Unveiling Motorola Moto G Play 2023 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Motorola Moto G Play (2023) features a practical and robust design. Measuring 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm and weighing 203 g, the phone offers a solid in-hand feel with its sturdy plastic frame and back. This choice of materials keeps the device lightweight while ensuring durability. The deep indigo color gives it a simple, yet elegant look. The rear of the device houses a fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking.

Display

The device comes with a 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen. With a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, it delivers a satisfactory viewing experience with decent color reproduction and viewing angles. The 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations and scrolling, which is impressive given the phone's budget-oriented nature.

Performance

Powered by the Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 chipset, the Moto G Play (2023) combines an Octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) with a PowerVR GE8320 GPU. This setup is quite capable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming.

With 3GB of RAM, the device handles multitasking relatively smoothly. However, the 32GB of internal storage might be limiting for some users; thankfully, there is a dedicated microSDXC slot for storage expansion.

Camera

The Moto G Play (2023) is equipped with a triple camera setup on the back, which includes a 16 MP wide lens, a 2 MP macro camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor. It supports features like HDR and panorama, and the LED flash assists in low-light photography. The rear cameras can record 1080p video at 30 or 60fps.

The front-facing camera is a 5 MP wide lens, which supports HDR and can record 1080p video at 30fps. It serves adequately for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The standout feature of the Moto G Play (2023) is its impressive battery life. It houses a 5000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, which offers extended usage on a single charge. With a 10W charging speed, it might not be the fastest in terms of charging, but it compensates by providing all-day battery life for moderate users.

Software and User Experience

Running on Android 12, the user experience on the Moto G Play (2023) is intuitive and smooth. Motorola’s close-to-stock Android implementation ensures minimal bloatware and clean navigation. Users benefit from Google's suite of apps and services, enriching the overall software experience.

Connectivity

The device supports a variety of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE, providing reliable connectivity options. For wireless connections, it features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.0. Additionally, GPS and GLONASS support ensures efficient location tracking.

While the device lacks NFC and radio features, it includes a standard 3.5mm audio jack and USB Type-C 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Special Features

The Moto G Play (2023) includes several sensors, including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and barometer. These features enhance the phone's functionality and user interaction, providing added security and convenience.

Pricing and Availability

Announced on December 8, 2022, and released on December 12, 2022, the Moto G Play (2023) is widely available. It is positioned as a cost-effective option within Motorola's lineup, priced at approximately $59.95 or CAD 119.96. This attractive pricing makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable performance and long battery life.