Motorola Moto G Pure vs Moto G Play: How Do They Compare?

Key Points

• The Moto G Pure and Moto G Play both have 6.5-inch Max Vision HD+ displays, 3GB RAM, and 32GB internal storage expandable up to 512GB.
• The Moto G Play has a slightly better rear camera with 16MP compared to the Moto G Pure’s 13MP, and a larger 5000mAh battery that can last up to three days.
• The Moto G Pure is more affordable at $109.99, while the Moto G Play is priced at $149.99.

Who hasn’t heard of Motorola? With their famous jingle and catchphrase, Hello Moto, even the most elusive hermit knows about it. Even if Motorola isn’t the most used brand in the US, let’s face it, Motorola is an established brand in many countries, and there’s no shame in considering switching to it.

Today, we’re giving you a rundown on the Moto G Pure and the Moto G Play. Let’s go! 

Motorola Moto G Pure vs. Moto G Play: Side-by-Side Comparison

We’ve broken down the Motorola G Pure and Motorola G Play specs into an easy-to-read comparison chart. This way, you’ll know if a model has what you’re looking for! 

Motorola Moto G Pure vs. Moto G Play: What’s the Difference? 

If you squint a bit and look at the Motorola Moto G Pure and the Motorola G Play with half-closed eyes and a magnifying glass, you can spot the differences. And, just so you don’t give yourself a headache trying to play spot the differences, we’ve explained them down below. 

Price

Let’s consider the dates. The Motorola Moto G Pure came out in 2021, and the Motorola Moto G Play came out two years later, in 2023. As a result, we can imagine why the Motorola Moto G Play comes with a few minor upgrades.

Can you live without them? Truth is, probably yes. However, don’t be too quick to judge just yet. 

Budget Pick

Moto G Pure (2021)

$109.99

• 6.5" Max Vision HD+ display
• Super responsive
• Compatible with major carriers
• Dual-camera system with night vision 
• Water-repellent design

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10/02/2023 06:08 am GMT

These phones are perfect for someone who wants a simple-to-use phone without exceeding the $200 budget. The Moto G Pure costs $109.99, and the Play is $149.99 on the official Motorola page.  

Camera

Almost everyone that has a smartphone uses it for taking pictures and selfies. Most of us live for our selfies and picture walls, so having a great camera is a must. Let’s see how these models compare.

Rear Camera and Video

The more megapixels a camera has, the better pictures it takes, as they will be more detailed and sharp. The Motorola Moto G Play has 16MP, and the Motorola Moto G Pure rocks 13MP.

Both come with a 2MP depth sensor and a single LED flash. They both have rear and front FHD video capture of 30 fps, but no options above that. The Motorola Moto G Play and the Pure share much of the same software.

You can expect your Moto G Play to take slightly better pictures in a few years, as it will be the only one still receiving regular updates. For now, they both have everything you need, such as live filters, spot color, gesture selfies, and HDR. 

Front Camera 

Choose an excellent background and perfect lighting, strike a pose, and click! The Motorola Moto G Pure and the Motorola Moto G Play both have a 5MP front camera. Both models share the same software, which includes convenient features such as Auto Smile Capture.

Performance

Most people know Motorola phones have a reputation for being indestructible. Storms will come and go, the end of times will come, and somehow, somewhere, there will still be a functioning Motorola phone.

Still, how good are the Motorola Moto G Pure and Motorola G Play under the screen and carcass? Let’s find out! The Motorola G Pure works with Android 11, while the Moto G Play uses Android 12.

This might as well be the biggest difference between these two. While both Motorola models use MediaTek Helio as their processor, the Moto G Pure uses the G25, and the Moto G Play uses the G37.

Storage Expansion up to 512 GB

Moto G Play

$169.99

• 6.5" HD+ display, 5000mAh battery
• 16MP triple camera system
• 32GB built-in storage (up to 512GB more with a microSD card)
• Water-repellent design
• Fingerprint reader

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10/03/2023 10:35 am GMT

This is another thing that you probably shouldn’t worry about. Both come with 3 GB of RAM and an internal storage of 32 GB, which you can expand to 512 GB with an external microSD card. Only the Motorola GP Pure can be unlocked with Face ID.

Several excellent accessibility sensors are included with the Motorola G Play. This consists of a notification LED, proximity sensor, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, e-compass, barometer, and hotspot.

These are all nice things to have. However, they won’t significantly alter your day-to-day experience with these smartphones.

Battery

If you want to get the most out of your phone, the first thing to check is that it has a good battery capacity and charging capability. 

The Motorola G Pure has a 4000mAH battery capacity and 10W rapid charging capabilities. The battery can last up to two days once it’s fully charged. On the other hand, the Motorola Moto G Play can last up to three days with its 5000mAh battery and rapid charging. 

Motorola Moto G Pure vs. Moto G Play: 5 Must-know-facts

1. Both smartphones are unlocked for all USA carriers.
2. Both cell phones come with a 10W rapid charger, USB Type-C cables, guides, and a SIM toolkit.
3. Both phones use a nano SIM. 
4. Earphones are sold separately.
5. The Moto G Play’s battery can last up to three days.

Motorola Moto G Pure vs. Moto G Play: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Buy?

Honestly, we can safely say that you can buy either of them and there won’t be much difference. True, the Motorola Moto G Play comes with several upgrades in terms of the camera, but it’s nothing you wouldn’t miss.

If you have to consider a budget, the Motorola Moto G Play costs about $50 more than the Motorola Moto G Pure. We would recommend the Moto G Play due to its impressive battery, but, in the end, you need to decide if that’s worth the extra money. Good luck!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©DANIEL CONSTANTE/Shutterstock.com.