Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Moto G Play: Full Comparison

The Motorola Moto G series has long been a popular option for those seeking an affordable yet capable smartphone. Within this lineup, the Moto G 5G and Moto G Play represent two models catering to slightly different needs and budgets. This comprehensive comparison will analyze all the key similarities and differences between these two phones to help you determine which is the better pick for your requirements.

Side-by-Side Specs Comparison

Let‘s begin by looking at the basic specs side-by-side:

	Motorola Moto G 5G	Motorola Moto G Play
Release Date	January 2021	January 2022
Dimensions	165.4 x 75.7 x 8.9 mm	165 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
Weight	206g	204g
Build	Plastic back, plastic frame	Plastic back, plastic frame
Display	6.5 inches, 1600 x 720 pixels, 20:9 ratio, 90Hz refresh rate	6.5 inches, 1600 x 720 pixels, 20:9 ratio, 60Hz refresh rate
Chipset	MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 (7nm)	Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm)
CPU	Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (4×1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4×1.6 GHz Kryo 240)
GPU	Mali-G57	Adreno 610
Memory	4/6GB RAM, 64/128GB UFS 2.1 storage (2022 variant has 256GB storage)	3GB RAM, 32GB storage
Software	Android 12	Android 11
Rear Camera	50 MP main + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth	13 MP main + 2 MP depth
Front Camera	8 MP	5 MP
Video Recording	1080p at 30 fps	1080p at 30 fps
Battery	5,000 mAh	5,000 mAh
Charging	10W wired charging	10W wired charging
Water Resistance	No rating	Water repellent coating
Security	Rear fingerprint scanner	Rear fingerprint scanner
Connectivity	WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, USB-C	WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, USB-C
Audio Features	3.5mm headphone jack	3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Accelerometer, proximity

As we can see from the table above, there are quite a few similarities between the two devices in core areas like display size, battery capacity, charging speed and rear fingerprint scanner.

However, the Moto G 5G pulls ahead in several key aspects like processing power, camera setup, software version, storage capacity and extras like gyroscope and compass. On the other hand, Moto G Play offers a minor advantage with its water repellent coating.

Now let‘s analyze some of these factors more closely.

Display Comparison

• Both phones have the same 6.5-inch LCD panel with HD+ (1600 x 720p) resolution and 20:9 aspect ratio catering to multimedia usage.

• The Moto G 5G display has a higher refresh rate of 90Hz compared to 60 Hz on the Moto G Play. This results in a notably smoother and more fluid scrolling and transitions on the G 5G model.

• Responsiveness is also enhanced by the G 5G‘s better touch sampling rate of 240 Hz versus 120 Hz sampling rate on the Play.

• Both screens include basics like ambient light sensor and proximity sensor. Peak brightness levels are also very similar at around 400 nits.

• Screen-to-body ratio is marginally higher on the Moto G 5G at 81.5% versus 80.6% on the Play, resulting in slimmer bezels.

Overall, while the core display parameters are equivalent, the Moto G 5G takes the lead with its 90Hz refresh rate that boosts fluidity and responsiveness during everyday usage.

Hardware Comparison

The Moto G 5G utilizes a far more powerful and advanced MediaTek Dimensity 700 chip based on the 7nm process compared to the 11nm Snapdragon 460 used in Play model. Let‘s examine the implications:

• CPU: The G 5G‘s octa-core CPU with 2 high-power Cortex-A76 cores running at 2.2GHz and 6 efficiency Cortex-A55 cores at 2 GHz is superior to Play‘s 4×1.8 GHz + 4×1.6 GHz Kryo 260 CPU in both architecture and clock speeds.

• GPU: The Mali-G57 GPU gives better graphics performance versus the aging Adreno 610 GPU found in the Play. This has direct impact on gaming, video editing and other GPU-accelerated tasks.

• AI Engine: G 5G includes dedicated AI processing capabilities allowing more on-device machine learning and AI integration.

• Memory & Storage: The Moto G Play is sorely lacking with just 3GB of RAM and 32GB non-expandable storage. In comparison, the G 5G offers 4/6GB RAM options and 64/128GB storage, with 2022 variant including 256GB configured storage. Both have microSDXC support but G 5G‘s UFS 2.1 main storage offers faster access speeds than Play‘s slower eMMC 5.1 flash.

In essence, the MediaTek 700 chipset delivers vastly improved performance and capabilities across the board, justifying the G 5G‘s higher pricing. Buyers should note however that only the 4GB RAM variant with 64GB storage offers the best value currently.

Camera Comparison

Motorola has equipped both phones with multi-camera setups but there is a clear difference in terms of sensor resolutions and versatility:

Rear camera:

• The Moto G Play includes a rather basic 13MP main camera paired with a depth sensor. Video recording tops out at 1080p 30fps.

• In comparison, the Moto G 5G offers a powerful 50MP main camera with Phase Detect Auto Focus (PDAF), accompanied by depth and dedicated macro lenses, enabling good close-up shots. This system captures sharper, more detailed photos and videos especially in medium to low light conditions.

Front camera:

• For selfies and video calling, the 8MP front camera on the Moto G 5G again surpasses the 5MP shooter on the Play model thanks to its higher megapixel count and aperture.

So if photos and videos are a priority, the Moto G 5G certainly delivers a big upgrade over the entry-level dual cameras on the Play. For casual usage however, the Play may still suffice.

Software Comparison

As Motorola smartphones run nearly stock Android, the core user experience is quite similar between both phones. However, we see major differences when it comes to:

• Android Version: Moto G Play ships with older Android 11 out of the box. In contrast, Moto G 5G offers the latest Android 12 software with all its privacy, customization and performance upgrades.

• Updates: With Android 12 already active, the G 5G should continue receiving OS updates for a longer period. Play‘s update lifespan looks less promising. This aspect deserves attention for long term usability.

Android 12 highlights like centralized Privacy Dashboard, predictive app loading, quick settings changes, design customizations via Material You and one-handed mode enhance productivity on the Moto G 5G. These give it an edge in terms of user experience.

Battery & Charging Comparison

• Both phones are equipped with a large 5000mAh battery capacity and 10W wired charging via USB-C port.

• As such, their battery backup performance is quite similar, comfortably lasting over 1.5 days of moderate use. Intensive activities like gaming will cut this down while frugal usage can push endurance to nearly 2 days.

• With identical charging speeds, reaching full charge from empty takes well over 2 hours on both models. This is one area where faster charging support would have been welcomed.

• Disappointingly neither phone offers wireless charging support. Reverse wireless charging is also absent.

Overall, battery life and charging rates are at par between the Moto G Play and Moto G 5G, with expected screen on times ranging between 6 to 8 hours depending on processor‘s power efficiency and usage patterns. Faster charging would have enhanced user convenience.

Design & Build Quality Comparison

As visible from the design, both phones share a similar tall-aspect candybar form factor with plastic rear shell and plastic frame.

• The Moto G Play does gain an edge for outdoor use thanks to its water-repellent coating that protects against light splashes or rain. Moto G 5G lacks any official water resistance.

• Ergonomically, the Moto G 5G just has slightly slimmer and lighter body, shaving off a few grams at 206g versus Moto G Play at 204g. For practical purposes, in-hand feel remains almost identical.

• Aesthetics however vary with Moto G 5G offering three contemporary gradient tone finishes while Moto G Play sticks to a single dark gray color scheme with unique wavy pattern. So buyers have more customization flexibility with colors on the 5G model.

To conclude, buyers gain better wet weather protection with Moto G Play but Moto G 5G takes the cake for lighter build and trendier colors to choose from. Handling comfort is at par between both thanks to their tall, moderately thick footprint.

Audio, Sensors & Connectivity Comparison

We find mostly similar capabilities between the phones for call quality and connections:

• Both incorporate a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio output besides the mono speaker. Noise cancelling mics improve call quality.

• Moto G Play includes just the essential accelerometer and proximity sensors. Moto G 5G adds gyroscope and compass/magnetometer to enable advanced orientation detection and navigation functions.

• For wireless connectivity, Moto G Play supports WiFi 5 (ac), Bluetooth 5 while Moto G 5G offers the latest WiFi 5 (ac) and Bluetooth 5.1. Both can use GPS, AGPS and Glonass positioning systems and have FM Radio.

• Disappointingly, neither model includes NFC for contactless payments.

To summarize, while call quality and connections are at par, the Moto G 5G gains a leg up with additional motion sensors and Bluetooth 5.1 support. But it misses out on NFC like the Play.

Verdict – Which Model Offers Better Value?

To conclude this extensive comparison, here is a high level verdict on which phone makes most sense for buyers with different needs and budgets:

• For those wanting the latest connectivity, cameras, software and horsepower at a sub-$300 price, Moto G 5G makes a compelling case with its sleeker design, 90Hz display, versatile triple camera setup, powerhouse Dimensity 700 processor and Android 12 OS. It handily outperforms the Play model across benchmarks. Battery life and charging rates are at par. Despite lacking water resistance rating and NFC, overall it gives an excellent blend of features, performance and quality for this segment.

• On a tight budget below $150, Moto G Play still competes as a decent entry-level device thanks to its ultra-long battery life, headphone jack, HD+ screen paired with massive storage expansion and minor water protection. Performance and camera quality are understandably lower but usable for undemanding users. For kids or secondary device needs, it fits the bill while cutting several corners.

So in most typical scenarios, the Moto G 5G clearly surpasses the more affordable Play version to justify spending extra for the faster 5G connectivity, 60% quicker processor, vastly improved cameras and software updability it grants. But non-power users can still benefit from the G Play‘s rock solid construction and basics. Pick as per your unique requirements among these capable contenders from Motorola‘s leading Moto G series lineup.