Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm | The Moto G 5G is slightly larger and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand and pocket. The Stylus is more compact. |
| Weight | 212g | 202g | The Stylus 5G is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | The Moto G 5G has a slightly larger display, which is marginally better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer a sharp Full HD+ display. |
| PPI | 393 | 399 | Both displays are equally sharp in everyday use. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use similar LCD technology, expect similar viewing angles and colour accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Stylus 5G's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations. This is noticeable in everyday usage and particularly for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not specified for either. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, so consider this a significant unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | The Stylus 5G's newer, more efficient chip should offer better overall performance, faster app loading times, and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 565,000 | The Stylus 5G has a significantly higher benchmark score, suggesting better real-world speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 710 | The Stylus 5G's newer GPU should provide better graphics performance, especially in games and graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.88, 1.0µm pixels | The Stylus 5G’s larger pixels may capture more light in low-light conditions, and slightly higher resolution provides more detail. The G 5G's wider aperture may also help in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm pixels | 16MP, f/2.5 | The G 5G's wider aperture may allow better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | None | The Moto G 5G has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more of the scene. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | None | The Moto G 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | The Stylus 5G combines wide-angle and macro functionality into one lens. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps (EIS), slow-motion 60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, slow-motion 240fps | Both offer similar recording capabilities, with EIS on the G 5G. The Stylus 5G offers higher slow-motion recording at 240fps vs 60fps of the G 5G. |
| Image Stabilization | Digital Image Stabilization | Digital & Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Ultra Stable Video | The Stylus 5G has superior stabilization, leading to less blurry videos especially in low-light and while moving. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Laser autofocus (LAF), RAW | Dual camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus | The G 5G has triple camera with laser autofocus, while the Stylus 5G boasts OIS and Ultra Stable video. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 20W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Both offer similar fast charging, though Li-Polymer batteries are generally safer and last longer. |
Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | The Stylus 5G has more storage options, especially for those with large photo/video libraries. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | The Stylus 5G has an 8GB option for better multi-tasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers external storage. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | The Stylus 5G ships with a newer Android version, meaning better features, security patches, and more future-proofing. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | The Stylus 5G has Wi-Fi 6 which has faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | The Stylus 5G's Bluetooth 5.2 offers slight improvements in speed, range, and power consumption, as well as support for newer audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, SUPL, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Stylus 5G has better multi band support for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | The Moto G 5G supports two SIM cards simultaneously, useful for those with two numbers. |
Other
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio | 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | The Stylus 5G has much better audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, which enhances media consumption |
| Security | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer fingerprint security; side-mounted sensors are generally faster and more convenient. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Both have standard sensors; The Stylus 5G has additional sensors to support additional features and potentially higher-end gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Wider Angle Lens: Offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile photography.
- Macro Lens: Provides a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows use of two SIM cards simultaneously, beneficial for users who need to manage multiple numbers.
Practical Implications: More flexibility in photography with dedicated lenses. Users can manage two numbers with ease.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Advantages:
- Newer & More Powerful Chipset: Offers superior performance, improved responsiveness, and faster app loading times.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate Display: Provides a noticeably smoother visual experience, especially for gaming and scrolling.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Captures less blurry photos and videos, particularly in low-light and shaky conditions.
- More RAM: Offers a higher 8GB RAM option, for better multi-tasking and app management.
- Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Offers a richer audio experience with spatial sound and immersive audio.
- Newer Android OS: Provides a more modern interface, features, and security.
- Faster WiFi Standard: More robust connection, better performance with compatible networks.
- Better Slow-Motion Video: Higher slow-motion video recording up to 240fps, vs. 60fps.
- Multi-Band GPS Support: Better GPS accuracy.
Practical Implications: Offers a smoother, more responsive, and overall premium user experience. Provides better video, audio and location performance.
Trade-offs:
- The Stylus 5G loses dedicated Wide Angle and Macro lens options, but replaces it with a combined Wide Angle + Macro lens.
- The Moto G 5G offers dual SIM support, while the Stylus 5G does not.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users needing essential features, with a slight edge on camera features.
- Users who want dual-SIM functionality.
- Users who want the flexibility of the dedicated wide angle and macro lens on a budget.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication, social media browsing, general photography.
- Users who need to manage two phone numbers.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and want a smoother, faster experience.
- Users who value multimedia consumption, particularly those enjoying videos and mobile gaming.
- Users who desire superior video recording capabilities and better image stabilization.
- Users who prioritize audio quality.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video recording, content consumption, everyday use.
- Users who want a phone with the best possible performance in this category.
Price-to-Value: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) generally offers more value for the money due to its improved performance, 120Hz display, and superior camera and audio, although that comes at a cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you need dual SIM support? If so, the Moto G 5G is the only option between these two phones.
- Do you prioritize performance and smoothness over everything else? If yes, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the better choice.
- How important is video and audio quality? The Stylus 5G boasts OIS and ultra stable video, alongside stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, making it the superior choice for media consumption and video recording.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Basic User: If you need a phone for basic tasks like calling, messaging, and light browsing, and want to save money, the Moto G 5G will suffice.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you enjoy gaming, watching videos, and recording high-quality videos, and want a more premium experience, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the better option.
- Traveler/Dual SIM User: If you need dual SIM capability, the Moto G 5G is your only choice.
Personal Decision
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). While the dedicated wide angle and macro lenses on the Moto G 5G are appealing, the performance, display smoothness, and superior audio quality of the Stylus 5G outweigh those benefits. Additionally, the improved video recording capabilities and significantly faster chipset make it a more compelling option for my personal use, which involves some level of mobile gaming, video creation, and media consumption. The newer OS and better performance make the phone more future proof, despite the loss of a dedicated wide angle lens. The dual sim support on the G 5G is an advantage, but it isn't something that I personally need.
