The Motorola Moto G series has long offered affordable yet capable Android smartphones. Two of the latest releases – the Moto G Fast and Moto G Play – provide great value with decent specs and features. But which one is better for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we compare the Moto G Fast and Moto G Play across all key categories – from displays and performance to cameras and battery life. We summarize the main similarities and differences to help you determine the right Moto G phone for your needs and budget.
Introduction – Moto G Fast vs Moto G Play Overview
The Moto G Fast and Moto G Play were both released in 2020 as the latest budget-friendly additions to Motorola‘s popular G series lineup.
Similarities:
- Run Android 10 operating system
- Have rear fingerprint sensors
- Include 3.5mm headphone jacks
- Support storage expansion via microSD card up to 512GB
- Offer water-repellent design (but not fully waterproof)
- Available unlocked for use with multiple carriers
Differences:
- Moto G Fast has slightly faster processor (Snapdragon 665 vs 460)
- Moto G Fast has triple rear camera setup; G Play has dual
- G Play has bigger 5,000mAh battery (Fast has 4,000mAh)
- G Play screen is slightly larger at 6.5-inches (Fast is 6.4-inches)
Now let‘s compare these two affordable Motorola devices in greater depth across the key categories.
Display Comparison
While the displays on the Moto G Fast and G Play are pretty similar overall, there are some slight differences:
| Specification | Moto G Fast | Moto G Play |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.4 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Display Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1560 x 720 pixels | 1600 x 720 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 268 ppi | 270 ppi |
| Aspect Ratio | 19:9 | 20:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Screen-to-Body Ratio | 82.1% | 80.61% |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor, Proximity sensor | Ambient light sensor, Proximity sensor |
As you can see from the table, both phones have IPS LCD displays with HD+ resolution. The Moto G Play is marginally bigger at 6.5-inches while the Moto G Fast has a slightly higher screen-to-body ratio at 82%.
But those differences are quite minor – essentially offering the same viewing quality and user experience. Both screens are sufficiently bright and vibrant for watching videos and gaming. Plus the standard 60Hz refresh rate is smooth enough for daily usage.
Overall for displays, it‘s very close between the Moto G Fast and Play.
Hardware and Performance Comparison
When looking under the hood, the hardware specs reveal a bit more differentiation between these two phones:
| Specification | Moto G Fast | Moto G Play |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.0 GHz Kryo 260 & 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 260) | Octa-core (4×1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4×1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 32GB (eMMC) | 32GB (eMMC) |
| Expandable Storage | Up to 512GB via MicroSD | Up to 512GB via MicroSD |
| Battery Capacity | 4,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 10W rapid charging | 10W rapid charging |
The most significant hardware difference is the processor. The Moto G Fast utilizes the Snapdragon 665 chip which is faster and more powerful compared to the Snapdragon 460 chip in the Moto G Play. With its eight Kryo 260 cores clocked at up to 2GHz, the 665 handles intensive tasks like gaming, video streaming, and multitasking smoothly.
The Moto G Play‘s Snapdragon 460 octa-core CPU can still handle everyday usage like web browsing, messaging, basic photo editing reasonably well. But graphical performance falls short of the Moto G Fast due to the marginally slower Kryo 240 cores.
Both phones have Adreno 610 graphics though, ensuring visuals and gameplay graphics still look decent if not mindblowing. Plus the Moto G Play boasts 1GB more RAM than its predecessor (Moto G7 Play) which helps bolster performance to acceptable levels.
Storage is equal at 32GB, but the microSD card slot provides accessible expandable storage up to an ample 512GB. This allows you to keep all your apps, games, media files, and data without worrying about capacity limits.
When it comes to battery life, the Moto G Play pulls ahead with its chunky 5,000 mAh battery compared to the 4,000 mAh battery in the Moto G Fast. However, both support rapid 10W charging to help offset drain during intense usage.
Real-world tests showed the following results for battery performance:
- Moto G Fast:
- Internet use over Wi-Fi at 150 nits brightness: 9 hours
- Video playback at max brightness: 11 hours 30 minutes
- Moto G Play:
- Internet use over Wi-Fi at 150 nits brightness: 13 hours
- Video playback at max brightness: 17 hours
So while the Moto G Play lasts impressively long on a single charge, the Moto G Fast still provides decent battery life for most people‘s daily needs. Recharging fully takes about 2 hours for the G Play and just over an hour for the G Fast.
Overall for hardware, the Moto G Fast certainly outpaces the Moto G Play with its faster Snapdragon 665. But the Play strikes back with exceptional battery endurance that can last up to 2 days of light usage. Both deliver adequate real-world speed and performance given their affordable price point.
Camera Comparison
Cameras are becoming increasingly important even on budget devices these days. Let‘s examine what the Moto G Fast and Moto G Play offer in the imaging department:
| Specification | Moto G Fast | Moto G Play |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 16MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro) | 13MP (main) + 2MP (depth) |
| Rear Aperture | f/1.7 + f/2.2 + f/2.2 | f/2.0 + f/2.4 |
| Rear Focus | PDAF (main); Fixed focus (ultrawide & macro) | PDAF |
| Zoom | Digital zoom up to 8X | Digital zoom up to 8X |
| Rear Flash | LED Flash | LED Flash |
| Rear Video | 4K at 30fps; FHD at 30/60fps | 1080p at 30fps |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 5MP |
| Front Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 |
| Front Video | 1080p at 30fps | 720p at 30fps |
On paper, theclear winner for camera capabilities is the Moto G Fast with its flexible triple lens setup compared to the dual cameras on the Moto G Play.
The Moto G Fast‘s 16MP main shooter captures highly detailed shots with accurate colors and exposures even in low light thanks to the relatively wide f/1.7 aperture lens. The 8MP 118° ultrawide lens allows you to fit more of a scene into each frame. While detail takes a bit of a hit, shots have minimal distortion with decent dynamic range.
Image captured on Moto G Fast‘s main camera (credit: Motorola)
The 2MP dedicated macro lens lets you hone in on close-up subjects like flowers or insects. It does struggle a bit with fine detail and noise in low light though.
Macro shot taken with Moto G Fast (credit: Tech Gearoid)
As for video, the Moto G Fast records crisp 4K footage at 30fps and solid Full HD video at up to 60fps. Electronic image stabilization keeps videos steady when you‘re on the move too.
The Moto G Play‘s dual 13MP + 2MP cameras still take perfectly fine shots for social sharing. The main sensor retains a good level of sharpness and color accuracy, while the secondary depth camera creates that blurred background bokeh effect.
But low light performance is weaker with more visible noise. And the lack of an ultrawide angle lens reduces flexibility for group shots or landscapes. Video quality maxes out at 1080p as well, so it isn‘t quite as sharp with fewer framing options.
On the front selfie side, both phones have sufficient cameras. But the Moto G Fast‘s 8MP sensor captures better detail and exposures than the G Play‘s 5MP front-facing shooter.
For camera quality and flexibility alone, the Moto G Fast certainly holds the advantage over the pared back Moto G Play. Unless you only shoot in bright light and don‘t care about video or framing choices, the triple camera array with 4K recording makes the Moto G Fast the superior mobile photography sidekick.
Unique Features and Sensors
Here are some extra features and hardware capabilities offered on these phones beyond basic calling, messaging and internet browsing:
| Features | Moto G Fast | Moto G Play |
|---|---|---|
| Biometrics | Rear fingerprint sensor | Rear fingerprint sensor |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 | v5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| USB | Type-C 2.0 | Type-C 2.0 |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
The phones match up very evenly here. Both have rear fingerprint sensors for secure biometric unlocking, Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless audio connectivity, and retain the handy 3.5mm headphone jack.
However, the Moto G Fast does support NFC for mobile payments and quick Bluetooth pairing while the Moto G Play lacks this functionality.
One concern for some users is radiation from cellular networks. In that regard, the Moto G Play emits a stronger specific absorption rate (SAR) rating measuring:
- Moto G Fast SAR: 1.17 W/kg (head), 1.14 W/kg (body)
- Moto G Play SAR: 1.58 W/kg (head), 1.47 W/kg (body)
So those worried about exposure to electromagnetic waves may prefer the Moto G Fast with its lower SAR levels. But both phones meet safe regulatory limits.
Which Should You Buy: Moto G Fast or Moto G Play?
So wrapping up this comparison, is the Moto G Fast or Moto G Play the better buy? Here is a quick 1-minute recap of the pros and cons:
Moto G Fast Pros:
- Faster Snapdragon 665 processor
- Triple rear cameras with 4K video
- Brighter display with smaller body
- Lower SAR rating
Moto G Fast Cons:
- Shorter battery life
- Still plastic build
Moto G Play Pros:
- Exceptional 2-day battery
- Bigger 6.5-inch screen real estate
- Cheaper price
Moto G Play Cons:
- Underwhelming processor performance
- Basic dual camera with no 4K video
- Higher SAR radiation
So which one is the right affordable phone pick? Here‘s my verdict:
The Moto G Fast makes sense if you want the smoothest performance for gaming and streaming along with superior triple camera quality.
However, the Moto G Play is arguably the better choice for the average budget-conscious shopper wanting the longest-lasting battery life for lighter usage with solid dual cameras.
For only $100, the Moto G Play provides insane value – just be prepared for some lag when multitasking or playing intensive 3D games. But for everyday web browsing, messaging, standard photo taking, apps and video streaming, the smooth experience and epic 2 day battery justify the purchase. Plus it has a beloved headphone jack and expandable storage to boot.
So I‘d only recommend the Moto G Fast for demanding users who play graphic-intensive games and apps, capture lots of 4K video content or need consistently zippy speed for heavy creative workloads. Everyone else saves $80 and snags the Moto G Play bargain with its immersive one and a half day battery life at minimum.
FAQ – Moto G Fast vs Moto G Play
Here I answer some frequently asked questions regarding the Motorola Moto G Fast compared to the Moto G Play:
Q: Which phone has better display quality?
A: The Moto G Fast has a marginally better quality display with its slightly sharper 268 ppi, bigger 3000:1 contrast ratio and more vibrant colors compared to the 270 ppi / 1200:1 contrast ratio screen on the Moto G Play. But real-world difference is quite subtle.
Q: Which phone has longer battery life?
A: Without question, the Moto G Play offers superior battery life over the Moto G Fast. Its huge 5,000 mAh battery delivers up to 2 days runtime vs. just 1.5 days runtime on the Moto G Fast‘s 4,000 mAh battery. Both charge from 0 to 50 percent battery in around 30-40 minutes.
Q: Which device has better camera image quality?
A: The Moto G Fast is the clear winner for camera performance thanks to its triple lens setup with impressive low light shots from the main 16MP sensor paired with fun ultrawide and macro secondary shooters. The Moto G Play‘s dual cameras still take good photos in bright light but struggle more in dim conditions.
Q: Can these phones be used worldwide?
A: Both the factory unlocked Moto G Fast and Moto G Play allow you to insert any compatible GSM SIM card. So they provide global roaming access across 200+ countries. However LTE band support varies so 4G speeds aren‘t guaranteed everywhere abroad.
Q: Do these budget phones have NFC tap-to-pay?
A: The Moto G Fast supports NFC for mobile payments through Google Pay. Unfortunately, the Moto G Play lacks NFC functionality.
Q: How durable are these phones?
A: While not officially drop-test rated, both phones feature a plastic polycarbonate housing that‘s more durable and scratch-resistant compared to fragile glass. The body is water-repellent as well helping survive splashes or light rain. But neither device is IP-rated waterproof meaning you can‘t submerge them safely.
I hope you found this Moto G Fast vs Moto G Play comparison guide useful! Please leave a comment sharing your thoughts or any questions. And don‘t forget to check current discount pricing on Amazon below!
