Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Motorola Moto G22
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 164 × 75 × 8.5 mm | Moto G22 is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially more comfortable to hold. The G30 is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 185g | G22 is lighter making it more comfortable for long use and to carry around. G30 is heavier and may be less comfortable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have identical screen sizes, suitable for media consumption and everyday use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same resolution, resulting in similar sharpness levels. |
| PPI | 269 | 268 | Very similar pixel density, meaning no discernible difference in display clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Same screen tech so comparable color reproduction and viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience for daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | The brightness of both devices is not available in the specs. In general, higher brightness makes it easier to see the screen in outdoor lighting conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 662 generally offers better overall performance, especially in gaming and multitasking. Helio G37 is okay for basic tasks but will struggle with resource heavy apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 159,800 | Moto G30 will have slightly better performance for demanding apps and games based on benchmark score. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 generally provides better graphics performance, resulting in better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64 MP (f/1.7) | 50 MP (f/1.8) | G30 has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture allowing more light resulting in better low light pictures. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 13 MP (f/2.2) | 16 MP (f/2.45) | G22 has higher resolution selfie camera, but with a narrower aperture. G30 will take better selfies in low light thanks to wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8 MP (f/2.2) | None | G30 has an additional wide angle camera which allows capturing wider scenes in one shot which isn't available in G22 |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | 8 MP (f/2.2) | G22 has a higher resolution depth sensor with wider aperture leading to better portrait mode photos |
| Macro Lens | 2 MP (f/2.4) | 2 MP (f/2.3) | Both have a 2MP macro lens with a slightly better aperture in G22. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, slow-mo 60 fps | 1080p@30fps, slow-mo 30 fps | G30 has the advantage of 60 fps recording and 60 fps slow motion, making videos appear smoother. |
| Camera Features | RAW, PDAF, LAF, etc. | PDAF, LAF, Digital Image Stabilisation etc. | G30 offers RAW capture mode for advanced editing which isn't available in G22 while G22 offers Digital image stabilisation. Both have basic features like PDAF and LAF for autofocus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both devices should have similar battery life for average users. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Both phones have 15W fast charging which is adequate to recharge the 5000mAh battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 12 | G22 has newer OS out of the box but the G30 can be upgraded to 12, meaning both will be running very similar operating systems. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both have identical WiFi Standards and speeds for browsing. G22 additionally features Wi-Fi Display |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both offer similar Bluetooth capabilities for wireless connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SUPL | Both phones support all major GPS and location systems for accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | G30 supports dual SIM while G22 only has single SIM support. Dual SIM allows using two different numbers for better communication management. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Both offer same storage options, suitable for most apps and media. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB | G30 offers higher RAM version (6 GB), resulting in smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones do not support expandable storage which may be a concern for users storing a lot of media. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Basic Audio Features | Both provide standard audio output which are ok for day to day usage but won't impress with audiophile level listening quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Side mounted sensor is more accessible and convenient while holding the phone than rear mounted. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Barometer, Proximity | G22 offers a more comprehensive sensor suite with Barometer and compass, leading to better GPS navigation, and some AR apps. G30 has the basic sensors for gaming and other basic features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phone protection quality of the screen is unknown. Usually it indicates resistance to scratches or accidental damage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset and Adreno 610 GPU result in better overall performance in gaming, multi-tasking and handling demanding apps.
- Wider Main Camera Aperture: Allows for better low-light photography.
- Higher Video Framerate: Supports 60fps video recording and slow-motion at 60 fps for smoother, professional-looking video.
- Wide Angle Lens: More versatility in photography using the additional wide angle lens.
- Higher RAM Option: Available with up to 6 GB of RAM, leading to more seamless multitasking.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows for using two SIM cards which can be used for separating work and personal use or using different network providers.
- RAW image format: Allows more flexibility in photo editing with better quality after editing compared to standard JPEGs.
Motorola Moto G22 Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More comfortable to hold and carry around.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, though G30 is upgradeable to the same version.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Better quality selfies in good lighting.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and natural access than the rear mounted sensor.
- Better Depth Sensor: Higher resolution and wider aperture leads to better portrait photos.
- Digital Image Stabilisation: This can reduce camera shakes during video recording and taking pictures.
- Additional Sensors: The G22 has a more comprehensive sensor suite which can help with navigation.
- Wi-Fi Display: Allows for wireless display mirroring to a compatible display.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G30 is heavier and thicker for better performance. The G22 is lighter but with a less powerful chipset.
- The Moto G30 has more RAM and dual sim while the G22 has a more advanced side fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:
- Budget Gamer: Users who want a phone with slightly better gaming performance in the budget category.
- Photography Enthusiasts (budget conscious): Users who value better photo quality and versatility through wide angle lens and RAW capture.
- Multitaskers: Users who need to switch between apps frequently and prefer smooth multitasking with the extra RAM.
- Users needing dual sim: Users who require two SIMs for personal and professional use.
- Video recorders: Users who want higher frame rate recording capabilities for smoother videos.
Motorola Moto G22 Ideal User:
- Everyday User: Users who prioritize comfort and lighter design for everyday use and carrying around.
- Social Media Users: Users who prioritize selfies and posting content in social media.
- Users needing newer operating system: Users that prefer phones with the latest version of Android operating system out of the box.
- Casual Users: Users who use phones for basic tasks and don't push the phone with heavy tasks.
- Users preferring a side fingerprint sensor: Users who like a side mounted fingerprint scanner for convenience.
- Users who need Wi-Fi display: For users who want to mirror their display to a larger screen wirelessly.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for demanding games or multiple apps at once? If so, G30 is better.
- Camera Preferences: Do you prefer better low light main photos or better selfies and portrait shots, wider angle shots and flexibility to shoot in RAW?
- Design and Comfort: Do you prefer a slimmer, lighter phone (G22) or are you okay with a slightly bulkier but more powerful device (G30)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gaming & Performance): Choose the Motorola Moto G30. Its Snapdragon chipset and Adreno GPU and 6GB RAM will provide better performance in gaming and multitasking.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday Use & Comfort): Choose the Motorola Moto G22. Its lighter, slimmer design, side mounted fingerprint scanner and newer OS are better for casual everyday use.
- Scenario 3 (Photography): Choose the Motorola Moto G30 if you want better overall camera flexibility with wide angle and RAW and need better low light performance on the main camera. Choose the Motorola Moto G22 if you value higher resolution selfies and more convenience from the side mounted finger print scanner.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Motorola Moto G30. While the G22 offers a more streamlined and comfortable design and better convenience with the side mounted scanner and newer OS, the G30's superior processing power, better video recording capabilities with higher FPS, slightly better main camera and flexibility of wide angle and RAW capture outweigh those benefits for my personal usage. As someone who occasionally plays games, takes photos, and needs to have more performance headroom, the Moto G30's Snapdragon processor and larger RAM option is a better fit. Additionally, I would also use the dual sim option on the G30, while the G22 does not offer that feature. The difference in size and weight is not significant enough to change my opinion.
