BeastCompare

Galaxy S23 vs Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026): Which One Should You Buy?

Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) edges ahead with a BeastScore of 82.0/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2023

Galaxy S23

Galaxy S23
79/ 100
Launch price$799
Motorola

Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)

Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)
82/ 100
Launch pricePrice on request
Head-to-head

Galaxy S23 wins 2 of 5 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
2 wins
Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)
Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplay
Galaxy S23Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)
Category winners

Scores out of 100. "From specs" scores compare only the specs both phones list. How we score

  • Speedfrom specsGalaxy S23
    84
    51
  • Camerafrom specsGalaxy S23
    82
    32
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    60
    60
  • Batteryfrom specsMotorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)
    30
    73
  • Displayfrom specsTie
    88
    88
  • ConnectivityNot enough data
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueNot enough data
Key differences
  • Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) has the bigger battery5,200 mAh vs 3,900 mAh
  • Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) has the bigger screen6.7" vs 6.1"
  • Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) has a sharper selfie camera16 MP vs 12 MP
  • Galaxy S23 has more RAM8 GB vs 4 GB
  • Galaxy S23 has the faster chipSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Dimensity 6300
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S23
  • ✓831 g lighter (168 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$9200 cheaper at launch ($799 vs $9999)
  • ✓50 MP main camera
Reasons to buy Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)
  • ✓Bigger 5,200 mAh battery (+1,300 mAh)
  • ✓50 MP main camera
  • ✓6.7" display at 120 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S23Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeDynamic AMOLED 2XNot listed
Screen Size6.1"6.7"
Resolution & Density2340x1080 (425 ppi)N/A
Refresh Rate120 Hz ProMotion120 Hz ProMotion
Brightness1,750 nits peakN/A
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Galaxy S23 Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm)Dimensity 6300
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsAdreno 740Not listed
Operating SystemAndroid 13Android 15
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory8 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage128GB / 256GB64 GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Galaxy S23 Wins Camera
Primary Camera50 MP, f/1.8, OIS, Samsung GN350 MP, 50MP Main + Depth Sensor
Telephoto Zoom10 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.4, OISNone (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.2N/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens12 MP, f/2.216 MP
7. Body & Dimensions
Dimensions146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mmN/A
Weight168 gN/A
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68Not listed
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) Wins Battery
Battery Capacity3,900 mAh5,200 mAh
Wired Fast Charging25W wired fast chargingN/A
Wireless Charging15W wireless chargingNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6ENot listed
Bluetooth5.3Not listed
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.2Not listed
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$799Price on request
Our verdict

Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) wins — BeastScore 82.0/100

After comparing all the specs, Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) is the stronger all-round phone. Its main edge: Higher overall BeastScore: 82.0 vs top rival 78.8 and Larger battery capacity: 5,200 mAh (+1,300 mAh more).

Buy Galaxy S23 if you want

Significantly faster wired charging: 25W vs max 0W · Dedicated optical telephoto zoom (1 lens system)

Buy Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) if you want

Higher overall BeastScore: 82.0 vs top rival 78.8 · Larger battery capacity: 5,200 mAh (+1,300 mAh more)

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S23 or Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)?

Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) leads with an overall BeastScore of 82.0/100 compared to Galaxy S23 (78.8/100), driven by advantages in Higher overall BeastScore: 82.0 vs top rival 78.8 and Larger battery capacity: 5,200 mAh (+1,300 mAh more).

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S23 and Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)?

Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch display and 3900 mAh battery. Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) has a 6.7-inch display and 5200 mAh battery.

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