1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm | Moto G 5G is taller and thicker, while the S23 Ultra is wider. Moto G 5G has larger volume, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. S23 Ultra is slightly easier to hold due to its thinness. |
| Weight | 212g | 234g | Moto G 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended use. S23 Ultra feels heavier, which might be a consideration for smaller hands. |
| Build | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S23 Ultra has significantly better screen protection, better scratch and drop resistance. Moto G 5G may be more prone to screen damage. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference in screen size. Both offer large displays for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3088 | S23 Ultra offers a significantly sharper display with much more detail. Text and images will appear noticeably crisper. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 500 PPI | S23 Ultra provides a much clearer and sharper visual experience. Fine details are more visible, leading to better overall picture quality. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S23 Ultra provides superior color accuracy and contrast, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency with dark themes. Better visuals for media and HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23 Ultra offers smoother animations and scrolling, resulting in a more responsive and fluid user interface. Better experience for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23 Ultra is significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. The Moto G 5G's low brightness means visibility in bright conditions may be difficult. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 Ultra offers drastically higher processing power. Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra's benchmark score indicates much higher overall performance. It can handle demanding tasks, including gaming, significantly better than Moto G 5G. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | S23 Ultra will provide significantly better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intense tasks. It will ensure a smoother experience for high-end games. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, suggesting similar battery life, but real-world battery performance depends on the efficiency of the processor and display. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 45W fast charging | S23 Ultra charges much faster, allowing users to get back to full charge in much less time. Moto G 5G charging is noticeably slower. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | S23 Ultra's Bypass Charging allows the phone to be powered directly from the charger, which can reduce heat generated while gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm pixel size | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3" sensor, 0.60 µm pixel size | S23 Ultra captures significantly more detailed images with its high-resolution sensor. Better image quality, especially in good lighting and for large prints or cropping. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.52" sensor, 1.12 µm pixel size | S23 Ultra allows for optical zoom and portrait mode with better background blurring. Moto G 5G lacks a telephoto camera, limiting its zooming capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm pixel size | 12MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5K3LU sensor, unknown pixel size | Moto G 5G offers a slightly higher resolution selfie camera. S23 Ultra's selfie camera quality will likely be better due to the sensor and image processing despite lower resolution |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/4.9, 1/3.52" sensor, 1.12 µm pixel size | S23 Ultra provides an additional zoom lens, resulting in better zoom capabilities and versatility in photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.40 µm pixel size | S23 Ultra will capture wider images and will likely offer better quality. Moto G 5G provides a slightly lower resolution wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | None | Moto G 5G has macro capabilities, allowing very close up images, but this is a lower quality lens. S23 Ultra lacks a dedicated macro lens, but the main sensor should still give good close up details. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | S23 Ultra provides better video quality with higher resolution and more advanced video features. Better stabilization and audio recording capabilities on the S23 Ultra. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | 140 (Mobile) | S23 Ultra has a high DxOMark score, indicating very good camera performance. Moto G 5G has no published score. |
| Camera Features | Digital 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 Mode | Tracking AF, Flicker sensor, Time-Lapse, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual 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 Mode | S23 Ultra offers a more comprehensive set of camera features, providing more control and flexibility for photography enthusiasts. OIS means better low-light and video quality. |
Software
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | S23 Ultra offers a more up-to-date Android version and guaranteed future upgrades, giving a better user experience and more support for new apps/features. The Moto G 5G has an older OS, which is not ideal. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MIMO | S23 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 6E, which gives higher speeds and lower latency. Better performance in congested areas due to MIMO technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.3, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB | S23 Ultra has a newer and more feature-rich Bluetooth version. It should give better connection stability, higher energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S23 Ultra supports more satellite systems, giving higher accuracy and reliability. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Nano SIM / eSIM, Dual Standby | S23 Ultra offers more flexibility with eSIM capabilities, supporting more carriers digitally. |
Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB or 1024 GB | S23 Ultra offers significantly more storage. Moto G 5G will struggle for users with a lot of photos, videos or large apps. S23 Ultra has ample space for most users. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | S23 Ultra provides more RAM, ensuring smoother multitasking and improved performance with demanding applications and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, so users must choose the correct storage capacity at the time of purchase. |
Audio
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | S23 Ultra offers much better sound quality, clearer audio for recordings and immersive playback. Great for music lovers and media consumption. |
Security
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint sensors, but the exact type and quality may differ. Both offer basic biometric security features. |
Sensors
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | S23 Ultra has additional environmental sensors that are useful for a variety of applications such as accurate weather tracking and augmented reality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Lower Weight: Significantly lighter (22g) making it more comfortable for extended use and smaller hands.
- Price: It is expected to be a lower priced phone overall.
- Macro lens: Has a dedicated macro lens for taking very close-up photos.
- Slightly higher resolution selfie camera
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and AMOLED technology for a crisper, more vibrant, and energy-efficient viewing experience. 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. Much higher brightness (1750 nits) for outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Faster Performance: High-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Much better benchmark score means significantly smoother app loading, gaming, and multi-tasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main sensor, multiple telephoto lenses, and optical zoom. More features for photography enthusiasts and videographers. It also features OIS for better low light performance.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging vs 20W for Motorola. Much faster recharge times.
- Modern Software: Newer Android OS with guaranteed upgrades. More secure and has more features compared to Motorola's older OS.
- Improved Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster, more reliable connections, supports eSIM, better GPS accuracy with more satellite systems.
- Significantly higher storage and RAM options
- Superior Build Quality with the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen.
- Better Audio Quality with features such as Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Size & Weight: The S23 Ultra is bulkier and heavier than the Moto G 5G.
- Price: The S23 Ultra is likely much more expensive than the Motorola Moto G 5G.
- Macro lens: The S23 Ultra does not have a dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users who need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks without breaking the bank.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone
- Casual users: People who don't require high-end performance, heavy multitasking, or advanced camera features.
- Users who need a larger screen for media consumption and web browsing
- Users who take close up macro shots.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication (calls, texts, emails).
- Social media browsing.
- Basic web browsing and media consumption.
- Light gaming.
- Taking macro shots of items close up.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, and professional applications.
- Photography & Videography Lovers: Users who want the best possible camera system for creating high-quality photos and videos.
- Power Users: Users who require advanced features, fast charging, large storage, and the latest connectivity options.
- Users who need a bright screen for outdoor use
- Users who want a premium experience
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Demanding productivity tasks.
- Extensive media consumption with a high quality display and sound.
- Using the phone outside for extended periods.
- Users who want the latest features and software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The price difference between these phones is likely very large.
- How important is performance and camera quality to me? Do I need the best performance and camera features or am I okay with more basic ones?
- Do I prefer a lightweight phone or am I okay with a heavier phone for better features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget is the primary concern: The Motorola Moto G 5G is the better choice.
- Performance and camera quality are crucial: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the clear winner.
- Need a lightweight phone: The Moto G 5G is the better choice.
- Need the best display: The S23 Ultra is the best option with a more vibrant, higher resolution, brighter display with a 120hz refresh rate.
- Need to take a lot of high quality photos/videos: The Samsung S23 Ultra offers the best overall camera system.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. While the Moto G 5G has some advantages, such as being lighter and having a lower price, the differences in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, software, and connectivity are too large to ignore. The S23 Ultra offers a vastly superior overall experience. The higher price point is justified by the significant improvements across all key features. The S23 Ultra offers a better long-term value by providing the latest technologies and a more future-proof device. Although the weight of the S23 Ultra is a drawback, I would be willing to accept that in exchange for its vastly superior overall features. Ultimately, the superior performance and significantly better camera system are too important for my daily usage.
