Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | Moto G30 is taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable in hand; S23+ is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 200g | 196g | Both are similarly weighted, but the difference isn't noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligibly different; both offer a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | S23+ has significantly sharper display; G30 appears less detailed. |
| PPI | 269 | 393 | S23+ has noticeably clearer text and images; G30 may look slightly pixelated. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S23+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; better for media consumption and outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S23+ offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Implied) | 1750 nits | S23+ is dramatically better for outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. Moto G30 brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23+ is vastly more powerful for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps; G30 suitable for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 1,508,732 | S23+ performance is significantly higher, more responsive and better for heavy tasks, and future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 740 | S23+ has a much more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Moto G30 has a marginally larger battery; S23+ is likely more efficient, resulting in comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 45W | S23+ charges much faster; G30 charging will take significantly longer. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Wireless charging, Non-removable | S23+ offers more versatile charging options; Wireless charging provides a convenient feature. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7, 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00µm | S23+ larger pixel size captures more light and detail despite lower resolution, more balanced overall. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12MP, f/2.2, | Similar performance in daylight, details unknown for Samsung. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.00µm | S23+ offers optical zoom capabilities; G30 relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | S23+ captures higher-quality wide-angle photos due to higher resolution and sensor size. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G30 offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography, where the Samsung likely relies on software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G30 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | S23+ offers dramatically superior video quality, resolution, and advanced features like HDR and stabilization. |
| DxoMark | Not Tested | 133 (Mobile) | S23+ camera is tested by DxOMark and is generally better. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | S23+ has a much more modern OS and likely longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | S23+ has faster, more reliable WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23+ has improved audio transmission and pairing capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S23+ has more robust and accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | S23+ offers eSIM support for easier carrier switching; G30 supports dual physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | S23+ has much larger storage capacities. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 8 GB | S23+ has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S23+ offers enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, better audio separation and immersion; Much better audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint sensors, but S23+ might be more advanced. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Samsung S23+ offers superior screen protection compared to Motorola G30 which is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Samsung S23+ offers additional sensors for different usage scenarios. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Marginally Larger Battery: 5000mAh vs 4700mAh, potentially offering slightly longer battery life, though this is likely offset by the more efficient S23+.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Sensors: Offers dedicated sensors for portrait and macro shots, which can be beneficial for specific photography styles.
- Lower Price: This is a budget-friendly device.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, PPI, brightness, and refresh rate, providing significantly better image quality.
- Much Higher Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip offers vastly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Better main sensor, telephoto lens, superior video recording, and more advanced features (OIS, 8K recording).
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Wireless Charging: Offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 standards.
- Modern Software: Runs on a newer Android version and likely receives longer software support.
- Superior Build Quality: Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for better screen protection.
- Advanced Audio Features: Offers Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers
- More Sensors: Offers additional environmental sensors.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G30: Significantly lower performance and display quality in exchange for affordability.
- Samsung Galaxy S23+: Much higher price point; lacks dedicated portrait and macro sensors present on the Moto G30.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, students, or those needing a basic smartphone for daily tasks.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, messaging, basic photography, and video consumption.
- Strengths: Long battery life, affordability.
- Weaknesses: Poor performance for gaming, a low-resolution display
Samsung Galaxy S23+:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, professionals who need a top-tier smartphone.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, video editing, professional photography, demanding applications, and media consumption.
- Strengths: Exceptional performance, stunning display, advanced camera capabilities, and fast charging.
- Weaknesses: Higher price point, lacks dedicated portrait and macro lenses, may have slightly lower battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Moto G30 is much more affordable, whereas the S23+ is a flagship device.
- How important is performance for you? If you play demanding games or use heavy applications, the S23+ is the only choice.
- What is your main use for the phone? If basic tasks and social media are your primary use, the G30 might be sufficient. If you use the camera frequently, then the Samsung will be a far superior option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "Budget Conscious User": Choose the Motorola Moto G30 if budget is the primary concern and you need a basic phone for daily tasks.
- Scenario 2: "Gaming Enthusiast": Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+ for superior performance and graphics.
- Scenario 3: "Photography Lover": Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+ for its higher quality image processing, telephoto zoom and video features.
- Scenario 4: "Daily Usage": The S23+ will provide a better user experience for most scenarios however the G30 will be suitable if you are not pushing the device.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S23+. While the Motorola Moto G30 is undoubtedly more budget-friendly, the S23+ provides a far superior experience across the board. The vastly improved display, significantly more powerful performance, and advanced camera system make it a worthwhile investment for my needs.
As someone who frequently consumes media, plays mobile games, and uses the camera on a daily basis, the S23+ would provide a much smoother, more enjoyable, and future-proof experience. The fast charging and wireless charging capabilities would also be incredibly convenient. While the Moto G30 might serve basic needs, the difference in quality between the two phones is so significant, that the S23+ becomes the clear choice for me.
