What are the differences: Moto G6 vs Moto G6 Plus vs Moto G6 Play (Moto G 2018)?

For the 6th generation of Moto G (Moto G 2018), Motorola released 3 models: Moto G6, Moto G6 Play and Moto G6 Plus.

These 3 phones may look similar. All come with the latest Android Oreo 8.0.

But the differences are obvious as well.

This post compares the 3 models of Moto G6 (Moto G 2018) and explains the top 6 differences among these 3 Moto G6 modes to help you understand the differences and therefore make the correct decision when purchasing a Moto G6.

You may check the official user manuals for Moto G6, Moto G6 Play and Moto G6 Plus in this page.

1. Moto G6 vs Moto G6 Plus vs Moto G6 Play: Screen size and resolution

The 3 Moto G6 models have different combinations of screen sizes and screen resolution.

Moto G6 and G6 Play both have a screen size of 5.7″. Moto G6 Plus has a 5.9″ screen.

But for the screen resolution, Moto G6 and Moto G6 Plus both have a 1080p (18:9) screen. Moto G6 Play comes with a 720p screen. This suggests Moto G6 has the highest pixel density (higher than both Moto G6 Play and Moto G6 Plus.

Overall, for the screen, the difference between Moto G6 and Moto G6 Plus is small.

2. Moto G6 vs Moto G6 Plus vs Moto G6 Play: CPU (SoC)

Motorola continued to use middle-range CPUs on Moto G6 (Moto G 2018) devices.

Moto G6 Play comes with a Snapdragon 430 CPU (or 427 in the US). There are eight (4 cores for Snapdragon 427) cores up to 1.4GHz.

Moto G6 has a Snapdragon 450 CPU, which is also an octa-core SoC with a higher speed of 1.8GHz.

As expected, Moto G6 Plus has the most powerful CPU (Snapdragon 630) compared to Moto G6 and Moto G6 Play.  The maximum frequency for the CPU is 2.2GHz.

3. Moto G6 vs Moto G6 Plus vs Moto G6 Play: rear cameras

Both Moto G6 and Moto G6 Plus feature dual rear cameras (12MP+5MP). The 5MP f/2.2 camera will be used only when you change to portrait mode. It is designed for depth sensing, not real photo taking.

The 12MP camera sensor in Moto G6 Plus is slightly better with an aperture of f/1.7.  It is capable of capturing 4K (2160p) videos at 30fps. While the 12MP camera in Moto G6 has an aperture of f/1.8. It can only capture full HD (1080p) videos (partially due to the CPU).

Moto G6 Play has a single rear camera. The 13MP f/2.0 rear camera can record videos in full HD at 30fps.

4. Moto G6 vs Moto G6 Plus vs Moto G6 Play: front camera

All three Moto G6 devices have a similar 8MP f/2.2 camera sensor. Only the US version of Moto G6 Play is equipped with a 5MP front camera.

None of these front cameras offers wide-angle selfie. But in the camera mode, you can choose group selfie mode to accommodate more people.

LED flash for the front camera can be found in all three models: Moto G6 Play, Moto G6 and Moto G6 Plus.

5. Moto G6 vs Moto G6 Plus vs Moto G6 Play: the fingerprint sensor

Moto G6 and G6 Plus share a similar design. The fingerprint sensor is located in the front of the phone below the screen.

But Moto G6 Play got a new design for the fingerprint sensor, which is located in the Motorola (M) logo in the back of the phone. This actually is the best location for Moto phones.

6. Moto G6 vs Moto G6 Plus vs Moto G6 Play: Battery

Moto G6, Moto G6 Play and Moto G6 Plus all have a non-removable battery. Both Moto G6 and G6 Plus use glass for the back cover. Moto G6 Play uses plastic.

The battery capacity varies among these 3 phones. Moto G6 Play has the largest battery capacity os 4000mAh. Moto G6 has the smallest battery with a capacity of 3000mAh. Moto G6 Plus has a slightly larger (3200mAh) battery.

Conclusion: which Moto G6 is for you?

Some readers asked for the help to decide a Moto G6 model.

In fact. these 3 models of Moto G6 (Moto G2018) were targeted at different user groups:

• Moto G6 Play is for users who need a basic phone with decent performance, great battery life, and a low price tag.
• Moto G6 is a mainstream middle-range Android phone with decent performance.
• Moto G6 Plus is for users who demand more from a mainstream middle-range smartphone. It actually fills the gap between Moto X series and G series.

Of course, in some regions, only two models are available. Normally, in regions where Moto X4 was released, Moto G6 Plus will not be offered.

Do you know the differences between Moto G6, Moto G6 Play and Moto G6 Plus?

If you have questions on Moto G6, Moto G6 Play and Moto G6 Plus, please let us know them in the comment box below.

The community will try to help you.

For more Moto G online manual pages, please check this page.

For detailed step-by-step guides, please check Moto G How-to guides page.

You can also find and download Moto G6 user manual in your language in Official Moto G6 User Manual page.