Alright, let's get into a deep dive comparison between the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S23+. These two phones are coming at the market from very different places, so there’s a lot to unpack. We’ll go beyond just the specs and see how they fit into your day-to-day life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | The Moto is taller and thicker; the S23+ is wider and thinner, overall smaller volume. The S23+ will feel more compact. |
| Weight | 179g | 196g | Moto G71 is significantly lighter, which might be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Material | Unspecified | Glass and Aluminum | S23+ will feel more premium. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | S23+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, nice for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are sharp, but negligibly different for normal use. |
| PPI | 411 | 393 | Very similar pixel densities; both offer crisp text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23+ offers much smoother scrolling and animations, more enjoyable for fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ is dramatically brighter, ensuring excellent visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23+ is MUCH faster, better for intensive apps and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 396,564 | 1,508,732 | S23+ benchmark score is almost four times the performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | S23+ offers a substantial boost in graphics, crucial for demanding games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Moto G71 has a slightly larger battery which may provide marginally better battery life |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S23+ charges faster and also offers wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging, Non-removable | S23+ has better battery management, can charge other devices and can bypass charging for gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 50MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Both have 50MP main cameras. S23+ has a much larger sensor, meaning better image quality. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/1.57" | The larger sensor of the S23+ translates to better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Self Camera Resolution | 16MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) | Moto G71 has a higher resolution selfie camera but sensor size isn't mentioned. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | None | 10MP (f/2.4) | S23+ has an additional telephoto lens for improved zoomed shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 8MP (f/2.2) | 12.2MP (f/2.2) | S23+ has a higher resolution and larger sensor for wide shots. |
| Macro Lens Resolution | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Moto G71 can take close-up shots with its Macro lens. S23+ has superior main camera for close up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | S23+ offers a significantly higher video resolution, better for video recording and professionals. |
| Camera Features | Basic set | Many advanced features, OIS | S23+ has optical image stabilization, 4K/8K videos, Night mode, and more advanced photography features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | S23+ has a much newer OS with more features and future-proof software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | S23+ has a faster Wi-Fi standard for better speeds and performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23+ offers a newer version with more features for connecting to audio peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S23+ offers more satellite systems for higher precision tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | S23+ offers eSIM support for easier switching of carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 256GB / 512GB | S23+ offers significantly more storage with multiple options. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB | Both are sufficient for multitasking. S23+ offers a consistent experience with its 8GB variant. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No option to expand storage on either phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S23+ has better audio overall with stereo speakers and higher quality sound, Motorola has dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Rear-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have similar security system for unlocking the device. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unspecified | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23+ has a superior screen protection against damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity, Barometer | S23+ has additional environmental sensors that may enhance user experience in specialized use cases. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
Strengths:
- Lighter and More Comfortable: The Moto G71 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Offers a bit more battery capacity, potentially leading to longer usage.
- Macro Lens: Features a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, which the S23+ lacks.
- More affordable The phone targets budget-conscious customers.
Competitive Advantages: It’s the lighter device and offers better battery life. The inclusion of a macro lens is unique at this price point.
Limitations:
- Significantly Less Powerful: The Snapdragon 695 is much slower than the S23+'s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
- Inferior Display: 60Hz refresh rate and much lower brightness limit the visual experience.
- Basic Cameras: Lower sensor size on the standard camera, no telephoto lens, and less video recording capabilities.
- Older OS: Comes with an older Android version and may not get as many updates.
Samsung Galaxy S23+:
Strengths:
- Exceptional Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip provides top-tier performance.
- Superior Display: 120Hz refresh rate and 1750 nits brightness offer an amazing visual experience.
- Professional Cameras: Larger sensors, a telephoto lens, advanced features like OIS, 8K video and better slow-motion capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Has a faster charging speed and supports wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Newer OS and Better Support: Comes with the latest Android version and better OS support.
- Better connectivity: The S23+ has a newer WiFi standard for faster speeds and a more recent Bluetooth version.
Competitive Advantages: The S23+ outshines the competition with a fantastic screen, top-notch performance, and professional-grade camera abilities.
Limitations:
- Heavier Build: Heavier build than the Moto G71.
- No Macro Lens: It misses the dedicated macro camera and has no way of taking those close-up shots other than zooming in on the main camera.
- Higher Cost: It is significantly more expensive and considered a premium device.
- Smaller battery: Despite the smaller battery capacity it should perform similarly as the Motorola device due to processor efficiency.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Best Suited For:
- Budget-conscious users who want a reliable device for basic tasks.
- Users who prioritize battery life and a lightweight phone.
- Those who enjoy basic mobile photography and occasionally need macro mode.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday social media, web browsing, and communication.
- A secondary device for long trips or outdoor use.
- Users who are not heavy gamers or video creators.
Samsung Galaxy S23+:
- Best Suited For:
- Users who demand top performance and a premium experience.
- Those who prioritize photography and video capabilities.
- Gamers and content creators who need smooth and seamless operations.
- Anyone looking for a feature-rich device that is future-proof.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography, 8K video recording, and editing.
- Intensive gaming and media consumption.
- Power users who need the best multitasking and performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Practical Questions:
- What is my primary use case? Is it basic tasks and battery life, or intensive performance and top-quality photography?
- How much am I willing to spend? Is a premium phone justified, or is a budget-friendly option sufficient?
- What features are most important to me? Is it display quality, processing speed, camera capabilities, or a blend of these?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a tight budget and prioritize a lighter phone with slightly better battery life for basic use, the Motorola Moto G71 5G is a more appropriate choice.
- Performance Enthusiast: If you want the absolute best performance, a great camera system with higher capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the obvious choice, despite the higher cost.
- Casual User: If you fall somewhere in between, think about the frequency you use your phone and how much you use its heavy features. If you watch videos, play games and take lots of photos, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ might be more suitable. If you use your phone more for social media, reading and browsing, then the Motorola Moto G71 5G will be a more than capable option.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go for the Samsung Galaxy S23+, hands down. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset combined with the 120Hz AMOLED display is just too good to pass up. As a tech journalist, I often use my phone to take high-quality photos and videos, so the advanced camera features, particularly the telephoto lens and 8K video, are crucial. Although it's more expensive, the overall experience is much better for anyone who values performance, screen quality, and top-notch cameras. The faster charging and wireless charging capabilities are also a big plus for my lifestyle. While the Moto G71 has some merits with its lighter build and macro lens, the S23+ offers a far more comprehensive and future-proof package that fits my needs much better.
