The Motorola G series has been a staple in the budget smartphone market for years, offering impressive features at affordable prices. In 2018, Motorola released the G6 and G6 Play, two budget-friendly smartphones that cater to different needs and preferences. While both devices share some similarities, there are significant differences between them. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of each device, comparing their design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and more.
Design and Display
When it comes to design, both the Motorola G6 and G6 Play have a similar aesthetic, with a few key differences. The G6 features a sleek, glass back with a curved design, making it comfortable to hold and easy to slip into a pocket. The G6 Play, on the other hand, has a plastic back with a more angular design.
Display Comparison
| Device | Display Size | Display Resolution | Display Type |
| — | — | — | — |
| Motorola G6 | 5.7 inches | 1080 x 2160 pixels | IPS LCD |
| Motorola G6 Play | 5.7 inches | 720 x 1440 pixels | IPS LCD |
As you can see, the Motorola G6 has a higher display resolution than the G6 Play, resulting in a sharper and more vibrant display. The G6’s IPS LCD display also offers better color accuracy and wider viewing angles.
Performance
The Motorola G6 and G6 Play have different processors, which affects their overall performance. The G6 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor, while the G6 Play uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor.
Processor Comparison
| Device | Processor | RAM | Storage |
| — | — | — | — |
| Motorola G6 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 | 3GB/4GB | 32GB/64GB |
| Motorola G6 Play | Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 | 2GB/3GB | 16GB/32GB |
The Motorola G6’s Snapdragon 450 processor provides a significant boost in performance compared to the G6 Play’s Snapdragon 430 processor. The G6 also offers more RAM and storage options, making it a better choice for multitasking and storing large files.
Camera Capabilities
The Motorola G6 and G6 Play have different camera configurations, which affect their photo and video quality.
Rear Camera Comparison
| Device | Rear Camera | Aperture | Features |
| — | — | — | — |
| Motorola G6 | 12MP + 5MP | f/1.8 | Dual-pixel autofocus, LED flash |
| Motorola G6 Play | 13MP | f/2.0 | Phase detection autofocus, LED flash |
The Motorola G6’s dual-camera setup provides better depth sensing and portrait mode capabilities compared to the G6 Play’s single camera. The G6’s camera also has a wider aperture, allowing more light to enter the lens and resulting in better low-light performance.
Front Camera Comparison
| Device | Front Camera | Aperture | Features |
| — | — | — | — |
| Motorola G6 | 8MP | f/2.2 | LED flash, beautification mode |
| Motorola G6 Play | 5MP | f/2.2 | LED flash, beautification mode |
The Motorola G6’s front camera has a higher resolution than the G6 Play’s front camera, resulting in better selfie quality.
Battery Life
The Motorola G6 and G6 Play have different battery capacities, which affect their overall battery life.
Battery Comparison
| Device | Battery Capacity | Battery Life |
| — | — | — |
| Motorola G6 | 3000mAh | Up to 24 hours |
| Motorola G6 Play | 4000mAh | Up to 36 hours |
The Motorola G6 Play’s larger battery capacity provides longer battery life compared to the G6. However, the G6’s more power-efficient processor and display help to mitigate the difference in battery life.
Software
Both the Motorola G6 and G6 Play run on Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, with a near-stock Android experience. Motorola has also promised to provide regular software updates for both devices.
Additional Features
The Motorola G6 and G6 Play have some additional features that are worth mentioning.
Fingerprint Sensor
Both devices have a fingerprint sensor located on the front, providing an easy and secure way to unlock the device.
Water Resistance
The Motorola G6 has a water-repellent coating, providing some protection against accidental splashes. The G6 Play does not have any official water resistance rating.
Headphone Jack
Both devices have a headphone jack, allowing users to listen to music or watch videos with their favorite headphones.
Conclusion
The Motorola G6 and G6 Play are both budget-friendly smartphones that offer impressive features at affordable prices. While the G6 Play has a larger battery and a more affordable price tag, the G6 offers a better display, faster performance, and improved camera capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two devices depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a budget smartphone with a great display and fast performance, the Motorola G6 is the better choice. However, if you prioritize battery life and affordability, the G6 Play is a great option.
Recommendation
Based on our comparison, we recommend the Motorola G6 for users who:
- Want a budget smartphone with a great display
- Need fast performance for multitasking and gaming
- Prioritize camera quality and features
On the other hand, we recommend the Motorola G6 Play for users who:
- Want a budget smartphone with a long-lasting battery
- Prioritize affordability and value for money
- Don’t need advanced camera features or fast performance
What are the key differences between the Motorola G6 and G6 Play in terms of design?
The Motorola G6 and G6 Play have distinct design differences. The G6 features a 3D glass back, which gives it a premium look and feel, while the G6 Play has a plastic back. The G6 also has a more compact design, measuring 153.8 x 72.3 x 8.3mm, whereas the G6 Play measures 154.4 x 72.2 x 9mm. Additionally, the G6 has a slightly smaller weight of 167g compared to the G6 Play’s 175g.
Another notable design difference is the fingerprint sensor placement. The G6 has a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, while the G6 Play has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The G6 also features a USB-C port, whereas the G6 Play has a micro-USB port. Overall, the G6 has a more modern and sleek design, while the G6 Play has a more functional and practical design.
How do the cameras on the Motorola G6 and G6 Play compare?
The Motorola G6 has a dual-camera setup, featuring a 12MP primary sensor and a 5MP secondary sensor, while the G6 Play has a single 13MP camera. The G6’s dual-camera setup allows for features like bokeh mode and depth sensing, which are not available on the G6 Play. Additionally, the G6 has a wider aperture of f/1.8, which allows for better low-light performance.
However, the G6 Play’s single camera is not a slouch either. It has a larger pixel size of 1.12μm, which helps in capturing more light and resulting in better image quality. The G6 Play also has a more advanced image processing algorithm, which helps in reducing noise and improving overall image quality. Ultimately, the G6’s dual-camera setup gives it an edge in terms of camera capabilities, but the G6 Play’s single camera is still capable of taking great photos.
What are the key differences in terms of performance between the Motorola G6 and G6 Play?
The Motorola G6 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor, while the G6 Play is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 427 processor. The G6’s processor is more powerful and efficient, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience. Additionally, the G6 has 3GB or 4GB of RAM options, while the G6 Play has 2GB or 3GB of RAM options.
However, the G6 Play’s processor is still capable of handling everyday tasks with ease. It also has a more power-efficient design, which helps in extending battery life. The G6 Play also has a near-stock Android experience, which helps in providing a smooth and responsive user experience. Ultimately, the G6 has a more powerful processor, but the G6 Play’s processor is still capable of providing a great user experience.
How do the batteries on the Motorola G6 and G6 Play compare?
The Motorola G6 has a 3000mAh battery, while the G6 Play has a 4000mAh battery. The G6 Play’s larger battery provides longer battery life, with Motorola claiming up to 32 hours of mixed usage. The G6’s battery life is still respectable, with Motorola claiming up to 24 hours of mixed usage.
However, the G6 has faster charging capabilities, with support for TurboPower charging, which can provide up to 6 hours of battery life in just 15 minutes of charging. The G6 Play also supports fast charging, but it’s not as fast as the G6’s TurboPower charging. Ultimately, the G6 Play’s larger battery provides longer battery life, but the G6’s faster charging capabilities make up for it.
What are the key differences in terms of software between the Motorola G6 and G6 Play?
The Motorola G6 and G6 Play both run on Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, but the G6 is upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie, while the G6 Play is not. The G6 also has more software features, such as Moto Actions and Moto Display, which provide a more personalized and intuitive user experience.
However, the G6 Play has a more streamlined software experience, with fewer pre-installed apps and a more minimalistic design. The G6 Play also has a more consistent software update cycle, with Motorola promising regular security updates and bug fixes. Ultimately, the G6 has more software features, but the G6 Play’s streamlined software experience provides a more hassle-free user experience.
How do the prices of the Motorola G6 and G6 Play compare?
The Motorola G6 is generally priced higher than the G6 Play, with a starting price of around $250 for the base model. The G6 Play, on the other hand, starts at around $200 for the base model. However, prices may vary depending on the region and retailer.
Considering the features and specifications, the G6 Play offers better value for money. It has a larger battery, a more efficient processor, and a more streamlined software experience, all at a lower price point. However, the G6’s more premium design, dual-camera setup, and faster charging capabilities may be worth the extra cost for some users.
Which smartphone is recommended for users with different needs and preferences?
For users who prioritize camera capabilities and a premium design, the Motorola G6 is the recommended choice. Its dual-camera setup and 3D glass back provide a more premium feel and better camera performance. Additionally, the G6’s faster charging capabilities and more software features make it a great choice for power users.
For users who prioritize battery life and a hassle-free user experience, the Motorola G6 Play is the recommended choice. Its larger battery and more streamlined software experience provide a more practical and functional user experience. Additionally, the G6 Play’s lower price point makes it a great value for money. Ultimately, the choice between the G6 and G6 Play depends on individual needs and preferences.