Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. It's a classic battle of budget-friendly versus flagship-adjacent, and there are some clear winners in different categories. I'll break down the specs, explain what they mean for your day-to-day, and help you figure out which phone is the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | The G31 is taller and slightly thicker but narrower; S23 FE is wider, shorter, and thinner, which might feel better in the hand for some, although heavier. |
| Weight | 181g | 209g | The G31 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.4" | Both have the same screen size; a good balance of screen real estate and portability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar pixel counts; both displays should appear quite sharp. |
| PPI | 411 | 403 | Similar pixel densities; you won't notice a difference in sharpness between them. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED tech, promising deep blacks, excellent contrast, and rich colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The S23 FE has a much smoother display, scrolling and animations will look and feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical (and unfortunately not specified). Actual brightness levels will vary. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G85 (12 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | The S23 FE's chip is vastly superior; expect faster app loading, better multitasking, more robust gaming, and better future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 1,188,176 | The S23 FE is significantly more powerful. The G31 is suited for basic tasks only. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xclipse 920 | The S23 FE's GPU offers much better graphics performance; translates to smoother and better gaming experiences, and snappier graphics in applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | The S23 FE has a significantly larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance, less noise, and more detail in images. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | - | 8MP, f/2.0 | S23 FE offers dedicated zoom capabilities and enhanced portrait mode shots. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | - | G31 has dedicated wide angle lens which is nice for landscape pictures. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | - | G31 has a dedicated Macro lens which is good for close-up photography |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1.22µm | The G31 has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture. The S23 FE has a larger pixel size which could result in better low light pictures. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | - | 13MP, f/2.2 | S23 FE has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens for more versatile photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K, 1080p@240fps | The S23 FE can capture higher resolution video with a wide range of frame rates, slow motion and a more robust video mode with stabilization. |
| DxoMark | N/A | 127 | The S23 FE is very well rated on DxOMark and its camera performs well in terms of video and photo quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh | The G31 has a slightly larger battery, which should translate to longer battery life. But optimization matters and S23 FE has better efficiency. |
| Charging | 10W | 25W, 15W Wireless | The S23 FE charges significantly faster and has wireless charging capabilities. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse, Wireless, Non-removable, No charger in-box | S23 FE has wireless charging, reverse charging, a must have for more premium devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | The S23 FE has the much more updated OS version out of the box and has more long term support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The S23 FE supports faster Wi-Fi with better performance in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The S23 FE has the latest Bluetooth version for better audio quality and connectivity with other devices. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | The S23 FE offers more storage options, which can be important if you take lots of photos/videos or download many apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | The S23 FE has twice the RAM, resulting in much smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | S23 FE has more immersive audio with better noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Motorola offers a more premium fingerprint sensor experience. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S23 FE offers better protection against screen scratches, accidental bumps, and is less prone to screen breakage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | The G31 has a slightly more comprehensive sensor suite, which could enhance some applications that are dependent on them. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths:
- Lightweight Design: The G31 is significantly lighter, making it easier to handle and carry around.
- Slightly Larger Battery: It has a 500mAh larger battery, which may lead to longer battery life (depending on software and usage).
- Budget-Friendly: The G31 is typically much more affordable, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget.
- Wide angle and macro cameras: The inclusion of these two dedicated lenses gives you more flexibility when it comes to photography.
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner: A more premium finger print scanner than found in most other competitors.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2200 chipset is a beast compared to the Helio G85, offering significantly faster performance for apps and games.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate display is smoother, making everyday scrolling and interactions feel better.
- Enhanced Camera System: The S23 FE has a more capable main camera sensor, a telephoto lens, and much better video capabilities, resulting in significantly better photos and videos.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: The S23 FE offers much faster wired charging along with the convenience of wireless charging.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and a noise cancellation microphone for immersive audio and clearer calls.
- More RAM and Storage: More RAM enables smoother multitasking, while more storage allows for more apps, photos, and videos.
- Modern Software: Comes with Android 13, and has more long term software support.
- More Robust Connectivity: The S23 FE features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, making for better overall connectivity.
- Better Build Quality: The S23 FE has a better screen protection as well as a more overall premium feel.
Trade-offs:
- The G31 prioritizes battery life and affordability but lacks processing power and camera prowess.
- The S23 FE, despite being more premium, is heavier and has a smaller battery, although it charges a lot faster. It also lacks expandable storage and doesn't include a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G31:
- Best For: Budget-conscious users who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like calling, messaging, and browsing.
- Use Cases: Casual everyday use, light social media, and a backup phone. Good for anyone who needs a reliable phone that will last all day with good battery life.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Best For: Users who want a more premium experience with strong performance, a good camera, and advanced features, without paying flagship prices.
- Use Cases: Gaming, content creation (photography/videography), heavy multitasking, and those who value fast performance and modern technology.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
- How important is performance to you? If you frequently game, multitask, or use demanding apps, the S23 FE's superior processor is crucial. If you only need your phone for basic tasks, the G31 can handle that fine.
- What are your priorities for camera quality? If you prioritize capturing high-quality photos and videos, the S23 FE’s larger camera sensors, telephoto lens, and more advanced video features make it the better choice. If camera quality isn't as important, the G31 is an okay choice.
- What's your budget? If your main goal is saving money, the G31 is the more budget-friendly option. If you're willing to invest more for better features and performance, the S23 FE is worth the extra cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Everyday User: If you’re primarily looking for a reliable phone to handle daily tasks without breaking the bank, the Motorola Moto G31 fits the bill.
- Scenario 2: Performance Seeker: If you are a gamer, a heavy user, or prioritize fast processing and a good user interface, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you're looking for a phone with a great camera to capture great looking photos and videos, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a much more suitable device for that.
- Scenario 4: Battery-life King: If you value battery life over everything else and don't use your phone for anything demanding, the Motorola Moto G31 may be a better fit.
My Choice
Personally, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. While the Moto G31 offers an attractive price point, the S23 FE presents a much better overall package. The faster performance, smoother display, better camera system, and faster charging make it a much more enjoyable everyday phone. I'm also big on photography and video quality, and the S23 FE's camera would be a game changer for me. Yes, it's more expensive, but in my opinion, the advantages in performance, camera and overall user experience justify the higher price point. Ultimately it's not about which one is more expensive, but rather which device better fits my needs and the way I use my device.
