Motorola‘s Moto G series has long been a popular option for those seeking an affordable yet capable smartphone. Two of their latest releases, the Moto G Fast and Moto G Pure, offer robust features at budget pricing. But with so much similarity between the two, it can be tough deciding which phone better fits your needs.
In this in-depth comparison review, we‘ll thoroughly examine the Moto G Fast and Moto G Pure side-by-side, analyzing how they stack up across all the key factors you should consider when smartphone shopping. You‘ll get a clear picture of each device‘s strengths and weaknesses to determine which Moto G model suits your requirements and budget best!
Motorola Moto G Fast vs Moto G Pure: At a Glance
| Spec | Moto G Fast | Moto G Pure |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | June 2020 | September 2021 |
| Price | $199 | $159 |
| Weight | 189 grams | 181 grams |
| Display | 6.4" HD+ | 6.5” HD+ |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 | MediaTek Helio G25 |
| RAM | 3 GB | 3 GB |
As you can see from the high-level comparison, these two affordable Motorola phones share various specs like 3GB RAM and HD+ displays. But differences like their processors, pricing, and release dates may impact real-world use. Keep reading as we dive deeper!
Display and Design
A smartphone‘s screen size and quality play a big role in your viewing experience. Let‘s examine how the Moto G Fast and Moto G Pure displays compare:
Screen Size
With its 6.4-inch display diagonal, the Moto G Fast offers slightly less real estate than the 6.5-inch Moto G Pure. However, the difference is small enough to be barely noticeable in everyday use. Plus, both feature an extended 20:9 aspect ratio for a taller, narrower display that‘s comfortable grip in one hand.
Resolution and PPI
Both phones have HD+ (1600 x 720 pixel) displays, sufficient for crisp image and video quality. If photography or streaming media are your main usage, the near identical 269 PPI pixel density provides a sharp viewing experience on either device.
Panel Technology
Here we see a difference that may impact display performance. The Moto G Fast utilizes an IPS panel which tend to provide better viewing angles and color accuracy versus the IPS TFT LCD on the Moto G Pure. If you do a lot of off-angle media viewing or color critical work, the Moto G Fast display may look better.
Screen-to-Body Ratio
By minimizing bezel size around the display, more modern phone designs increase screen real-estate vs the overall front surface area. With an 88% screen-to-body ratio, the Moto G Fast display takes up noticeably more space than the 81% ratio on the Moto G Pure. Expect a more expansive, immersive screen experience on the Fast.
Design
Constructed of plastic, both phones feature solid yet budget-friendly builds. The Moto G Fast weighs slightly more at 189 grams over 181 grams for the Moto G Pure. Either device should provide adequate durability for daily use, although none include extra protection like Gorilla Glass.
Performance and Hardware
Processing performance can significantly influence how responsive apps feel when launching or switching between them. Let‘s explore the capabilities of the chipsets powering each phone.
Processors
Here we see a notable difference between the phones. The Moto G Fast utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 mobile processor. An established mid-range chip, it benchmarks around 25% faster versus the MediaTek Helio G25 in the Moto G Pure. For light users, either SoC provides adequate power. But gamers or hardcore multitaskers may appreciate the extra muscle of the Moto G Fast.
RAM
Both devices pack 3GB of RAM. While devices today often include much more, 3GB remains sufficient for smoothly running a single app like social media or web browsing. However, users hoping to juggle numerous apps may benefit from additional memory.
Storage
You get 32GB of built-in storage on both models. Considering the ample expandability via MicroSD card slots up to 512GB, the identical capacities offer plenty of space for apps, media, and files.
Battery Life and Charging
Large 4000 mAh batteries give the Moto G Fast and Moto G Pure impressive battery life, often lasting 1.5-2 days between charges. Both support standard 10W charging – not blazing fast, but sufficient to fully recharge overnight.
Biometrics and Sensors
Located conveniently on back, both devices feature fingerprint readers for quick biometric phone unlocking and app security. Additionally, the Moto G Pure adds facial recognition as a secondary option if fingerprint scanning isn‘t practical. The robust sensor array on the Moto G Fast does give it more advanced capabilities like automatic image rotation and horizon leveling when in the camera app.
Durability
With non-reinforced plastic bodies, neither phone includes strong durability enhancements like waterproofing or Gorilla Glass. However, a protective polymer coating makes both somewhat splash resistant to accidental spills. For prolong rugged use, plan on adding a protective case.
Cameras
For many consumers, camera quality plays a major role when selecting a smartphone. Let‘s examine the image capturing differences between the Moto G models:
| Camera Feature | Moto G Fast | Moto G Pure |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 16 MP Main + 2 MP Macro + 8 MP Ultra-wide | 13 MP Main + 2 MP Depth |
| Rear Camera Features | 4K video, Auto smile capture, Smart composition, Shot optimization | FHD video, Auto smile capture, Smart composition |
| Front Camera Resolution | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Front Camera Video | Full HD video | HD video |
With its triple lens setup and 48MP image sensor, the Moto G Fast camera system outshines the dual lens Moto G Pure in resolution and features. You‘ll capture clearer, more detailed shots especially in low light scenarios thanks to the dedicated macro and ultrawide secondary cameras. For casual users, the Moto G Pure provides adequate quality. But photography buffs require the advanced optics found on the Moto G Fast.
Software
Evaluating mobile operating system software gives insight into version currency, features, upgrade lifespan, and user experience:
OS Version
The Moto G Fast launched with Android 10 and has upgrade eligibility to Android 11 pending. Surprisingly, the newer Moto G Pure comes with Android 11 out of the box. So it has a slight software version advantage today, but both phones will offer similar OS currency long-term.
User Interface
Motorola uses a very clean, stock Android UI without heavy proprietary overlays. This provides a lightweight interface experience and simplified operation versus more complex skins like Samsung. Either Moto G phone offers user-friendly software.
OS Upgrade Lifespan
While not market leaders in longevity like Samsung, Motorola typically provides two major Android upgrades for models like the Moto G series. This means you can expect both devices to see an upgrade from Android 12 to Android 13, keeping them relatively current for budget phones.
Price and Value Comparison
With MSRPs of $199 for the Moto G Fast and $169 for the Moto G Pure, both deliver excellent value. But the newer Moto G Pure does have a slight price advantage. When examining what you‘re getting hardware-wise for those price points:
Moto G Fast
You can often find the Moto G Fast discounted to $149 today. Considering its faster processor, improved triple camera system, and competitive specs, it‘s a bargain at this price point for buyers focused on performance and photography.
Moto G Pure
Likewise, carriers frequently run promotions taking the Moto G Pure price down to $99. So in terms of sheer value per dollar, the Moto G Pure does edge out the Moto G Fast. If camera quality or maximum speeds aren‘t critical but cost savings are, it represents one of the best sub-$100 options out there.
The Bottom Line
Both Motorola Moto G series devices make excellent budget smartphones, but the Moto G Fast carries advantages in processing speeds and camera capabilities while the Moto G Pure promises comparable features for even less money.
For shoppers wanting the best photography or performance possible without breaking the bank, the Moto G Fast is the recommended pick. But if rock bottom pricing is your main concern and you can live without having the latest and greatest technology, grab the Moto G Pure and keep extra cash in your wallet! Either way, you‘re getting a lot of smartphone for the money.
