Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
If you're weighing your options, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the flagship choice, while the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) caters to budget-conscious buyers. The S23 Ultra's jaw-dropping 200MP camera offers photo quality that's simply unmatched in this comparison. In real-world use, you'll appreciate how the S23 Ultra's QHD+ resolution of 3088 x 1440 delivers stunning visuals, especially against the G Play's limited 720p display. The trade-offs are clear: the S23 Ultra packs a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for top-tier performance, while the G Play's Snapdragon 680 is adequate for everyday tasks. However, if you're gaming or multitasking, the S23 Ultra's specs shine with its 12GB RAM and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, making for fluid navigation and gaming experiences. Meanwhile, the G Play's 90Hz refresh rate is decent but simply can't compete with the flagship's capabilities. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (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 | 4.4★ (1,341 reviews) | ✓4.5★ (848 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom | Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier |
| Main Drawback | Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors | Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Budget |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Qualcomm Adreno 740
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 S23 Ultra vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,341)Amazon | ★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 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 740 | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser 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) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (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 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB | 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 2 | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 8.25 oz (234 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Qualcomm Adreno 740
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom
- Custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy provides top-tier performance
Cons
- Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors
- Large and heavy (8.25 oz) form factor is difficult for one-handed use
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 S23 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 200MP camera crushes the Motorola Moto G Play (2024).
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you shoot a lot of high-quality photos, you game frequently, or you want the best display available. (6.8" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you need a budget-friendly phone, you prefer a lighter device, or you want a reliable daily driver without the frills. (6.5" display, 90 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Motorola Moto
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,341 reviews vs 848
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
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
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Motorola Moto G Play (2024) leads with a 4.5★ rating versus 4.4★. That said, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better choice if you prioritize class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. Motorola Moto G Play (2024) wins if you value stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom, while Motorola Moto G Play (2024) stands out with stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra slow charging speed (45w) compared to competitors. 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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