost.
The significant performance boost, coupled with the superior display and camera system, makes the S23+ a much more capable device. The faster charging, advanced battery features, and better build quality are significant advantages. Although the Moto G has a larger battery, the performance improvements and enhanced user experience offered by the S23+ outweigh the minor difference in battery capacity. The inclusion of an AMOLED screen and a better camera makes a huge difference.
The difference in real-world performance between the two phones is substantial, and for anyone who plans to use their phone for more than basic tasks, the S23+ is the only logical choice.
