Motorola has been a leader in mobile technology for decades. Today, Motorola phones span a wide range of prices to meet different needs and budgets. Two popular models in Motorola’s current lineup are the Moto G Pure and the Moto G 5G. On paper, these two phones can look quite similar—but there are key differences that are important to understand if you’re trying to choose between them.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll look closely at the specs and features of the Motorola Moto G Pure vs the Moto G 5G across areas like camera, battery life, performance, and connectivity. By the end, you’ll know clearly which Motorola phone is the better fit depending on your priorities and budget.
Moto G Pure vs Moto G 5G: Key Specs Comparison
Before we dive into the details, here’s an overview table comparing the core specs of the Motorola Moto G Pure and Moto G 5G:
| Spec | Moto G Pure | Moto G 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G25 | MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G |
| RAM | 3GB | 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB | 256GB |
| Expandable Storage | Up to 512GB | Up to 1TB |
| Rear Camera | 13MP | 50MP |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 13MP |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 10W rapid charging | 10W rapid charging |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint reader | Fingerprint reader |
| Connectivity | LTE 4G | 5G, LTE 4G |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| IP Water Resistance | Water repellent | Water repellent |
| Price | $109 | $199 |
Although they share Motorola’s commitment to quality, you can see there are considerable differences in areas like the camera, memory storage, processor performance and —of course—5G connectivity. Keep reading as we explore exactly how these specs translate into real-world use.
Comparing the Cameras: Photos and Video
One area where we see a major difference between the Moto G series phones is in the camera capabilities – especially the powerful 50MP main lens on the back of the Moto G 5G.
Rear cameras:
- Moto G Pure: 13MP main + 2MP depth
- Moto G 5G: 50MP main + 2MP depth
With its higher megapixel count, the Moto G 5G is capable of capturing much finer detail that allows for sharper and clearer photos even when cropped or printed at larger sizes. For casual Instagram posts, the quality difference may not be huge. But camera phone enthusiasts will definitely notice an upgrade here.
In terms of camera features and shooting modes, Motorola keeps things simple on both phones but includes popular options like Portrait mode, Cutout mode, Pro mode manual controls, and more. Unique to the Moto G 5G is the addition of Night vision and Cinemagraph modes. So you have a few more creative options for low light and animated photos.
As for video capture, both phones record at a maximum resolution of 1080p Full HD. Footage will be crisper from the Moto G 5G thanks again to that 50MP sensor, but overall quality should be similar.
Front cameras:
- Moto G Pure: 5MP
- Moto G 5G: 13MP
With their selfie cameras, the capabilities gap narrows. But users who take a lot of self-portraits, group pics, and video calls may still appreciate the bump up to 13MP and the extra modes you get on the Moto G 5G like the Spot Color feature and Pro controls.
Performance and Storage: More Power to Multitask
In addition to the camera upgrades, the Moto G 5G also outperforms its budget cousin when it comes to overall system speed and storage space.
The MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor and 6GB RAM give the Moto G 5G excellent capabilities for gaming, streaming HD video, using creative apps like editing and design tools, and smoothly running multiple demanding apps at once. It feels snappier navigating around the phone interface too.
By comparison, the Moto G Pure still offers capable everyday performance but you may notice some lag at times when pushing the phone to its limits in gaming or creative workloads. For simpler daily usage it should be responsive enough.
As for built-in storage space, the Moto G Pure’s very modest 32GB can start feeling cramped quite quickly after you account for the operating system and pre-installed apps. Thankfully MicroSD card expansion is available to add more storage when needed.
But with a huge 256GB internal storage out of the box – not to mention expansion up to 1TB – you’re extremely unlikely to ever feel short on space with the Moto G 5G. Downloading movies and games to your heart‘s content!
Battery and Charging: All-Day Life
Long-lasting battery life is crucial for any smartphone. And both the Moto G Pure and Moto G 5G deliver solidly here:
- Moto G Pure: 4,000 mAh battery
- Moto G 5G: 5,000 mAh battery
In real-world usage you can expect at least a full day – and often closer to two days – of operation on a single charge from either phone. Obviously using more power-hungry features like mobile data streaming, gaming, or GPS navigation will decrease times proportionally.
But in general, most users won’t have trouble getting from morning to evening even in heavy use, thanks to the efficient MediaTek chipsets and Motorola software optimizations on both handsets.
For charging, a 10W rapid charging adapter is included. So you can top up quickly when running low by plugging in for just a short time. Both phones lack support for advanced fast charging standards, but 10W is a practical sweet spot between speed and long-term battery health.
Connectivity: Do You Need 5G Yet?
Now let’s talk about the capabilities that the “5G” name suggests… next-gen wireless connectivity.
The Moto G Pure, while still very much a modern phone, only includes 4G LTE networks support. So your cellular data speeds are limited to that standard.
By adding 5G support on the Moto G 5G – enabled by the built-in Dimensity 700 chip – you open the door for much faster downloads and streaming in coverage areas. We’re talking 2-4x faster real-world speeds, lower latency for gaming, and network capacity improvements.
That said, 5G networks remain spotty in many regions. Be sure to check coverage maps from carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile for your location before deciding that 5G capability is a must-have. As the infrastructure expands over the next 2-3 years, owning this future-proofed phone will pay dividends.
The phones are quite well-matched for other connectivity specs:
- Bluetooth 5.0
- WiFi 802.11 a/b/g (dual-band 2.4GHz + 5GHz)
- GPS / A-GPS
- NFC absent on both models
Which Should You Buy: Moto G Pure or Moto G 5G?
So in the battle of Moto G Pure vs Moto G 5G, which phone claims victory?
For budget-focused buyers who still want a high quality user experience, the Moto G Pure punches well above its $109 price point. You get Motorola’s tried and true hardware design, their clean Android software build, excellent battery life and decent cameras. If your needs are basic, this is a bargain pick.
But for just $90 more, the Moto G 5G brings some seriously upgraded components like that 50MP camera system, future-proofed 5G connectivity, a gorgeous 6.5” 90Hz display, much improved memory and storage, and buttery-smooth all-around performance perfect for demanding users and activities like mobile gaming.
In our opinion, the Moto G 5G is one of the best values you‘ll find right now for under $200 unlocked. Unless you have strict budget limitations, it’s easily worth the extra bit of cash to enjoy a redefined entry-level experience and peace of mind that this phone will stay fast and responsive for several years to come.
FAQs about the Moto G Series Phones
- What colors do these phones come in? Both models are offered in two classy color options. The Moto G Pure comes in Arctic Blue and Mineral Gray. For the Moto G 5G you can choose between Cosmic Purple and Coastal Blue.
- How much storage can I add with a MicroSD card? The Moto G Pure supports cards up to 512GB. And on the Moto G 5G you can use cards up to a huge 1TB!
- Is the display protected? Yes, fortunately both phones come with pre-installed screen protectors over their 6.5” displays. But using an additional case is still a good idea for scratch and impact protection.
- How long will the phones get software updates? At least two years of major OS and security patch updates is standard for Motorola. So you can expect an update to Android 13 and regular fixes through 2024 on both models.
