Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
In the battle of Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024), the S22 wins on performance and features, but the Moto G Play offers notable value for budget-conscious buyers. The trade-off? While the S22's 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming, the Moto's 720p display falls short compared to its rivals. So, which one suits your needs better? Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S22 (premium flagship) and Motorola Moto G Play (2024) (budget-friendly) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | Motorola Moto |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5★ (466 reviews) | 4.5★ (848 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use | Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier |
| Main Drawback | Small 3,700mAh battery often struggles to last a full heavy day | Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Budget |
Samsung Galaxy S22
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Android
1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Adreno 610
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Samsung Galaxy S22
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(466)Best Buy | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 730 | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | 48–120Hz (Adaptive) | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Peak) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Space Zoom | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 3,700 mAh (Typical) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC | 4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+ | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 5.89 oz (167 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM) | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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Samsung Galaxy S22
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
8GB LPDDR5
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use
- Versatile triple camera system with a dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens
Cons
- Small 3,700mAh battery often struggles to last a full heavy day
- Wired charging limited to 25W (slower than Plus/Ultra models)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Android
1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Adreno 610
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Pros
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 provides reliable basic performance (better than Helio G37)
Cons
- Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p
- No 5G connectivity (4G LTE only)
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the better buy for most people - its 120Hz display offers twice the smoothness compared to the Moto G Play's 90Hz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 if: you want a premium camera with 3x optical zoom, crave a brighter 1,300 nits display, or need the latest Snapdragon processor for gaming.
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you need a budget-friendly option, require up to 34 hours of battery life, or prefer a bloat-free software experience.
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 848 reviews vs 466
→ Choose Motorola Moto
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Motorola Moto
Compact and lightweight Priority
Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.5★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S22 or Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Samsung Galaxy S22 is the better choice if you prioritize compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use. Motorola Moto G Play (2024) wins if you value stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Both are rated highly (4.5★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S22 and Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S22 offers compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use, while Motorola Moto G Play (2024) stands out with stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S22 small 3,700mah battery often struggles to last a full heavy day. Meanwhile, Motorola Moto G Play (2024) resolution is limited to 720p (hd+) while competitors offer 1080p. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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