The new worth choice
Motorola’s newest Moto G 5G (2023) might not get the higher RAM choices or triple-camera setup, but it surely makes do with an improved 48MP digital camera, Snapdragon chipset, and a easy 120Hz HD+ show. And at simply $250, there’s not a lot motive you should not decide this as your subsequent price range Android telephone.
ForImproved designThe major digital camera takes good photosAll-day battery life after which someFantastic audio120Hz show is smoothCheaper value levelMotorola provides some helpful software program in Android 13In opposition to15W charging is not a lot betterNo NFCLower RAM and storageAnnoying Motorola bloatware
Still a very good choice
The 2022 mannequin Moto G 5G is a fairly run-of-the-mill telephone, and by no means in a nasty means. Thanks to superb battery life and a fairly respectable mid-range MediaTek chip, this telephone will get the job completed with out being flashy about it. Plus, you get loads of RAM and storage to maintain issues operating easily.
ForFirst rate performanceSnappy fingerprint sensorAccess to Motorola’s helpful gesturesGreat battery lifeMore RAM and storageAgainstDull designNo OS upgrades past Android 13Cameras are usually not pretty much as good90Hz show is fairly meh10W charging
If you are available in the market for an inexpensive 5G smartphone, Motorola might be the primary firm you will have a look at, notably in North America. The firm has many choices accessible, however the Moto G 5G is likely to be essentially the most easy and among the many least expensive 5G choices accessible.The firm lately launched the brand new Moto G 5G (2023), which has quite a few noteworthy upgrades when in comparison with the Moto G 5G (2022). Not solely that however the brand new mannequin launched at a considerably cheaper price than the 2022 mannequin did. That mentioned, final 12 months’s mannequin remains to be a good choice amongst price range Android telephones, and the presence of the brand new mannequin should not low cost final 12 months’s.Moto G 5G (2023) vs. Moto G 5G (2022): DesignWhy you’ll be able to belief Android Central
Our professional reviewers spend hours testing and evaluating services so you’ll be able to select the most effective for you. Find out extra about how we check.The Moto G 5G (2022) on the left and the Moto G 5G (2023) on the precise. (Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)When it involves design, each fashions observe Motorola’s respective design language for 2022 and 2023. The Moto G 5G (2022) seems almost equivalent to just about each Motorola telephone from that 12 months, which is noticeable particularly when wanting on the digital camera array. It’s definitely not a telephone that might win any design awards, however neither will a number of telephones at this value level.On the opposite hand, the Moto G 5G (2023) is just like different Motorola telephones from this 12 months, just like the Motorola Edge+ (2023), which I discover way more visually interesting. The again seems and seems like frosted glass regardless of being produced from plastic. The digital camera housing can also be a bit extra compact and fewer busy.The Moto G 5G (2023) and Moto G 5G (2022) side-by-side (Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The Moto G 5G (2023) stands out a bit from Motorola’s different 2023 telephones because of delicate variations in design. For instance, it is flatter on the back and front, with a flat body sporting chamfered edges. I’m unsure I care an excessive amount of for the body design, however the telephone’s total design seems higher than the 2022 mannequin. It additionally intently resembles the OnePlus Nord N300 5G, which is one other handsome mid-range telephone.The OnePlus Nord N300 5G subsequent to the Moto G 5G (2023). (Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The 2023 mannequin is available in two colorways, whereas the 2022 mannequin solely is available in one.The Moto G 5G (2022) manages to get a leg-up on its successor because of the version of an IP52 water and dirt resistance score. The 2023 mannequin lacks this, solely choosing a water-repellent coating to guard in opposition to gentle rain and splashes. This is a bummer for somebody like myself who lives within the very moist metropolis of Seattle.Moto G 5G (2023) vs. Moto G 5G (2022): Performance & specs(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)At first look, the newer mannequin would seem to have the higher specs. After all, you get a 120Hz show over the 2022 mannequin’s 90Hz panel, a more moderen Snapdragon 480+ chipset, and quicker 15W charging. This all comes collectively to deliver a surprisingly good price range 5G choice that feels slightly extra premium than you’d anticipate.However, the Moto G 5G (2022) isn’t any slouch. The MediaTek Dimensity 700 handles itself fairly effectively, notably provided that the telephone comes with extra RAM at 6GB, at the very least once you get the system outdoors provider shops. This makes it higher at juggling apps, and whereas it might battle with gaming, it may well deal with absolutely anything else you throw at it with out too many hiccups.The Moto G 5G (2023) additionally is not a gaming powerhouse, however you’ll be able to nonetheless get away with some medium graphics settings on video games like Honkai: Star Rail. It has 4GB of RAM, which manages apps pretty effectively, and matches the low-end 2022 mannequin that is solely accessible via carriers. However, RAM increase permits you to make the most of some storage to extend accessible RAM, so that may make up for any shortcomings, though I by no means discovered myself needing to make the most of this characteristic.The 128GB of storage additionally splits the distinction between the Moto G 5G (2022)’s carrier-only 64GB mannequin and the retail 256GB mannequin.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryMoto G 5G (2023)Moto G 5G (2022)OSAndroid 13Android 12Display6.5” HD+ (1600×720), LCD, 120Hz refresh rate6.5” HD+ (1600×720), LCD, 90Hz refresh rateChipsetSnapdragon 480+MediaTek Dimensity 700Storage128GB, expandable64GB (provider), 256GB (retail), expandableMemory4GB4GB (provider), 6GB (retail)AudioTwin stereo audio system, Dolby AtmosBackside-firing speaker, Dolby AtmosWater ResistanceWater-repellentIP52, water-repellentBattery & Charging5,000mAh, 15W wired charging5,000mAh, 10W wired chargingConnectivity5G (sub-6), Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz)5G (sub-6), Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz)NFC❌❌SafetyFingerprint sensor, face unlockFingerprint sensor, face unlockDimensions163.94 x 74.98 x 8.39mm165.4 x 75.8 x 9.44mmWeight189g204gColorsInok Blue, Harbor GrayMoonlight GreyBoth telephones characteristic 5000mAh batteries, which offer you roughly the identical quantity of playtime. In my testing, each telephones final roughly a day and a half, though you’ll be able to most likely squeeze out two days earlier than plugging them in.One space the place the 2023 mannequin kind of wins is software program. It runs Android 13 out of the field, which means it already has entry to some further options like Motorola’s helpful Adapt widget. And whereas each gadgets are restricted to only one main OS improve, the newer mannequin will obtain Android 14, whereas the Moto G 5G (2022) will possible get Android 13 quickly.There are a couple of tradeoffs between the Moto G 5G (2022) and the 2023 mannequin, which might make it onerous to resolve between the 2.Audio can also be an space the place the 2023 mannequin actually shines. While each telephones assist Dolby Atmos, the Moto G 5G (2022) solely has a bottom-firing speaker, whereas its successor has a dual-stereo speaker setup, making audio sound loud and balanced. In my testing, I can say I’ve been more than happy by what I hear from the Moto G 5G (2023), which I discover sounds higher than even the Galaxy S22 I take advantage of as my every day driver.Overall, I’d say these two are fairly neck and neck on the subject of specs and efficiency, however in my eyes, the Moto G 5G (2023) manages to only come out on prime.Moto G 5G (2023) vs. Moto G 5G (2022): Cameras(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)For price range telephones, you’ll be able to’t actually anticipate a lot from the cameras. The Moto G 5G (2022) did not have an awesome digital camera, but it surely was… serviceable. However, in comparison with the 2023 mannequin, it is clear how a lot the newer sensor, chipset, and Motorola’s algorithm have improved photographs between generations.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryMoto G 5G (2023)Header Cell – Column 2 Rear Camera 148MP wide-angle, f/1.7, 0.8μm, Quad-Pixel (1.6μm)50MP wide-angle, f/1.8, 0.64μm, Quad-Pixel (1.3µm)Rear Camera 22MP macro, f/2.4, 1.75μm2MP macro, f/2.4, 1.75μmRear Camera 3❌2MP depth, f/2.4, 1.75μmSelfie Camera8MP, f/2.0, 1.12μm13MP, f/2.2, 1.12μmIn daylight pictures with loads of gentle, you’ll be able to see how the 2022 mannequin punches up the distinction and highlights fairly a bit in comparison with the extra pure tuning on the brand new mannequin. In many instances, colours can seem slightly blown out due to this, whereas shadows are a bit too dramatic.Meanwhile, the Moto G 5G (2023) typically takes hotter pictures with extra balanced shade replica. Of course, it’s kind of subjective, however I want the photographs from the Moto G 5G (2023), as they are much extra true to life than these taken on its predecessor.I additionally want the marginally wider subject of view on the 2023 mannequin.Neither telephone is superb when zooming in, even at 2x, the place photographs begin to change into fairly pixelated.Both telephones additionally characteristic macro cameras, that are okay however not terribly helpful or good. At 2MP, you will not get a lot element from these photographs, and there is loads of noise, regardless of the lighting situations.Both telephones are able to capturing portrait pictures, however the Moto G 5G (2022) has a devoted depth sensor whereas the 2023 mannequin doesn’t. Interestingly, it would not give it a lot of an edge, and neither system is especially good at capturing portrait photographs with the rear digital camera.This additionally applies to selfies, which are not very spectacular on both telephone.When it involves low-light and nighttime pictures, the 2023 mannequin additionally manages to get the sting over its predecessor, however solely simply. Thanks to the newer software program, the telephone can robotically swap to Night Mode, which helps make sure you get a barely higher high quality picture when taking a photograph. On the 2022 mannequin, the telephone will merely counsel that you just flip it on.As for precise output, each telephones aren’t unhealthy, per se, and whereas the 2022 mannequin can typically produce brighter photographs, the 2023 mannequin appears to take higher pictures with rather less noise and a bit much less distinction. Meanwhile, the 2022 mannequin can typically seize a bit extra element, though nighttime photographs are largely inconsistent on this telephone.Neither telephone helps 4K video, so that you’re caught at FHD. It’s not unhealthy, but it surely will not provide the very best quality clips for apps like TikTok. The telephones additionally characteristic a few of the similar digital camera options, reminiscent of full decision mode, guide picture seize, slo-motion video, and extra.Moto G 5G (2023) vs. Moto G 5G (2022): Which must you purchase?(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Neither Moto G 5G mannequin is especially highly effective, however they each carry out effectively sufficient that I would not actually have a lot drawback recommending both. That mentioned, the 2023 mannequin brings sufficient upgrades over its predecessor that I like to recommend you decide it up over the 2022 mannequin.The improved major digital camera sensor, smoother 120Hz show, and Snapdragon chipset come collectively in a handsome bundle that’s extremely inexpensive. Sure, the 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage fall behind its predecessor, however the telephone does surprisingly effectively at making the most effective out of these compromises, because of options like RAM increase and a micro-SD card slot.And should you care about software program updates, that is already one large motive to get the newer mannequin, as it would finally obtain the upcoming Android 14 replace that is set to launch later this 12 months.
The finest to your price range
If you need a price range 5G telephone with a very good digital camera, lengthy battery life, and loud audio, the Moto G 5G (2023) is the telephone for you. It has a pleasant 120Hz show that pairs effectively with the stereo audio system for an awesome leisure expertise.
More RAM and double the storage
While it is likely to be a 12 months previous, the Moto G 5G (2022) can nonetheless get you thru the day with ease because of its massive battery, MediaTek chipset, and as much as 6GB of RAM. If you want an affordable 5G telephone that simply works, there are worse telephones on the market at this value.