Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Motorola Moto G (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 165.4 × 75.8 × 9.4 mm | The Moto G (2022) is negligibly thicker; both have virtually identical footprints. |
| Weight | 200g | 204g | Both phones feel very similar in hand, with negligible weight difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical viewing area for both phones. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer the same level of detail and clarity; might appear less sharp than FHD displays. |
| PPI | 269 | 270 | Virtually identical pixel density; both screens appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar viewing angles and color reproduction; may not be as vibrant as AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations in supported apps for both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data is missing. Real-world brightness performance needs further testing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | The Dimensity 700 is significantly more powerful leading to faster app loads and smoother performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 389,300 | The Moto G (2022) offers much better performance, especially in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Mali-G57 MC2 offers better graphics performance, improving gaming experience and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP (f/1.7, 0.70µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 0.64µm, 1/2.76") | The Moto G30 captures more detailed images in good light; Moto G (2022) may have better low-light performance due to newer sensor. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Unknown | Samsung S5KJN1 | The Moto G (2022) uses a known sensor with potentially better processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | Both phones capture similar quality selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | None | The Moto G30 offers more versatile shooting with its ultrawide lens. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm) | Both provide basic depth effects for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm) | Both allow close-up shots of small subjects. |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p@60fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Moto G30 offers smoother 60fps video recording. |
| Slow Motion | Yes (60fps) | No (30 fps) | Moto G30 offers better slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Laser AF, RAW | Triple camera | The Moto G30 has a more versatile camera system with additional features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer a full day of battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Moto G30 charges faster reducing downtime. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 12 | Moto G (2022) ships with a newer version of Android, likely with longer update support. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual Band | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Display | Both support Wi-Fi 5, with minor differences in specific features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE, more profiles | Moto G (2022) has a more advanced version of Bluetooth for better compatibility. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | The Moto G30 includes Galileo for more precise positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | The Moto G30 supports two SIM cards for travelers or those managing multiple numbers. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128 GB | 64 GB | Moto G30 has more storage capacity (128GB available), and provides more choice. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 6 GB | Moto G (2022) has fixed RAM, suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; this can be a constraint for some users. |
| Security & Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Moto G (2022) has a more convenient fingerprint sensor location. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Moto G (2022) has extra sensors for more functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- More versatile camera system: Includes an ultrawide lens and laser autofocus for different shooting scenarios.
- Faster charging: 15W charging is noticeably faster than the 10W in the Moto G (2022).
- Dual SIM support: Allows using two SIM cards simultaneously, useful for travel or multiple phone numbers.
- More video recording options: Supports 60 fps recording and has better slow-motion capabilities
- More storage capacity: 128GB variants
Motorola Moto G (2022) Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: The Dimensity 700 chipset offers much faster processing for apps and games.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12
- More advanced Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 for better compatibility with accessories.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Generally more convenient for unlocking than rear-mounted sensors.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a Compass and Barometer
- Newer phone: Released a year later.
- Potentially better low light camera: Utilizes a known and newer sensor which would provide better image processing.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G30 has a more versatile camera setup but the Moto G (2022) has the edge in performance.
- The Moto G30 has faster charging, the Moto G (2022) has a newer side mounted fingerprint sensor and Android OS.
- The Moto G30 has Dual-Sim capabilities and better video recording while the Moto G (2022) has more advanced Bluetooth and more sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize camera versatility and need an ultrawide lens.
- Travelers or users needing dual SIM functionality.
- Users who want faster charging to minimize downtime.
- Users on a tight budget who want to balance camera features and cost.
- Users who want more internal storage.
Use Cases:
- Landscape photography with the ultrawide lens.
- Frequent travel with two different SIM cards.
- Daily users who need quick battery top-ups.
Motorola Moto G (2022) Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize smooth performance and gaming.
- Users looking for longer software update support.
- Users who like a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users who need a modern phone with a reliable chipset.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, especially for demanding titles.
- Users who multi-task between apps frequently.
- Users who want modern features like better Bluetooth support
- Daily use, needing smoother performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is gaming and overall performance? If gaming or heavy app usage is a priority, the Moto G (2022)'s superior chipset is critical.
- Do I need an ultrawide camera lens or dual SIM support? If those features are important, then the Moto G30 is the obvious choice.
- How much internal storage do I need? The Moto G30 offers a 128GB variant.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Photographer: Choose the Motorola Moto G30 for its ultrawide lens and better video recording, if the slightly inferior performance is not a problem.
- Budget Gamer: Choose the Motorola Moto G (2022) for smoother gaming experience.
- Frequent Traveler: Choose the Motorola Moto G30 for its dual SIM capabilities.
- General User: Choose the Motorola Moto G (2022) for its better performance and newer OS.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Moto G (2022). While the Moto G30 offers a more versatile camera system with its ultrawide lens and has the benefit of faster charging, the significant performance advantage of the Dimensity 700 chipset in the Moto G (2022) is a deal-breaker for me. I prioritize smooth, lag-free performance for daily tasks, and the Moto G (2022) offers a much better experience in this regard. The newer Android version and more modern Bluetooth version also give the newer model some extra appeal. While the lack of dual SIM and slightly slower charging is a drawback, the overall user experience will be better on the newer model with its modern chipset, making it my preferred choice.
