1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 164 × 75 × 8.4 mm | Moto G (2023) is slightly smaller and thinner, making it marginally more comfortable for one-handed use and pocketable. G30 is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 189g | Moto G (2023) is lighter, which can be noticeable during extended use, reducing hand fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size, offering a similar viewing experience for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have a similar resolution, which is adequate for daily tasks and media viewing, but not very sharp compared to higher resolution screens. |
| PPI | 269 | 270 | Very similar pixel density means similar image clarity. Not the sharpest display but reasonable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use IPS LCD, so color reproduction and viewing angles will be similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G (2023)'s 120Hz offers smoother animations and scrolling, resulting in a more responsive feel. It's noticeable and pleasant in daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Moto G (2023)'s 480+ offers significantly better performance and efficiency than the 662, faster app loads, smoother multitasking and better gaming capabilities. |
| Antutu Score | 170,968 | 380,000 | The Moto G (2023)'s higher AnTuTu score translates to a much smoother user experience overall, including better gaming and faster app switching. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | Moto G (2023)'s Adreno 619 offers superior graphics performance, making it better for gaming and other graphic intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have identical battery sizes. Expect similar battery life under comparable usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 15W fast charging | Both phones offer the same relatively slow 15W fast charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.7, 0.70µm pixels | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm pixels | The G30's main camera has higher resolution, but the G (2023)'s slightly larger pixel size might offer improved low-light performance. Both likely perform similarly in good light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixels | The G30 has a higher resolution selfie camera, while the G (2023)'s wider aperture might allow for better low-light selfies. The G30 selfie camera should provide more detail in good lighting. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | None | The G30 offers an additional wide-angle lens for more versatile shooting. This is a key advantage for landscape shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | None | The G30 has an extra depth sensor for better portrait photos. This allows for more control over background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | Both have comparable macro lenses for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, Slow-motion: Yes, 60fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: No, 30 fps | The G30 offers a higher framerate and better slow motion features for better video recording capabilities. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Laser AF (LAF), Digital zoom, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Digital zoom, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The G30 has additional camera features, including a laser autofocus that can help to improve focus speed and accuracy. The G (2023) has digital image stabilization to reduce shakiness. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 13 | Moto G (2023) offers a newer OS version which includes the latest features and security updates, also, the G30's OS is only upgradeable to Android 12 at max. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support similar WiFi standards. Moto G (2023) additionally supports: Wi-Fi Display, for easy streaming to compatible devices. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR | Moto G (2023) has a newer Bluetooth standard, which can offer improved range and speed with compatible devices, and Enhanced Data Rate. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | The Moto G (2023) supports more satellite systems, meaning potentially more accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The G (2023) supports eSIM, allowing for easier switching between mobile plans while the G30 supports two physical SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 64GB | 128GB | Both phones have a maximum storage of 128GB. The Moto G30 comes in different variants while the G(2023) only has one. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 4GB | The 6 GB RAM variant of the G30 can handle multitasking slightly better than the G (2023) which has 4 GB RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Moto G (2023) will provide better audio output due to stereo speakers, and improved voice capture with dual microphones, providing a better multimedia experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted sensor of the Moto G (2023) is typically more convenient to reach during daily use, making it slightly more accessible. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | The Moto G (2023) has additional sensors, the compass, and hall sensor, which might be useful for specific apps and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 64MP main camera provides more detail compared to the 48MP sensor on the Moto G (2023).
- Wide-Angle Lens: Includes a dedicated 8MP wide-angle lens, offering more flexibility when capturing landscapes or group photos.
- Depth Sensor: Includes a 2MP depth sensor that allows for better portrait photography.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: 13MP selfie camera that provides more detail compared to the 8MP sensor on the Moto G (2023).
- Laser Autofocus: The G30 includes a Laser Autofocus sensor that allows for better focus in low-light situations.
- 6GB RAM Option: Available with 6GB of RAM (variant), making it suitable for slightly more demanding multitasking.
- Higher Framerate Video Recording: Can record at 1080p@60fps, unlike the G(2023) that can only record at 1080p@30fps.
- Better Slow-motion video: The G30 supports slow-motion video recording at 60fps unlike the G (2023) that supports slow-motion at 30 fps.
- Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM): The G30 allows the use of two physical SIM cards at the same time.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Processor: Snapdragon 480+ provides much better performance than the Snapdragon 662, leading to faster app launches and a smoother user experience.
- Modern Android Version: Comes with Android 13, which provides the latest features and security updates.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate Display: The 120Hz refresh rate delivers smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive.
- Newer Bluetooth Standard: Uses Bluetooth 5.1 with EDR, potentially offering better connectivity and range with compatible devices.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM for easily switching between mobile plans.
- Stereo Speakers: Includes stereo speakers for better audio quality and immersion.
- Improved Audio Capture: Includes 2 microphones for better audio capture during calls and recording.
- Digital Image Stabilization: The G(2023) has Digital Image Stabilization that will help to reduce shakiness when recording videos.
- More Precise Location Tracking: Uses additional Beidou satellite navigation system.
- Additional Sensors: Includes additional sensors like a compass, and hall sensor.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Typically more convenient during daily use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Moto G30 offers more camera versatility (wide-angle and depth sensors) but has a significantly slower processor than the Moto G (2023).
- The Moto G (2023) has a newer OS and a smoother display but lacks the wide-angle camera and depth sensor and also has a lower resolution front-facing camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera versatility and want a wide-angle lens and a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots.
- Users with Basic Gaming Needs: Users who play games that are not very intensive, and don't require a lot of processing power.
- Users Who Need Dual SIM Capabilities: Users who need to use two physical SIM cards at the same time will have better flexibility with the G30.
- Users Who Need Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Users that require a high detail front facing camera for social media usage.
- Users who prefer better video recording capabilities: Users that record videos regularly may appreciate the higher frame rate recording and better slow-motion video.
Specific Use Cases for Moto G30:
- Travel Photography: Wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing scenic landscapes.
- Portrait Photography: Depth sensor allows for better background blur control.
- Social Media: Users who need a higher detail front-facing camera for social media usage.
- Basic Multitasking: For users who switch between basic social media, email and web-browsing applications.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Ideal Users:
- Performance Focused Users: Prioritize smooth daily performance, better multitasking and faster app loading times.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who value enhanced audio quality with stereo speakers and a smoother 120Hz display for video watching.
- Users who prioritize software: Those who prioritize a more up-to-date operating system with the newest features and security patches.
- Users with eSIM needs: Those that travel frequently and need to change between carriers digitally.
- Gamers Casual gamers who want a more responsive experience with better graphics.
Specific Use Cases for Moto G (2023):
- Streaming/Video Consumption: 120Hz display and stereo speakers provide a better viewing experience.
- Everyday Productivity: Fast processor and smooth interface makes daily tasks fluid.
- Mobile Gaming: The faster processor is a better experience compared to the G30, with better graphics performance.
- Frequent Travelers: eSIM support enables easier switching between mobile plans when traveling.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers to Consider:
- How important is camera versatility to you? (Wide angle and depth sensor vs. newer tech)
- How much do you value performance and a smoother display? (Faster processor and 120Hz refresh vs. additional camera functionality)
- Is having the latest Android version or the ability to switch between carriers digitally a priority? (Android 13 and eSIM support vs older OS)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast on a budget: If having a wide angle lens, depth sensor, and laser autofocus is very important, the Moto G30 is a better option.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Multimedia Focused User: If daily performance and multimedia (video/gaming) are your main focus, the Motorola Moto G (2023) is superior because of its faster processor, 120Hz display and stereo speakers.
- Scenario 3: Basic User with dual-SIM needs: If you are a basic user that needs to use two physical SIM cards at the same time, the Moto G30 is a better option.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G (2023). While the Moto G30 has a higher resolution main camera, wide-angle lens and a dedicated depth sensor, the overall user experience offered by the Moto G (2023) is superior. The significantly faster processor, smoother 120Hz display, newer Android version, stereo speakers, eSIM support and side-mounted fingerprint sensor make it a better phone for daily use, multimedia consumption, and even casual gaming. The additional camera features and slightly better video recording capabilities of the G30 doesn't outweigh the performance advantage of the G (2023). The enhanced performance, and more modern software offer a greater long-term value compared to the incremental gains of the G30's camera system.
