Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Motorola Moto G (2023). I've got my engineering hat on, and we'll explore what these specs really mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison table to get us started, focusing on what these technical details mean for your daily use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | 164 × 75 × 8.4 mm | Samsung is slightly larger. Moto is a touch more pocketable. |
| Weight | 197g | 189g | Moto G is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Material | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung has better screen scratch resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Minimal difference in size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 720x1600 | Samsung has a much sharper, clearer display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 270 | Samsung's display will look significantly more detailed. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Moto G’s IPS LCD offers slightly better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness, may struggle in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Samsung’s chip is more powerful, better for demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 380,000 | Samsung offers better raw performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Same graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | Moto has a slightly wider aperture for better low light; Samsung has higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung offers an additional ultra-wide perspective. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung has dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Similar macro capabilities, with Moto using larger pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | Comparable selfie cameras, Moto may perform better in low light due to the larger pixel size. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, OIS | 1080p@30fps, no OIS | Samsung has OIS for stabilized video, Moto has only digital stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life expectations. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 15W fast charging | Samsung charges faster. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Samsung has bypass charging, a nice option for gamers. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 13 | Moto G ships with a newer version of Android, Samsung gets update up to 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano+eSIM) | Moto G offers more SIM options, including eSIM. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both support standard WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, full feature | 5.1 LE | Samsung has more features on Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both have good positioning support, Samsung supports QZSS. Moto supports SUPL. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | N/A | 128GB | Moto G comes with built-in storage. |
| RAM | N/A | 4 GB | Moto G comes with built-in RAM |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone can expand storage with SD Card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic Audio | Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Moto has better audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer side-mounted fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Samsung includes an barometer and ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor, Moto has compass, Hall, and regular proximity sensor. |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G: This phone packs a punch in the display and performance departments. Its higher resolution and pixel density make for a visibly sharper display, which is great for browsing, videos, and gaming. The Snapdragon 695 chipset is a step up, providing smoother performance for demanding apps and multitasking. It also has an OIS camera, a dedicated depth camera and an ultra-wide lens, and faster charging with bypass charging feature.
Motorola Moto G (2023): The Moto G, while not as powerful, brings a solid balance of features. It has a newer OS, slightly better low light photography, a lighter build, and a dual-SIM with eSIM capabilities for better connectivity. The stereo speakers are a win for media consumption and it ships with built-in storage and RAM.
Trade-offs: The Samsung's higher resolution display comes at a cost of lower quality screen technology (PLS LCD). The Motorola has a better screen technology, but it comes at a lower resolution. The Samsung is bigger, heavier and no built in storage or RAM.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G: This phone is perfect for users who prioritize a sharp, vibrant display and smooth performance. Great for social media enthusiasts, casual gamers, and those who love watching videos on the go. The camera with OIS and ultra-wide lens is a plus.
Motorola Moto G (2023): Ideal for everyday users who need a reliable phone with good audio, a newer version of Android, and great connectivity. The lightweight build, dual SIM, and stereo speakers make it an appealing choice for those who value convenience and usability. Good for users who value low light photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Display Priority? Do you value a sharper, more detailed display above all else? If yes, the Samsung wins.
- Performance or Convenience? Do you prioritize raw performance and camera features, or a lighter phone with stereo speakers, eSIM, and the latest OS? If you prioritize performance and camera features, go with Samsung, and convenience go with Moto.
- Storage and RAM? Do you need built-in storage and RAM? If so, go with Moto, since the Samsung does not have this included.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Social Media Power User: Samsung Galaxy A23 5G - higher resolution display, better performance.
- Budget-Conscious, Everyday User: Motorola Moto G (2023) - more features at a better value.
- Frequent Traveler: Motorola Moto G (2023) - Dual SIM with eSIM support, and lighter.
- Mobile Gamer: Samsung Galaxy A23 5G - more powerful chipset, higher refresh rate.
My Choice
If I were picking between the two, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. Despite the lack of built-in storage and RAM, the sharper display, superior processing power, optical image stabilization, dedicated depth and ultra wide lenses, and faster charging with bypass charging makes it more appealing for my needs. I'm someone who values that higher resolution display, a camera that can handle a variety of situations and the extra horsepower for my games and multitasking. It just feels more like the premium experience I look for. I do like the lighter weight and better audio from the Moto G, but for me the display is a key component.
