Technologies
Moto G Play (2023) Review: Low Price, Lots of Compromises
The essentials-only Motorola phone cuts to the bone in order to hit its $170 price.
The Moto G Play for 2023 costs $170 (or even less at Amazon), making it one of the cheapest new phones you can get right now, and without the bloatware or wireless carrier restrictions we sometimes see on lower-priced devices. With a decent set of specs for the price — including a triple camera system with a 16-megapixel main camera, a 6.5-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 5,000-mAh battery that provides nearly three days of battery life — this should have been an attractive option for anyone looking for a decent, no-frills phone.
However, this phone has a number of performance issues that make it frustrating to use. And on top of that, Motorola chose to drop one of its best Moto gestures: twisting the phone to quickly open its camera. While some might consider these gestures a gimmick, they have been a signature element of Motorola’s phones for nearly a decade. Other gestures like «chop to turn on flashlight» are still here, making the absence of the camera gesture even more glaring.
Despite these important drawbacks, the 2023 Moto G Play does have some positive attributes. The battery life is great, the software is a fairly clean version of Android 12 and you’ll find rare ports like a headphone jack and microSD card slot for storage expansion. But the phone will only get one major software update to Android 13, which is less than I’d like to see but typical for this price range, as well as three years of security updates.
Yet every perk I list comes with another problem, which is important to consider if you’re tempted by the Moto G Play because of its low price.
Like
- Long battery life
- Clean version of Android 12
- Three years of security updates
Don’t Like
- Frequent lag, issues loading software
- Questionable refresh rate
- No «twist to open camera» gesture
Moto G Play design and performance
The Moto G Play looks nice for a phone that costs just $170. The Navy Blue color of its plastic body provides a hint of personality, while the phone’s low-resolution 720p display includes a screen cutout for the 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The fingerprint sensor is located in my favorite spot on an Android phone — the back.
But the problems begin once you start using the phone. The phone’s MediaTek Helio G37 processor and 3GB of RAM weren’t powerful enough to juggle multiple apps easily. In some cases, it wouldn’t even load certain apps. This was particularly bizarre considering it loaded a 3D game like Crazy Taxi (admittedly an oldie but still a goodie), but couldn’t run other modern 2D games like Exploding Kittens. With the phone’s tiny 32GB of storage, I’m lucky to even fit a couple games onto the Moto G Play, although there is a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
Email, news and video-streaming apps fared better in terms of performance, but not by much. Even though the Moto G Play touts a 90Hz refresh rate, which should smooth out animations, there is a lot of noticeable lag. I couldn’t even tell when the refresh rate reached 90Hz. The Settings menu lets you choose between «Auto» and «60 Hz,» with the former dynamically changing the refresh rate based on what you are doing. Having an auto setting does make sense, but a lot of the cheaper Android phones I’ve used also include the option to set the phone to a consistent 90Hz, alongside a 60Hz option for preserving battery life.
This brings me back to the phone’s 5,000-mAh battery — a bright spot considering it easily lasted two days on a full charge during my testing. I think it’s possible for the battery to make it to a third day, mostly because of how underpowered this device is. I typically got around three hours of screen time per day on the device during my testing, which included streaming, shooting photos and trying to play games for this review.
During a more active session on the phone, in which I streamed 22 minutes of a TV show at 100% brightness and then took a 24-minute video call, the battery dropped from 59% to 46%. On less active days, in which the phone was used primarily for listening to music while commuting, reading news articles and light texting, I could end the day with just over 50% remaining.
Charging times for the phone are generally less impressive than battery life. With the included 10-watt charger, it typically took just over an hour to charge from zero to 50%. Getting to 100% would take just over 2 hours, 30 minutes. When I tested charging speeds with my 18-watt charger, the results were slightly faster. The phone would get from zero to 66% after an hour and finish charging just past the two-hour mark.
Moto G Play cameras
The Moto G Play has a triple-camera system anchored by a main 16-megapixel camera, which is accompanied by a 2-megapixel macro camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. But photos are consistently fuzzy, whether I took them indoors, outdoors, in bright environments or in the dark.
While it was nice to see Portrait mode on a phone at this price, I can barely see much of a bokeh effect in my photos. This is especially true when using the 5-megapixel front-facing camera, in which my photos looked consistently muddy.
I took the Moto G Play with me to Taco Bell — because yes, I’m going to go eat cheap food while reviewing a cheap phone. I had my friend take photos of me using the phone’s Portrait setting. You can sort of see a light blurring effect in the background, but it’s hard to perceive.
In another selfie taken at a restaurant with better lighting than the Taco Bell, I found the selfie camera to have a tough time keeping me in focus.
And when taking photos of my friend’s dog Daisy, the rear cameras struggled to capture much detail of her fur, even when she sat still. In the best of conditions, the phone’s cameras struggle to take sharp photos.
I compared the photos taken on the Moto G Play against the same images taken on the $160 Samsung Galaxy A03S, and found the picture quality to be roughly comparable for simple static shots. When shooting a bookshelf at CNET’s office, the Moto G Play got slightly more detail of the book covers than the Galaxy A03S, with the latter phone’s image appearing a bit darker.
However, when it comes to a photo with lots of detail and color, such as with this plant wall, the Moto G Play struggles to discern between the different shades of green. Meanwhile the Galaxy A03S performs much better with discerning the darker green shades from the lighter ones, making for a dramatically different photo.
Neither phone’s camera performs especially well, which is a common theme among phones that cost under $200. For me, this places the Moto G Play’s camera photos squarely into the category of being acceptable for group chats, but not much else. It’s going to take a lot of really good lighting and steady hands in order to make the most of these cameras, and that’s more effort than most people are going to want to make.
There are better options, even when you want to save money
Even when you’re looking for the cheapest possible phone, your device still needs to run most apps without issue and take decent-looking photos. I wouldn’t expect a phone that costs less than $200 to run Fortnite at the highest graphics settings, but I am expecting to use apps with minimal lag. While phones at this price are also typically lighter on features, the perks that are available should bring noticeable value to the experience. The Moto G Play’s Portrait mode and high refresh rate don’t succeed in this regard.
Instead of buying the Moto G Play at $170, you’re probably better off saving $10 and getting the $160 Samsung Galaxy A03S. While that phone also has unimpressive cameras, it was at least able to multitask more easily.
Although I haven’t reviewed it yet, you might also consider the $199 Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, since it has 64GB of storage and 5G connectivity. Later this year, a number of TCL 40 phones will arrive in the US, which will include 5G and 128GB of storage for under $200. Those devices might be worth waiting for if you aren’t in dire need of a cheap phone right now.
Moto G Play (2023) vs. Samsung Galaxy A03S, TCL Stylus 5G, OnePlus Nord N300 5G
Moto G Play (2023) | Samsung Galaxy A03S | TCL Stylus 5G | OnePlus Nord N300 5G | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Display size, type resolution, refresh rate | 6.5-inch IPS TFT LCD; 1,600×720 pixels; 90Hz refresh rate | 6.5-inch LCD; 1,600×720 pixels | 6.81-inch; 2,400×1,080 pixels | 6.56-inch IPS LCD display; 720p resolution; 90Hz refresh rate |
Pixel density | 269ppi | 269ppi | 395ppi | 269ppi |
Dimensions (inches) | 6.58 x 2.95 x 0.36 in | 6.5 x 2.9 x 0.3 in | 6.67 x 3.01 x 0.35 in | 6.4 x 2.9 x 0.3 in |
Dimensions (millimeters) | 167 x 77 x 9.4 mm | 165.8 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm | 169.6 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm | 163.8 x 75.1 x 7.99 mm |
Weight (ounces, grams) | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 202g (7.13 oz) | 213g (7.51 oz) | 190g (6.7 oz) |
Mobile software | Android 12 | Android 11 | Android 12 | Android 12 |
Camera | 16-megapixel (main), 2-megapixel (macro), 2-megapixel (depth sensor) | 13-megapixel (main), 2-megapixel (depth), 2-megapixel (macro) | 50-megapixel (main), 5-megapixel (wide), 2-megapixel (macro), 2-megapixel (depth sensor) | 48-megapixel (main), 2-megapixel (depth lens) |
Front-facing camera | 5-megapixel | 5-megapixel | 13-megapixel | 16-megapixel |
Video capture | 720p at 30 fps | 1080p at 30fps | 1080p at 30fps | 1080p at 30fps |
Processor | MediaTek Helio G37 | Octa-core processor | MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G | MediaTek Dimensity 810 |
RAM, storage | 3GB + 32GB | 3GB/32GB | 4GB/128GB | 4GB/64GB |
Expandable storage | Up to 512GB | Up to 1TB | Up to 2TB | Up to 1TB |
Battery, charger | 5,000 mAh; 10W charging | 5,000mAh; charger not included, does not support wireless charging | 4,000mAh; 18W charging | 5,000mAh; 33W charging |
Fingerprint sensor | Rear | Side | Side | Side |
Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
Headphone jack | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Special features | 3-day battery life, Moto Gestures, Auto Smile Capture, Portait Mode | Stylus with built-in storage, producitivity software, NxtVision HDR mode | Dual speakers, NFC, Face Unlock, HDR, Portrait, Face retouching | |
Price off-contract (USD) | $170 | $160 | $258 | $228 |
Technologies
Verum Token Now Available on Binance, Listing of Verum Coin Expected Soon
Verum Token is now accessible for deposits and withdrawals on the Binance Wallet
Verum Token is now accessible for deposits and withdrawals on the Binance Wallet, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange. This milestone marks a significant step for the Verum ecosystem, allowing users seamless access to Verum on the platform.
Following the launch, Verum Coin’s value surged by 3%, reaching a new peak of $825.33 within just 24 hours.
With the Verum Coin listing anticipated soon, the excitement is growing, highlighting the project’s potential for further growth and adoption.
About Binance
Founded in 2017, Binance offers a secure, user-friendly platform with a broad selection of digital assets and trading pairs, supporting both retail and institutional traders. Listing Verum Token aligns with Binance’s strategy to include innovative, high-quality projects.
Technologies
Verum Messenger Update: New Levels of Security and Functionality
These privacy-oriented features make Verum Messenger one of the most secure and convenient messengers available today.
Verum Messenger, known for its commitment to privacy and innovation, has launched an update that enhances both user protection and performance. These privacy-oriented features make Verum Messenger one of the most secure and convenient messengers available today.
Key Updates in Verum Messenger:
- Control Over Message Forwarding and Copying
The new feature enables users to restrict the forwarding and copying of their messages. Now, the sender decides whether their messages can be copied or forwarded to others — an essential addition for those who value control over the spread of their information.
- Media Saving Settings for Private Chats
In one-on-one conversations, users now have the option to limit automatic media saving on their device. This feature is designed for those who prioritize privacy and prefer to keep sensitive photos and videos within the app itself.
- Message Deletion Timer
The self-destructing message feature is a crucial tool for communicating in high-privacy environments. Users can now set a timer to delete messages after a specific period, adding an extra layer of security to personal conversations.
- Enhanced Performance and Stability
In addition to these new features, Verum Messenger has boosted its performance, allowing for faster and more stable operation even under high usage. This improvement makes communication smoother, especially for those who rely heavily on the app for both work and personal needs.
Innovative Technologies for Your Convenience
Complementing this update, Verum Messenger also includes integration with Verum AI, a smart assistant that addresses everyday tasks right in the chat. The built-in eSIM and VPN allow users to connect to the internet and secure networks globally, providing complete freedom and safety.
Verum Messenger continues to be at the forefront of privacy and security, offering a reliable and user-friendly service for everyday communication.
Technologies
Multiply Your Wealth with Verum Coin: An Investment in Your Future
May your investments bring you joy and financial freedom!
In today’s world, where financial independence is becoming increasingly relevant, investing in cryptocurrency is attracting more and more attention. One such promising cryptocurrency is Verum Coin. In this article, we will discuss why you should consider purchasing Verum Coin and how it can change your financial life.
1. Growth Potential
Verum Coin has significant growth potential for the future. With the unique technology that underpins this cryptocurrency and the growing interest from investors, the value of Verum Coin could increase manifold. By investing in Verum Coin now, you open the door to substantial profits in the future.
2. Convenience and Accessibility
One of the key features of Verum Coin is its accessibility. You can easily purchase this cryptocurrency through various platforms and exchanges, such as the BitCoinPay Trade exchange and BitInterPay — Crypto Bank. Additionally, Verum Coin offers an intuitive interface for managing your investments, making the buying and selling process simple and convenient, even for beginners.
3. Innovative Technology
Verum Coin is built on modern blockchain technology, ensuring a high degree of security and transparency for all transactions. Every user can be confident in the reliability of their investments, as blockchain technology minimizes the risks of fraud and hacking.
4. Community and Support
Investing in Verum Coin is not just a financial transaction; it’s an opportunity to become part of an active and supportive community of like-minded individuals. You will have access to various resources, educational materials, and forums where you can exchange experiences and receive advice from more experienced investors.
5. Financial Independence
By investing in Verum Coin, you are taking a step towards financial independence. The ability to multiply your capital and create passive income is what everyone dreams of. Verum Coin provides this opportunity through its growth potential and active community.
6. A Happy Life and Confidence in the Future
It is important to remember that money is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve more. By acquiring Verum Coin and multiplying your funds, you open up new horizons and opportunities for yourself. You can afford more—travel, pursue your passions, and provide for your loved ones.
Conclusion
Investing in Verum Coin is not just a financial strategy; it’s a pathway to your financial well-being that can change your life for the better. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting and promising cryptocurrency revolution. Start investing in Verum Coin today and live richly and happily!
May your investments bring you joy and financial freedom!
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