Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the newer Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). It's always exciting to see how the newer model stacks up, so I'm eager to unpack the specs and see what's what.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, along with their practical implications for everyday users:
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 75.8 x 9.4 mm | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm | Stylus is slightly smaller, thinner and may feel more comfortable in hand |
| Weight | 204g | 190g | Stylus is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Standard build on both phones |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Stylus offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Stylus provides much sharper visuals, with more detail and clarity |
| PPI | 270 | 395 | Sharper screen on the Stylus, leading to crisper images and text |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | P-OLED in Stylus offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on the Stylus |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Stylus is significantly brighter, enhancing visibility in direct sunlight |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Stylus offers a newer, more efficient chipset, potentially leading to better performance and power management |
| AnTuTu Score | 389,300 | 514,000 | Stylus is significantly faster in benchmarks, translating to quicker app loading and smoother operation |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 | Stylus's GPU is newer, likely handling gaming and graphics-intensive tasks more smoothly |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor, 1.00µm pixels | Stylus has a larger sensor and larger pixels, improving low-light performance and dynamic range |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.70µm pixels | Stylus has a higher resolution, but smaller pixel size, which might lead to less light absorption in dim conditions, the larger aperture might compensate for that on the G (2022) |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Moto G has a dedicated depth camera for better portrait effects, but the styluses' software may compensate |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Moto G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, Stylus uses a wide-angle for macro shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | Stylus has a wide-angle lens that also doubles as a macro lens, adding versatility to the camera system |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Stylus can shoot higher resolution videos and in variable frame rates |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Stylus provides smoother videos with stabilization, which is helpful if you have shaky hands |
Battery Life
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery endurance, depending on usage |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 30W fast charging, 15W wireless | Stylus charges much faster and offers the convenience of wireless charging |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 15W wireless charging | Stylus can charge other devices and provides wireless charging options, adding versatility |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14, upgrade to 15 | Stylus has newer OS out of the box and is promised an additional upgrade, ensuring better support and up-to-date features |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | Stylus supports faster and more stable Wi-Fi connectivity |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.1, LDAC, SBC | Both use Bluetooth 5.1 but Stylus also supports LDAC, and SBC codecs for higher-quality audio |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Stylus offers enhanced GPS accuracy with more satellite systems |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Stylus has more flexible dual-sim capabilities, and can switch carriers digitally |
Storage, Audio & Security
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64GB | 256GB | Stylus provides significantly more storage space for apps, photos, and videos |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB | Stylus can handle more multitasking and demanding apps without slowdowns |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device has expandable storage |
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stylus has enhanced spatial audio and immersion with stereo speakers |
| Security | side-mounted Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both feature a fingerprint sensor, which is a basic and easy way to keep your phone safe |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Moto G has additional sensor for environmental data |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G (2022) Strengths:
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Cameras: The inclusion of dedicated macro and depth cameras caters to users who enjoy experimenting with close-up photography and portrait effects.
- Barometer Sensor: The presence of a barometer sensor adds a unique functionality for tracking atmospheric pressure, which may be appealing to specific users.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Strengths:
- Superior Display: The P-OLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and refresh rate offers a much better viewing experience.
- Enhanced Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset provides a significant boost in performance, ensuring smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Versatile Camera: The 50MP sensor with larger 1.0µm pixels and inclusion of a wide-angle lens improve image quality and versatility.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 30W fast charging and 15W wireless charging provide much more convenience.
- Updated Software: Android 14 out of the box, upgradable to 15, with better features and updates.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Superior Wi-Fi, GPS and dual-sim capabilities give a wider range of options and faster more precise connection.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide a much more immersive audio experience.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- The Moto G (2022) is significantly older, meaning it will likely not get much in the way of OS updates.
- The Moto G (2022) has more cameras, but the Stylus has a much better sensor and image processing capabilities.
- Neither device has expandable storage, so you're limited to whatever internal storage the device ships with.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G (2022) User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable phone with a few handy features.
- Basic Photography Enthusiasts: Users who like to dabble in macro photography and portraits.
- Barometer sensor: Those who wish to monitor environmental conditions and atmospheric pressure.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or play games and will benefit from the better screen and audio.
- Productivity Focused Users: Those who wish for the best experience possible, with faster loading times, better multitasking capabilities and more storage for work and multimedia.
- Mobile Photographers: People who want a camera that can handle various scenarios.
- Power Users: Those who want faster charging, wireless charging, and a future-proofed device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are some practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality? If you prioritize a vibrant, sharp, and bright display, the Stylus is the clear winner.
- What is your performance priority? If smooth multitasking and gaming are essential, the Stylus provides a better experience.
- How important is battery charging speed and wireless charging? If you value these, the Stylus is much better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Basic User: If you mainly use your phone for calls, browsing, and social media and you're on a tight budget, the Moto G (2022) can suffice.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you love streaming, gaming, and want a great audio and visual experience, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the clear choice.
- Mobile Photographer: If you take a lot of photos and videos, and want better all-around quality, the Stylus is a better choice.
- Power User: If you want faster loading times, multitasking, better connectivity, faster and wireless charging, then the Stylus is the obvious choice.
What Would I Choose?
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). The combination of the superior P-OLED display, enhanced performance from the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, faster charging, wireless charging, and upgraded software makes it a far more compelling device. The camera system on the Stylus also seems like a better overall performer, making it worth the investment. The Moto G (2022) has its merits with the macro and depth sensor, but those do not make up for the overall shortfalls when compared to its newer sibling. Even for a casual user, the higher pixel density, larger display and smoother animations would be worth the price of admission, and the more powerful chipset will surely hold up better over the years.
The Stylus simply provides a much more complete, future-proof experience. And that's what I'd want for myself.
