Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). These two phones, both from Motorola, offer quite different experiences despite sharing the same brand. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you figure out which one might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison, keeping real-world usage in mind:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-08 | 2023-06-02 | The Moto G Stylus 5G is newer by about 9 months. |
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 72 × 7.5 mm | 162.8 × 73.8 × 9.2 mm | The Edge 30 Fusion is noticeably slimmer and more compact. The G Stylus is larger and thicker, feeling bulkier. |
| Weight | 168g | 202g | Edge 30 Fusion is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Both offer similar screen real estate, with only a minor 0.05" difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolutions for both, sharp enough for daily use. |
| PPI | 402 | 399 | Very similar pixel density, which means both displays will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | P-OLED | IPS LCD | Major difference: Edge 30 Fusion has a superior P-OLED display, delivering richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 Fusion offers smoother animations and scrolling with a higher refresh rate, especially noticeable during gaming or fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Another major difference: Edge 30 Fusion's higher brightness makes it far more usable outdoors in bright sunlight. The G Stylus has no brightness value. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Edge 30 Fusion boasts a significantly more powerful flagship chipset, translating to better performance, faster app loading, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 904,900 | 565,000 | Edge 30 Fusion has a 60% higher benchmark score, indicating vastly superior performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 710 | Edge 30 Fusion's GPU is better for graphically intensive apps and high-end gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | 50MP f/1.88, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | Main sensors are similar, with a minor edge to Edge 30 Fusion's wider aperture that allows better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2, 0.8µm | 16MP f/2.5 | Edge 30 Fusion offers higher resolution and a wider aperture on its selfie camera, resulting in better quality and low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | N/A | Edge 30 Fusion has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing wider scenes. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | N/A | Edge 30 Fusion includes a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode quality. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | N/A | 8MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | The G Stylus includes an ultrawide lens with macro capabilities which is missing on the Edge 30 Fusion |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | Edge 30 Fusion supports higher video resolution, better slow-motion recording, and overall more video recording options. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, OIS, LAF, RAW, Triple Camera | OIS, Ultra Stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Dual Camera | Both feature OIS, but the Edge has more features for photography and videography; while the G Stylus has features for videography. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | G Stylus 5G has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life, especially for heavy users, and for users that use their phone a lot for productivity |
| Charging | 68W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Edge 30 Fusion charges significantly faster, mitigating the smaller battery capacity, and allows for quick top-ups. |
| Software & Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | G Stylus 5G ships with a newer OS out of the box, offering potentially better software support. However, the Edge 30 can be upgraded to 13. |
| Stylus | N/A | Included with the device | Moto G Stylus has a stylus, which allows for easier creation and easier use of the device |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6, BT 5.2 | WiFi 6, BT 5.2 | Similar connectivity options. The Edge 30 Fusion has better location accuracy using the (L1+L5) satellites. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Similar storage options, but both cannot be expanded using an SD Card |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Edge 30 Fusion offers more RAM, especially beneficial for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage expansion. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion:
- Strengths:
- Superior Display: The P-OLED screen with 144Hz refresh rate is a clear win, providing vibrant colors, smooth motion, and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 888+ offers top-tier performance, making it ideal for gaming, demanding apps, and heavy multitasking.
- Fast Charging: The 68W fast charging quickly refills the battery, minimizing downtime.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution selfie camera, wide-angle lens, and 8K video recording.
- Trade-offs:
- Smaller Battery: Battery life may not be as long-lasting as the Moto G Stylus 5G due to the smaller capacity.
- Missing Stylus: Doesn't come with a stylus.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Strengths:
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life due to its 5000mAh capacity, great for people that are on their phones frequently.
- Included Stylus: The integrated stylus is a unique feature for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, providing more updated software.
- Affordable: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is usually more affordable than the Edge 30 Fusion.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is noticeably less powerful than the Snapdragon 888+, leading to potentially slower performance.
- Average Display: The IPS LCD screen doesn't match the vibrancy and contrast of the Edge 30 Fusion’s P-OLED screen.
- Slower Charging: The 20W fast charging is much slower than the Edge 30 Fusion's 68W charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and demanding apps.
- Media Consumers: Those who want the best possible display for watching videos, browsing photos, and enjoying content in bright light.
- Photographers: Those who value high-quality selfies, wide-angle shots, and high resolution video recording.
- Users Who Value Fast Charging: Those who like to quickly top up their phone with a fast charger.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is best for:
- Productivity Users: People who regularly take notes, draw, or require precise input with a stylus.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a more affordable phone with good battery life and the convenience of a stylus.
- Casual Gamers: Those who don't play extremely demanding mobile games but still want to have a good gaming experience on their device.
- Users that prioritize battery life: Those who want the best battery life from their device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when choosing between these two phones:
How important is performance to you?
- If you need a powerful phone for intensive tasks and gaming, the Edge 30 Fusion is the better choice.
- If you’re a casual user and prioritize battery life, the G Stylus is a better pick.
Do you need a stylus?
- If you need the precision and convenience of a stylus for note-taking or drawing, the Moto G Stylus is the clear choice.
- If you don’t need a stylus, then the edge 30 Fusion might be the better option.
How important is a great display?
- If a high-quality display with vibrant colors and excellent outdoor visibility is a must-have, go with the Edge 30 Fusion.
- If an adequate display is sufficient, the G Stylus will save you some money.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "I need a gaming phone."
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. The Snapdragon 888+ chipset, higher refresh rate, and better graphics capabilities make it the superior choice for gaming.
Scenario 2: "I need a phone for note-taking and productivity."
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). The integrated stylus is a valuable tool for productivity, despite the lower performance.
Scenario 3: "I use my phone heavily for media and streaming."
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. The P-OLED display, higher brightness, and smoother visuals offer a better media consumption experience.
Scenario 4: "I'm looking for the best value for my money."
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). It offers a good set of features with a lower price point, making it a more economical option if you prioritize battery life, and productivity features over pure power.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. The superior display with P-OLED technology and 144Hz refresh rate, paired with the significantly more powerful Snapdragon 888+ chipset, would make for a much more enjoyable experience on a day-to-day basis. The faster charging is also a major plus, and though the battery isn't as big as the G Stylus, the speed at which it charges is worth the difference. While the stylus is a great addition for some users, I personally don't use it often and would prefer the improved performance and display quality the Edge 30 Fusion provides.
The Moto G Stylus is a fantastic device for users that need that stylus, and for those who are casual gamers or use their phone for basic functionality, but the Edge 30 Fusion is the one for me as a person that values good performance and good display quality.
