Motorola Moto G (2022) vs Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date May 19, 2022 June 2, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 117.85 cm³ 110.53 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.19 "/g 3.27 "/g
Weight 204 g 202 g
Height 165.4 mm 162.8 mm
Width 75.8 mm 73.8 mm
Thickness 9.4 mm 9.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Moonlight Gray
  • Cosmic Black
  • Rose Champagne

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.6 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 87.5 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 399 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 42.43 mAh/cm³ 45.23 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G57 MC2 Adreno 710

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 12 13
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive deep into the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023), breaking down the specs, and more importantly, what they mean for you. I’ll be your guide, blending technical precision with a real-world perspective.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a detailed look at how these two Motorola phones stack up, along with the practical implications for everyday use:

FeatureMotorola Moto G (2022)Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions165.4 × 75.8 × 9.4 mm162.8 × 73.8 × 9.2 mmThe Stylus 5G is a bit smaller, which may be better for one-handed use.
Weight204g202gVirtually identical in weight, both feel substantial.
Display
Size6.5"6.6"Minimal size difference, the Stylus 5G is slightly larger
Resolution720x16001080x2400The Stylus 5G display is noticeably sharper, better for text and video.
Pixel Density270 PPI399 PPIThe Stylus 5G offers a more detailed and crisp visual experience.
TechnologyIPS LCDIPS LCDBoth use standard LCD panels, good color accuracy but not OLED blacks.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzStylus 5G will provide smoother animations and scrolling.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsPeak brightness is the same for both (but this is likely an error as modern phones have nits of brightness).
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)The Stylus 5G is significantly faster, leading to smoother app loading and overall better performance.
AnTuTu Score389,300565,000The Stylus 5G scores 45% higher. Noticeably better performance.
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 710Stylus 5G will offer better gaming performance.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth should offer a full day of use on a single charge.
Charging10W fast charging20W fast chargingThe Stylus 5G will charge faster, getting you back to 100% quicker.
Camera
Standard Camera50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm)50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.55", 1.0µm)Stylus 5G has larger sensor and larger pixels. Will perform better in low light and produce less noise
Selfie Camera13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm)16MP (f/2.5)Stylus 5G has higher resolution, but Moto G (2022) has wider aperture.
Portrait Lens2MP (f/2.4)NoneThe Moto G (2022) offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
Macro Lens2MP (f/2.4)NoneThe Moto G (2022) offers a dedicated macro sensor for close-up photos.
Wide + Macro LensNone8MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm)The Stylus 5G has a combined wide-angle and macro camera, more versatile for creative shots
Video Recording1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fpsThe Stylus 5G can record in 4K, offering far superior video quality.
Video StabilisationNoYes, Optical (OIS)Stylus 5G's OIS provides much smoother videos.
Slow MotionNo, 30fpsYes, 240 fpsStylus 5G offers more robust slow-motion recording options
Software
OSAndroid 12Android 13Stylus 5G comes with a newer OS out of the box.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6Stylus 5G has support for newer, faster Wi-Fi.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.1Bluetooth 5.2The Stylus 5G has a more recent Bluetooth standard.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPLGPS, A-GPS, SUPL, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a)Stylus 5G has more precise and reliable GPS using more satellites.
Storage
Internal64 GB128 GB or 256 GBStylus 5G offers significantly more storage space.
RAM6 GB4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GBThe Stylus 5G can come with more RAM for heavy multitasking.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone allows for extra storage via SD Card.
Audio
AudioBasicDolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphonesStylus 5G has enhanced audio quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
Security
Fingerprint SensorSide-mountedSide-mountedBoth provide basic biometric security through fingerprint sensors.
SensorsBiometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerBiometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, GeomagneticThe Moto G (2022) has additional environmental sensors, while the Stylus has Hall and Geomagnetic Sensors.

2. Key Insights

Motorola Moto G (2022):

  • Strengths: The Moto G (2022) offers a triple camera setup with dedicated depth and macro lenses for creative photography. It also includes a barometer which can be helpful for hiking and outdoor activities. The phone is also slightly more compact.
  • Competitive Advantages: This is a very affordable phone that delivers an alright experience.
  • Limitations: Lower-resolution display, slower processor, and basic audio quality. No expandable storage, older Bluetooth, and limited video recording capabilities.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):

  • Strengths: The standout features include the Stylus for productivity and creativity, a much sharper 120Hz display, a faster Snapdragon chipset, better cameras, 4K video recording with stabilization, and dual speakers with Dolby Atmos. Also, a more recent version of android, bluetooth, and wifi technology. More storage options, too.
  • Competitive Advantages: This phone targets those who prioritize speed, display quality, and multimedia creation.
  • Limitations: No dedicated depth or macro lens, no barometer. The phone is also less compact and uses a slightly different sensor suite.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Motorola Moto G (2022):

  • User Profile: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks like calls, texts, and web browsing. Suitable for those who want a compact phone with a decent camera and some extra sensor capabilities.
  • Use Cases: Basic social media, casual photography, and simple games. Good for those who need a straightforward, reliable device.
  • Price-to-Value: Strong value for the money, offering all the essentials for a low price.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):

  • User Profile: Users who desire a more premium experience with a better display, faster performance, and enhanced multimedia capabilities. Suitable for those who enjoy creative pursuits or need a phone for work and productivity.
  • Use Cases: Note-taking with the Stylus, watching high-quality videos, playing graphics-intensive games, and creating better quality multimedia. A versatile device that balances productivity with entertainment.
  • Price-to-Value: A high price, but offers significant improvements in performance, display, and multimedia quality.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. How much do you value display quality? If crisp visuals and smooth scrolling are important, the Stylus 5G is the obvious choice.
  2. Do you prioritize creative expression or professional needs? The Stylus 5G and the stylus and better camera will be more useful. If you only need the phone for basics, the Moto G (2022) is more than adequate.
  3. What's your budget? If you have a strict budget, the Moto G (2022) will offer good value. If you're willing to spend more for a better experience, the Stylus 5G offers clear upgrades across the board.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • For the Budget-Conscious User: The Moto G (2022) offers good value and all the essentials.
  • For the Multimedia Enthusiast: The Stylus 5G is the better choice with its 4K video, stereo speakers, and better display.
  • For the Casual User: The Stylus 5G offers a more enjoyable experience with its performance, while the Moto G (2022) still gets the job done.
  • For the Productivity Driven User: The Stylus 5G with a stylus is a clear choice.

My Choice

If it were my money and I were choosing between these two, I would go for the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). The primary reason is that the difference in day-to-day experience is huge. The better screen, faster chipset, better main and selfie camera, enhanced audio, and especially the 4K recording makes it more suitable as a modern device. The ability to use a stylus is a bonus for anyone who needs it and helps distinguish this phone. The increased storage and RAM options are also critical for a long-lasting device.

While the Moto G (2022) is a solid budget device, the technology is simply too dated compared to the 2023 Stylus. The improvements offered by the Stylus 5G far outweigh its higher price, making it the better choice overall for anyone looking for a capable and enjoyable smartphone. It provides a much more fluid experience and can be a better companion.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.