Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 146 × 70.6 × 7.6 mm | Moto G30 is significantly larger and bulkier, harder to use one-handed and less pocketable. S22 is more compact. |
| Weight | 200g | 167g | Moto G30 feels heavier, impacting comfort during extended use. S22 is lighter and easier to handle. |
| Build Material | Not Specified | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22 has superior screen protection. Moto G30's screen protection is unknown. S22 is more durable. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | Moto G30 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. S22 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | S22 has a much sharper display, with crisper text and images. Moto G30's display appears less detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 269 PPI | 425 PPI | S22 provides a significantly clearer visual experience due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S22 has superior colors, contrast, and power efficiency (especially with dark mode). Moto G30 is less vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S22's display offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall fluidity of the user interface. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S22 provides superior visibility in bright sunlight conditions. Moto G30 screen may be difficult to see outdoors, even in bright conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - Europe | S22's chipset is significantly faster and more efficient, providing smoother performance and faster app loading. Moto G30 can be slower, with occasional lags. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 1,022,200 | S22 is vastly more powerful, offering a much better gaming experience and smoother multitasking. Moto G30 is better suited for basic use. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Xclipse 920 - Europe | S22's GPU provides significantly better graphics performance, suitable for demanding games and applications. Moto G30 is basic for graphical performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7, 0.70µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00µm pixel size, Samsung GN5 | S22's main sensor has larger pixel size for better low-light, while Moto G30 has higher resolution. S22's image quality is better overall due to its superior sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm pixel size | Moto G30 offers higher resolution selfies, but S22 has larger pixel sizes for better low light. Quality is likely better in S22. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, Sony IMX772, 1.00µm pixel size | S22 offers optical zoom, while Moto G30 has no telephoto capabilities. S22 allows for better zoomed photography. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX713, 1.40µm pixel size | S22 offers higher-resolution ultrawide photos with better pixel size. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | None | Moto G30 offers dedicated depth sensor but the low resolution is limiting. S22's portrait is generated through software using the main camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | None | Moto G30 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, though with very low resolution. S22 lacks a macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, No Stabilisation | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | S22 offers vastly superior video quality, resolution, and stabilization. Moto G30 video is much less capable. |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | Overall: 120, Photo: 119, Video: 116 | S22 has a highly rated camera based on DxOMark, the Moto G30 does not have a rating. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, Laser AF | Triple camera, OIS, Optical zoom, 4K/8K video | S22 offers superior camera features, including optical image stabilization, optical zoom and much higher video capabilities. Moto G30 has an additional depth and macro lens. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3700mAh | Moto G30 has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. S22 may require more frequent charging. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging | S22 charges faster with included 25W charger, also offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. Moto G30 charges slower. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery provides a significantly longer battery life, making it suitable for users who are away from power sources for extended periods.
- Lower Price Point: Typically available at a lower price, making it more accessible for budget-conscious users.
- Dedicated Macro & Depth Lens: It has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos, which is something the S22 lacks.
- Dual SIM + Dual Standby: Supports two Nano SIMs for simultaneous network access.
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with high resolution, brightness, and refresh rate provides a significantly better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2200 chipset and Adreno 920 GPU offer vastly superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- Much Better Camera System: Offers better image quality, higher video resolution with stabilization, optical zoom, and a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Faster Charging: Includes 25W fast charging, and wireless charging capabilities.
- Premium Build & Features: Features superior screen protection, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM for switching carriers digitally
- Future-Proof Software: Offers more major OS updates.
- Superior Audio: Includes Stereo Speakers & Dolby Digital Plus
Trade-offs:
- Moto G30: Trades performance, camera quality and display for a lower price point and better battery life.
- S22: Trades larger battery size for superior display, camera, and performance, at a higher price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and affordability over top-tier performance and camera quality.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and calling.
- Users who need a long-lasting phone without frequent charging.
- Users who prefer a large screen for media consumption.
- Photographers who would use the dedicated macro sensor for close up shots.
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, a premium display, and are willing to pay a higher price for top-tier features.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding gaming and multitasking.
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- Users who want a vibrant display for media consumption and outdoor usage.
- Users that want a smaller, compact form factor and a premium feeling phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Primary Use: What do you use your phone for the most (e.g., gaming, photography, social media, browsing)?
- Battery Life vs. Features: Do you prioritize longer battery life, or features like superior performance and camera?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget User): If you have a limited budget and need a phone for basic tasks with good battery life, the Motorola Moto G30 is the more suitable choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance User): If you need a phone for gaming, professional photography, and demanding tasks with a premium experience, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is the better option, provided the budget is available.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want a balance of performance and camera, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is the better option, it will be better across all categories apart from battery life compared to the Moto G30.
- Scenario 4 (Content Consumption): The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is better for content consumption due to its superior display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G. While the Motorola Moto G30 offers a larger battery and is more budget-friendly, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G provides a vastly superior experience in almost every other aspect. The superior display, significantly higher performance, and much better camera system are all key reasons for my choice.
Although I appreciate the longer battery life of the Moto G30, the benefits of the S22's display and performance for daily use, multitasking, and photography are more crucial to me. The S22's premium build quality, better audio, faster charging, and future-proofed software are also compelling factors. While the Moto G30 is a decent option for basic use cases, the Galaxy S22 5G is the better phone if budget allows, because it is superior across the majority of categories.
