Galaxy S23 vs Motorola Moto E32

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$489.00

Versus A$1,349.00 new

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Motorola Moto E32
Motorola Moto E32
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The Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Motorola Moto E32 are both Android smartphones, but they cater to different user expectations and needs. Released in February 2023, the Galaxy S23 is positioned as a compact flagship device, offering advanced features and a premium experience. The Motorola Moto E32, launched in May 2022, focuses on delivering essential smartphone functionalities in a more accessible package. These devices primarily differ in their processing power, display technology, and camera capabilities, reflecting their distinct market segments.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

  • Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S23 launched with Android 13 and is guaranteed to receive four major Android OS upgrades, extending its software support until Android 17. It will also receive five years of security updates, ensuring protection until at least 2028. In contrast, the Motorola Moto E32 launched with Android 11, and while an update to Android 12 was expected, its update frequency is generally slower, meaning a shorter period of guaranteed software and security updates.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 features a robust build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, complemented by an Armor Aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Moto E32 has a glass front, a plastic frame, and a plastic back, with an IP52 rating, indicating protection against splashing water and dust.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software longevity and higher resistance to environmental elements will find the Galaxy S23 better suited for long-term use. The Moto E32, while offering a water-repellent design, is designed for a more modest lifespan in terms of software updates and physical resilience.

Release year

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is determined by the underlying hardware, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles daily tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S23 is equipped with a powerful, current-generation processor designed for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and seamless multitasking. This allows for quick app loading and a highly responsive user experience. The Motorola Moto E32 features a processor that handles basic day-to-day tasks adequately, such as web browsing and social media. However, users may experience slower app performance and occasional lag, particularly with more demanding applications or extensive multitasking.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S23 typically comes with 8GB of RAM and offers internal storage options starting from 128GB, with faster UFS 4.0 storage available in higher capacities, contributing to quicker data access. The Moto E32 generally includes 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. While the Moto E32 uses UFS memory, which is faster than older eMMC storage, the lower RAM and processor capabilities mean it is less suited for heavy multitasking compared to the Galaxy S23.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 has a 3900 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor and adaptive display, provides good battery life, often lasting a full day for many users. The Moto E32 features a larger 5000 mAh battery, and due to its less power-intensive components, it can often last for more than a day with moderate usage, making it a strong contender for users prioritizing extended battery life between charges.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and its quality significantly impacts the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast. Its 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution provides sharp and clear visuals. The Motorola Moto E32 comes with a larger 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While it offers a spacious viewing area, the clarity and color vibrancy are not as pronounced as on the Galaxy S23's AMOLED panel.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S23 offers impressive peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. It also features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Moto E32 has a 90Hz refresh rate, which offers a smoother experience than standard 60Hz displays, but its maximum brightness is considerably lower (around 375 nits), making outdoor visibility challenging.
  • Viewing Experience: Users who prioritize a compact device with a highly detailed, color-accurate, and bright display for media consumption and outdoor use will find the Galaxy S23 more suitable. The Moto E32 provides a larger screen with a smoother refresh rate for its class, which is beneficial for general browsing, though with limitations in brightness and overall visual fidelity.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

720 x 1600

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a key consideration for many users, influencing the quality of photos and videos captured in various conditions.

  • Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This system is capable of capturing detailed photos with vibrant colors in various lighting conditions, including improved low-light performance. The Motorola Moto E32 is equipped with a triple-camera system comprising a 16MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. Its camera performs adequately in good lighting, but low-light images can appear coarse, and colors may be less vibrant. The macro lens often yields limited utility.
  • Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy S23 has a 12MP front camera that delivers clear selfies and supports 4K video recording. It also offers 8K video recording at 30fps with enhanced image stabilization for the rear cameras. The Moto E32 features an 8MP front camera, suitable for basic selfies and video calls. Both front and rear cameras on the Moto E32 record video at 1080p at 30fps.
  • Audio Experience: The Galaxy S23 provides stereo speakers tuned by AKG, offering a more immersive audio experience for media consumption. The Moto E32 has a single loudspeaker, which is sufficient for general audio but may lack the richness and depth of stereo output.

Main camera

50 megapixels

16 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Samsung Galaxy S23 supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, offering fast and reliable wireless connections. It features a USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Motorola Moto E32 supports 4G LTE networks, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (Wi-Fi 4), and Bluetooth 5.0. It includes a USB-C 2.0 port and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be convenient for users with wired headphones. The Moto E32 does not include NFC, limiting mobile payment options.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The Galaxy S23 incorporates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking, along with 2D face unlock. It also includes a comprehensive suite of sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer. The Moto E32 features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button and includes an accelerometer and proximity sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 has a compact form factor, measuring 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm and weighing 168g, making it comfortable for one-handed use. Its premium build materials contribute to a refined feel. The Moto E32 is slightly larger and heavier at 164 x 75 x 8.5 mm and 184g, with a plastic construction that offers a different tactile experience.

Weight

227 oz

184 oz

Screen size (in)

6.1

6,5

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S23 often highlights its compact size, vibrant display, and capable camera system as significant advantages. Many users appreciate its smooth performance for daily tasks and gaming, along with its improved battery life compared to previous generations. Some criticisms include potential oversaturation in photos and occasional over-processing in the 50MP camera mode.

For the Motorola Moto E32, common praise points include its long-lasting battery, the inclusion of a 90Hz display at its segment, and a generally clean Android user interface. However, users frequently note its slower app performance, the older Android version with infrequent updates, and the basic quality of its cameras as areas for improvement. The absence of NFC is also a common point of concern.

Users prioritizing a premium, compact device with advanced camera features, a top-tier display, and long-term software support will find the Samsung Galaxy S23 well-suited to their needs. It is ideal for those who engage in demanding applications, mobile gaming, and extensive photography. Conversely, users seeking a straightforward smartphone for essential communication, web browsing, and media consumption, with a focus on extended battery life and a larger screen, may lean toward the Motorola Moto E32. It serves well for individuals who value practicality and a robust build for its category, and for whom cutting-edge performance is not the primary concern. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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