Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
If you're weighing the Samsung Galaxy S23 against the Motorola Moto G Play (2024), the S23 is the premium mid-range option. You'll get a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip versus the Moto G Play's Snapdragon 680, which is more than capable but not in the same league. In my testing, the S23's 6.1" Dynamic AMOLED display is vibrant and bright at 1750 nits, making it ideal for outdoor use, while the G Play features a larger but lower-resolution 720p IPS LCD display that falls short for media consumption. The Galaxy S23's 3900mAh battery lasts up to 22 hours of video playback. However, for performance and display quality, the S23 crushes it. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S23 (mid-range) 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★ (101 reviews) | ✓4.5★ (848 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version | Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier |
| Main Drawback | Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0) | Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p |
| Market Position | ✓Mid-range | Budget |
Samsung Galaxy S23
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Samsung Galaxy S23
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(101)Best Buy | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028) | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi) | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 48–120 Hz | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately) | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); 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 (up to 5 Gb/s) | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 5.93 oz (168 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier) | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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Samsung Galaxy S23
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version
- Compact, lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
Cons
- Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0)
- Charging speed is limited to 25W (significantly slower than competitors)
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 is the better buy for most people - its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip delivers performance that crushes the Moto G Play's Snapdragon 680.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if: you want top-notch performance for gaming, prefer a high-quality display for streaming, or need a versatile camera for photography. (6.1" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you need a budget-friendly option, want a phone that lasts over a day on a single charge, or prefer a larger screen for casual use. (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 848 reviews vs 101
→ 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
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy S23 and Motorola Moto G Play (2024) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Motorola Moto G Play (2024) leads with a 4.5★ rating versus 4.4★. That said, Samsung Galaxy S23 could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S23 or Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better choice if you prioritize powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. 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 and Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S23 offers powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version, 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 base 128gb model uses slower ufs 3.1 storage (256gb+ uses ufs 4.0). 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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