Motorola Moto G Play (2023) arrives with questionable upgrades from 2021 model
Motorola has announced the Moto G Play (2023), a smartphone that Evan Blass leaked in October as the Moto G Play (2022). For reference, Motorola last refreshed the Moto G Play series in January 2021 with the Moto G Play (2021). While nearly two years separate the two devices, the newer smartphone appears to offer worse performance than its predecessor.
For some reason, Motorola has replaced the Snapdragon 460 with the MediaTek Helio G37, despite the latter being roughly 30% weaker than the former. Conversely, the Moto G Play (2023) relies on 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage like its predecessor, plus an identical 5,000 mAh battery that supports 10 W fast charging. The Moto G Play (2023) seems to share its 5 MP front-facing and 2 MP depth cameras with the Moto G Play (2021) too.
The Moto G Play (2023) can shoot at up to 16 MP with its primary camera though, up from 13 MP with its predecessor. The newer model has also gained a third rear-facing camera, albeit just a 2 MP macro sensor. Overall, the inclusion of a 90 Hz panel and Android 12 appear the biggest changes from the Moto G Play (2021). Still, the 6.5-inch, IPS and 720p display from the 2021 edition remains.
For the time being, the Moto G Play (2023) will be a US exclusive, where it is available for US$170 in a sole Deep Indigo colourway. Motorola has not confirmed whether it intends to release the Moto G Play (2023) in other markets yet, although the 2021 edition is likely to cost less than its successor while outperforming it in most tasks.
