We're a virtual company made up of tech experts from across the globe. We live and breathe Android phones, and use and compare nearly every one to find the best picks for you.
Moto G6
Budget champ
Pros
- Clean Android build with Motorola add-ons
- Compatibility with all four major U.S. carriers
- Impressive dual cameras
Cons
- Smaller battery than the G6 Play
The Moto G6 has a reasonably fast processor, great display, and dual cameras. It offers everything you could ask for in a sub-$250 phone.
Moto G6 Play
Long-lasting
Pros
- Same clean software
- Great battery life with a huge 4000mAh battery
- Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor
Cons
- Slower processor
- Lower resolution 720p display
- Uses micro-USB
The Moto G6 Play isn't as powerful as the Moto G6, but it's similar enough in performance, software, and design to be arguably a better value — especially with its larger 4000mAh battery.
While the Moto G6 is clearly the better phone of the two, its advantages are largely unimportant to the Moto G series' core audience. Those shopping on a budget likely won't be bothered by missing out on a secondary camera or a slightly faster processor — they just want a reliable phone that lasts them through the day. To that extent, the Moto G6 Play with its larger battery is arguably a better purchase.
What are the differences?
At first glance, the Moto G6 and Moto G6 Play are hard to tell apart. Physically, the biggest difference is the placement of the fingerprint sensors; the Moto G6 displays it front and center below the display, which makes it ideal for gesture navigation, allowing you to replace the software-based navigation bar and take back the bottom of your display. You might prefer the G6 Play's placement around back, integrated into the Motorola logo, but it's hard to argue against the added functionality on the G6's sensor.
The Moto G6 is no doubt the better overall phone, but there's not much reason to spend the extra money on it over the Moto G6 Play.
Only the Moto G6 features a second rear camera, though — a 5MP RGB sensor that measures depth and aids in portrait mode shots. It's also the only phone of the two to feature a USB-C port for charging, along with Motorola's 15W TurboPower charging for quick top-ups. The Moto G6 Play does claim a victory with its massive 4000mAh battery — a 33% increase over the Moto G6. Combined with a more power-efficient 720p display, the Moto G6 Play has stellar battery life, though without TurboPower, it takes a bit longer to charge than the G6.
Even though the G6 has a faster processor, the Moto G6 Play still benefits from nearly all of the same features as the Moto G6. It runs the same clean Android experience, it features the same 8MP front-facing camera (though only the Moto G6 can use this camera for face unlock), and it's protected with the same water-repellant nano-coating. Likewise, you'll still benefit on the software side from Motorola's excellent suite of Moto Actions and the Moto Display.
If you're buying based on power and specs, the Moto G6 is the better choice — but most people considering one of these phones is instead after value, and in that regard, the Moto G6 Play is an attractive option. Not only will it last longer on a charge, but the $30 difference in price can go towards a nice case or your phone bill.
Moto G6
Budget champ
The very best phone under $250.
The Moto G6 has a few nice add-ons, including dual rear cameras, face unlock, and a better display. Otherwise it's largely the same as the Moto G6 Play.
Moto G6 Play
Long-lasting
$30 less for a mostly identical device.
Though less impressive on paper, the Moto G6 Play offers the same overall experience with a much larger battery. This is the better value for most people.
Post a Comment