Motorola Moto G23 vs Motorola Moto G85 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 24, 2023 June 25, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 99.66 cm³ 89.95 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.53 "/g 3.9 "/g
Weight 184.3 g 171 g
Height 162.7 mm 161.9 mm
Width 74.7 mm 73.1 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Pearl White
  • Steel Blue
  • Matte Charcoal
  • Cobalt Blue
  • Olive Green
  • Urban Grey
  • Magenta

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.67 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.9 % 90.8 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 400 nits 1600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.17 mAh/cm³ 55.59 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G52 MC2 Adreno 619

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 13 14
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G23Motorola Moto G85Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2161.9 x 73.1 x 7.6G85 slightly smaller and thinner
Weight (g)184.3171G85 noticeably lighter, improving one-handed use
Fingerprint SensorSide-mountedUnder-displayPreference-based; under-display often perceived as more modern
Display
Display TypeIPS LCDP-OLEDG85 offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and potentially power savings
Size (inches)6.56.67G85 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive content
Resolution720 x 16001080 x 2400G85 significantly sharper due to much higher resolution
Refresh Rate (Hz)90120G85 provides smoother scrolling and animations
Peak Brightness (nits)400 (peak)1600 (peak)G85 far brighter, crucial for outdoor visibility
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G85 (12nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6nm)G85 likely more power-efficient and performs better in demanding tasks due to newer architecture
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz A75 & 6x1.8 GHz A55)Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz A78 & 6x2.0 GHz A55)G85 has faster and more powerful CPU cores
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 619G85 likely offers better gaming performance
RAM (GB)4/88/12G85 offers more RAM, enabling better multitasking
Camera
Main Camera (MP)5050Comparable resolution, but sensor details lacking for G23 to make a complete comparison
Ultrawide (MP)58G85 has a slightly higher resolution ultrawide
Selfie Camera (MP)1632G85 offers significantly higher resolution for selfies
Video Recording1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fpsG85 can record smoother 60fps video
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Identical battery capacity
Fast Charging30W30WSame charging speed

2. Key Differences Analysis

Moto G85 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: Significantly sharper, brighter, and smoother due to P-OLED technology, higher resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate. This dramatically improves media consumption, gaming, and overall visual experience.
  • Enhanced Performance: Newer and more powerful chipset, CPU, and GPU translate to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
  • Improved Cameras: Higher resolution selfie camera and 60fps video recording offer better image and video quality. OIS on the main camera improves low light photos and video stability.

Moto G23 Advantages:

  • Potentially Lower Price: Given its older release date and lower specifications, the G23 is likely more affordable.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Moto G85: Users who prioritize display quality, performance, and camera capabilities. Suitable for:

  • Mobile Gamers: Higher refresh rate and powerful GPU offer a smoother gaming experience.
  • Content Consumers: Vibrant P-OLED display enhances movies, photos, and videos.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Improved cameras provide better image and video quality.

Moto G23: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life. Suitable for:

  • Casual Users: Primarily using the phone for calling, texting, and basic web browsing.
  • Users on a Tight Budget: Offers essential smartphone features at a lower price point.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The G23 is likely more affordable.
  2. What are your primary phone usage patterns? For demanding tasks, the G85 is superior. For basic use, the G23 suffices.
  3. How important is display quality to you? The G85's P-OLED display is a major advantage.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Limited Budget: Choose the Moto G23.
  • Balanced Needs and Budget: Consider the Moto G85 if within budget; otherwise, the G23 is a good alternative.
  • Prioritize Performance and Display: Choose the Moto G85.

My Choice: Motorola Moto G85

While pricing wasn't provided for all variants, the Motorola Moto G85 offers substantial upgrades across the board for what is likely a marginal price increase. The vastly improved display, increased performance, better cameras, and smoother refresh rate make it a significantly better overall device. The benefits in daily use, especially for media consumption, gaming, and photography, would far outweigh the potential price difference. The G23 is a respectable budget option, but the G85 offers a noticeably better user experience.

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.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.