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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Get the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE unless you're on a tight budget. The numbers tell the story: it features a 6.4" FHD+ display at 120Hz, while the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) has a 6.5" HD+ display. You might think a bigger screen is better, but the lower resolution on the Moto G Play means it's not as sharp. Key specs: Display: 6.4" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz.
📱 Display: 6.4" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 4500 mAh vs 5000 mAh
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8
(13)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Graphics:Adreno 730
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Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5
(848)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.4"
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.5"Winner
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
8GBWinner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
4,500mAh (Typical)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
7.37 oz (209 g)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.53 oz (185 g)Winner
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8(13)Best Buy
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5(848)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(13)Best Buy | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 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 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 730 | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 8GB | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.4" | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1,450 nits (Peak) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 10MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 4,500mAh (Typical) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 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/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 7.37 oz (209 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Rating:★4.8(13)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Graphics:Adreno 730
RAM:8GB
Storage:128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Display Size:6.4"
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,450 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x
Video Recording:8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:10MP, f/2.4
Battery:4,500mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back)
Dimensions:6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:7.37 oz (209 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox
✓ Pros:
- • Dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket)
- • Premium build with IP68 rating and aluminum frame
- • Bright 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (1,450 nits)
- • Full flagship software experience including Samsung DeX
- • Guaranteed long-term software support (4 OS updates)
✗ Cons:
- • Significantly thicker bezels compared to standard S23
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 5 (vs. Victus 2 on S23)
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset can be less power-efficient than Gen 2
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower than the Ultrasonic sensor on S23
- • Charging speed capped at 25W
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Rating:★4.5(848)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
RAM:4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage:64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak)
Resolution:1600 x 720 (HD+)
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Peak Brightness:500 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Weight:6.53 oz (185 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot
✓ Pros:
- • Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
- • Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 provides reliable basic performance (better than Helio G37)
- • Clean, bloat-free My UX software experience
- • Gorilla Glass 3 protection on the front display
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p
- • No 5G connectivity (4G LTE only)
- • No NFC for mobile payments (Google Pay)
- • Charging is slow (15W max) and no charger is included in the box
- • Single usable rear camera (no ultrawide or macro lens)
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better buy for most people - its 6.4" FHD+ display at 120Hz crushes the Moto G Play's 6.5" HD+ display.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you want a stunning 120Hz display for gaming, you need 5G connectivity for faster browsing, or you often take photos with a dedicated telephoto lens.
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you need a reliable phone on a budget, you want longer battery life for extended use, or you prefer expandable storage options with microSD support. (6.5" display, 90 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE excels if you value dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket). Motorola Moto G Play (2024) is better if you prioritize stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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