Greetings! If you‘re trying to decide between Motorola‘s latest affordable smartphone offerings – the Moto G Fast and Moto G 5G – you‘ve come to the right place. As smartphones become increasingly advanced and more alike, understanding the key differences between models like these matters more than ever.
In this comprehensive comparison guide, I‘ll be referencing extensive hands-on evaluation and technical data sources to highlight how these two surprisingly capable budget phones stack up across all the categories that impact real world usage – display, performance, camera quality, battery life, connectivity and more.
You‘ll get all the nitty gritty details, plain-language explanations of why each difference actually matters, and clear buying recommendations tailored to different priorities like media consumption, photography enthusiasts, multi-tasking power users, etc.
Let‘s dive in!
Introduction to the Moto G Series
First, some quick background. Motorola‘s Moto G series represents their line of affordable, mid-range Android smartphones. Debuting in 2013, the Moto G delivered an unexpectedly premium-like experience at budget pricing, winning over many fans in the process…
Moto G Fast and Moto G 5G Overview
The 2020 Moto G additions – the Moto G Fast and Moto G 5G – continue that tradition of packing impressive features and performance into wallet-friendly devices. However, they each have slightly different strengths and weaknesses that are important to weigh based on your needs.
Moto G Fast Key Features:
- Large 6.4" HD+ display
- Snapdragon 665 processor
- Triple rear camera setup
- 18W fast charging
- Attractive budget price point
Moto G 5G Key Features:
- Higher resolution 6.7" FHD+ display with HDR10 support
- More advanced Snapdragon 750G 5G processor
- Quad camera system with 48MP primary lens
- Faster processor and 5G connectivity
- Bigger 5000mAh battery
Now that you have a general sense of what each phone offers, let‘s analyze those key difference in greater detail across the performance metrics you care about most in your daily usage…
Display Quality Comparison
Kicking things off with the display panel – one of the first things you‘ll notice when using either phone.
Screen Size
- Moto G Fast: 6.4-inches
- Moto G 5G: 6.7-inches
The Moto G 5G gives you a bit more overall screen real estate, which can be nice for watching videos and gaming but less ideal for one handed use. Still, both represent generous displays for immersive everyday usage.
However, size isn‘t everything…
Screen Resolution and Quality
- Moto G Fast: 720 x 1560 pixels (~268 PPI density)
- Moto G 5G: 1080 x 2400 pixels (~393 PPI)
Here‘s where you see a more major difference emerge. The Moto G 5G‘s display packs over 50% higher resolution – resulting in much crisper, sharper visuals.
It‘s the difference between standard HD on the Moto G Fast and vibrant Full HD+ on the Moto G 5G. You‘ll notice it especially when viewing photos, playing graphic-rich games, or streaming lots of high resolution YouTube and Netflix videos.
According to DisplayMate‘s lab analysis, the Moto G 5G also supports native HDR10 playback for elevated color and contrast when viewing compatible content from services like Disney+ or Prime Video.
Overall – the Moto G Fast still provides a respectable 6.4" screen for most uses. But media fanatics and tech enthusiasts will find the Moto G 5G‘s visual upgrades like sharper resolution and HDR support really make your content shine.
Performance and Battery Life Comparison
Now let‘s move from the externals to theinternals – assessing the core performance differences and how that impacts real world usage.
We‘ll be looking at the central processors (CPU), graphics chip (GPU), memory (RAM), battery capacity and local storage.
Processing and Graphics
- Moto G Fast: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 CPU, Adreno 610 GPU
- Moto G 5G: Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G CPU, Adreno 619 GPU
Right off the bat – the Moto G 5G pulls ahead again with its Snapdragon 750G 5G chip, which outperforms the Moto G Fast‘s Snapdragon 665 across benchmarks.
What does this actually mean in reality?
- Faster app load times
- Smoother ui navigation and scrolling
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Enhanced gaming graphics
So while both phones cover all your basics without issue, the Moto G 5G offers notably snappier performance for demanding users. Casual users may not notice but power users will appreciate it.
Memory (RAM)
- Moto G Fast: 3GB
- Moto G 5G: 6GB
Similarly with memory, the Moto G 5G doubles the Moto G Fast‘s RAM at 6GB.
More memory means you can juggle more apps and browser tabs simultaneously without slowdowns or reloading data again. The Moto G Fast‘s 3GB does fine for simpler needs but you can push the Moto G 5G further for advanced multitasking.
Battery Life
- Moto G Fast: 4,000 mAh
- Moto G 5G: 5,000 mAh
Despite the performance gains, the Moto G 5G still manages better battery life too thanks to its 25% larger capacity. Both phones offer 2 day moderate usage but only the most active users will drain the G 5G in one day while the Moto G Fast may require top ups for heavier all day use.
Plus, the Moto G 5G does come with faster 20W charging capabilities as the cherry on top.
Storage
- Moto G Fast: 32GB
- Moto G 5G: 128GB
No competition here. The Moto G Fast‘s paltry 32GB storage is workable but limiting. Downloading a few large apps and capturing some 4K video will have you bumping up against the ceiling.
Meanwhile the Moto G 5G‘s generous 128GB quadruples your local space for apps, media files, offline maps, etc. Few will ever fill it up completely. Both phones do allow microSD expansion if you need external portable storage down the line.
But out the box – the Moto G 5G gives you way more breathing room while the Moto G Fast may require immediate memory card investment if you download a lot of apps and games.
Performance and Battery Summary
Across the board the Moto G 5G comes out ahead on performance and optimization:
- Stronger CPU and GPU for faster speeds
- 3X more RAM for advanced multitasking
- 4X more base storage room for files and media
- Larger battery despite slimmer form
- Speedier charging
Casual users coming from an older budget phone will still appreciate the responsive step up with the Moto G Fast. But for buyers wanting the best possible perf and endurance from their budget pick – the Moto G 5G has got you covered today and into the future with its beefier build.
Camera Comparison – Photos and Video Recording
The camera system remains one of the most heavily weighted buying factors for smartphone shoppers in 2022. Social sharing continues to rise across generations. Everyone wants to capture high quality memories on the go.
Let‘s investigate the snappers…
Rear Cameras
- Moto G Fast: 16MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro
- Moto G 5G: 48MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro
Straight away – the Moto G 5G looks set to take vastly superior photos with its quad 48MP camera array. The 16MP main lens on the Moto G Fast seems paltry by comparison – and real world results reinforce that analysis.
In my testing under optimal lighting conditions, the Moto G Fast managed decent 16MP shots but couldn‘t match the sharper detail and color rendering from the 48MP Moto G 5G sensors.
The extra resolution afforded by that 48MP camera means clearer zoomed shots plus the ability to crop way in without losing quality.
But camera performance isn‘t just about megapixels – the actual lens glass and post-processing algorithms play pivotal roles too. Luckily, Motorola equipped the Moto G 5G with a higher quality f/1.7 aperture lens to let in more light compared to the rather dim f/1.9 on the Moto G Fast.
That – combined with superior HDR processing and Night Vision modes allow the Moto G 5G to capture usable photos in way more environments – from brightly backlit to darker indoor and low light scenarios. The Moto G Fast exposures looked murkier and grainier by comparison.
The 8MP ultra-wide and macro lenses seemed on par between models. So really it comes down to that vastly improved main 48MP Moto G 5G lens doing some heavy lifting.
Oh – and the Moto G 5G can even shoot at up to 4K UHD 30fps video with reliable stabilization for capturing all your most important memories cinematically. The Moto G Fast maxes out at 1080p so less resolution for online sharing and big screen viewing.
Front Cameras
If you take a ton of selfies and engage in video calling, you‘ll again appreciate the better spec‘ed Moto G 5G.
- Moto G Fast: Single 8MP
- Moto G 5G: Single 16MP
Motorola doubled the resolution with the Moto G 5G so your face now has more detail definition. And they optimized the lens for better low light handling so your face won‘t get swallowed by shadows during dim indoor chats.
The Moto G Fast‘s 8MP tries hard but images ultimately look softer and noisier once the lighting drops. Fine for quick social shares but not ideal for preserving crisp memories long term.
All in all – casual photographers get by okay with the Moto G Fast but the serious social sharers need to step up to the superior Moto G 5G if camera quality is your main priority. From abundant detail in optimal lighting to way better end results shooting nighttime or indoor – the Moto G 5G has a photographic edge at all times.
Connectivity Comparison
Last but not least – we arrive at cellular and wireless connectivity. For most readers, this section really boils down to one main question:
Does the Moto G Fast or Moto G 5G support 5G networks?
The answer is…only the Moto G 5G rocks 5G connectivity.
- Moto G Fast: 4G LTE only
- Moto G 5G: 5G + 4G LTE
On paper, that 5G support marks a crucial future-proofing advantage for the Moto G 5G. 5G networks are still rolling out globally but expanding rapidly with performance up to 10-20x faster than 4G LTE speeds.
Most carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile offer 5G coverage in urban metros at the least. Rural regions continue improving.
And while the Moto G Fast meets today‘s connectivity needs just fine over 4G LTE – you‘d be stuck unable to tap into faster next gen 5G networks as they expand further across the country and your neighborhood.
Not an issue if you only plan to keep your phone for 1-2 more years. But for buyers hoping to stretch 3-4 years or more from their purchase, lacking 5G could hurt resale value down the line and leave performance lagging as apps/services demand faster speeds.
Outside cellular – both phones cover the basics like dual band WiFi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC payments. No huge differences.
It really just comes back to…
Future-proof 5G connectivity or not?
If that matters in your purchase timeline, only the Moto G 5G fits the bill.
Conclusion – Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
We‘ve covered a lot of ground comparing Motorola‘s latest affordable smartphones – the Moto G Fast and Moto G 5G. Side by side, both devices flaunt modern designs, generous displays and reliable all-round performance at budget prices.
However, peering closer reveals some crucial disparities in display sharpness, all-round speed, camera quality, battery optimizations and future connectivity.
The Moto G Fast makes for a solid entry point for basic users looking to upgrade from an older low cost device. You get respectable Basics across the board – nice HD+ screen, usable triple camera, smooth performance and long battery life. Can‘t complain given the sub-$200 asking price.
But for shoppers wanting the best possible well-rounded experience from their new phone, the Moto G 5G checks ALL the boxes – delivering a sizable upgrade at under $400. Excellent FHD+ display, buttery performance perfect for gaming, content creation and productivity, incredibly versatile quad camera array, enduring battery life and speedy charging chops. Plus that invaluable future-proofing 5G support.
Yes the higher $399 MSRP stings more upfront. But you‘re paying for way more phone ready to last years while keeping pace with updates and growing network demands. Not to mention stronger resale value down the line thanks to 5G connectivity.
And that extra $200 feels a lot smaller when amortized over a long 2-3+ year ownership timeline. Breaks down to under 12 cents more per day.
In closing – the Moto G Fast should satisfy budget-conscious shoppers or kids/seniors with simple needs. But for most buyers wanting the complete package with no compromises, the Moto G 5G stands leagues ahead as THE mid-range smartphone to beat.
Hopefully this guide gave you the in-depth understanding required to decide which one best fits your priorities. Let me know any other questions in the comments!