Upcoming Moto G phones leak: In for a downgrade? (Updated: Price)

Update: January 19, 2023 (1:49 AM ET): More specs as well as pricing details for the upcoming Moto G53 have leaked. The device is expected to cost €209 ($225). The launch of the phone seems imminent given the timing of the leak.

Original article: January 16, 2023 (2:14 AM ET): The Moto G series of smartphones aren’t the most spectacular budget devices in the world, but they’ve got a decent following in some markets. Now, it looks like two new entries have leaked online in recent days.

The Tech Outlook has posted specs and renders of the Motorola Moto G53 and Moto G73, and it seems like the two devices share a few things in common. This includes a plastic design, 120Hz LCD screen, 5,000mAh battery, stereo speakers, a 3.5mm port, and Android 13.

Moto G73

The G73 is undoubtedly the more impressive device, though. The phone is powered by a mid-range Dimensity 930 chipset with an octa-core CPU (two Cortex-A78 and six Cortex-A55) and an IMG BXM-8 256 GPU. You’re also getting 6GB to 8GB of RAM, 128GB to 256GB of expandable storage, a 6.5-inch FHD+ 120Hz LCD panel, and a 5,000mAh battery with 30W wired charging.

Motorola’s mid-ranger is also bringing a dual rear camera system consisting of a 50MP main camera and 8MP ultrawide snapper. Otherwise, a 16MP selfie camera is available up-front.

Moto G53

Going down a notch, the G53 brings a less impressive proposition on paper. Expect a Snapdragon 480 Plus chipset, 4GB to 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of expandable storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 10W wired charging. Moto’s phone is also tipped to arrive with a 6.5-inch 720p LCD panel (albeit at 120Hz), making for a resolution downgrade over the G73.

Switching to photography, the Moto G53 is said to offer a dual rear camera system consisting of a 50MP main camera and 2MP macro sensor. A 16MP camera is on tap for video calls and selfies.

A downgrade over previous models?

We’re taking these details with some caution, as the information comes from a less prominent source. Nevertheless, it looks like both phones might be a downgrade over their predecessors in some ways.

The Moto G52 and G72 both offered high refresh rate OLED screens and faster charging than the new devices, while the G52 included an ultrawide camera too (missing on the G53). The charging difference isn’t huge when comparing the G72 and G73 (33W versus 30W), but it’s massive when comparing the G52 and G53 (30W versus 10W).

We’re still keen to see pricing for these devices though, as a competitive price tag might help off-set the aforementioned downgrades. There’s no word on a launch date but it can’t be too far away now.