Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) vs Nokia G42 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G42
Nokia G42
Nokia

General

Launch Date June 2, 2023 June 28, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 110.53 cm³ 107.56 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.27 "/g 3.38 "/g
Weight 202 g 193.8 g
Height 162.8 mm 165 mm
Width 73.8 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 9.2 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Cosmic Black
  • Rose Champagne
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.6 " 6.56 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1612
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.5 % 82.7 %
Pixel Density 399 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 560 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 114.78 mAh/in² 116.19 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.23 mAh/cm³ 46.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Adreno 710 Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 13
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)Nokia G42Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2165 x 75.8 x 8.6Nokia G42 is slightly taller and wider, but thinner. Negligible difference in everyday use.
Weight (g)202193.8Moto is slightly heavier, but the difference is minimal.
StylusYesNoSignificant advantage for note-taking, sketching, and precise screen interaction on the Moto.
Display
Size (inches)6.66.56Virtually identical screen sizes.
Resolution1080 x 2400720 x 1612Moto has a significantly sharper display (399 ppi vs 269 ppi), resulting in clearer text and images.
Refresh Rate (Hz)12090Moto's 120Hz display offers smoother animations and scrolling compared to Nokia's 90Hz. Noticeable in day-to-day use.
Display TypeIPS LCDIPS LCDBoth use IPS LCD technology. Expect good color reproduction but potentially lower contrast compared to OLED. Missing information on color depth and HDR capabilities for both.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm)Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm)Moto's 6 Gen 1 provides significantly better performance and efficiency due to its more advanced architecture and smaller manufacturing process. Impacts app loading times, multitasking, and gaming.
CPUOcta-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Moto's CPU configuration with faster Cortex-A78 cores offers a performance advantage in demanding tasks.
GPUAdreno 710Adreno 619Moto's Adreno 710 GPU delivers better graphics performance for gaming and media consumption.
RAM8GB4GB/6GBMoto offers more RAM in the compared variant, improving multitasking and overall responsiveness.
Camera
Main Camera50MP (OV50A)50MP (ISOCELL)Similar megapixel count, but sensor details are incomplete for comparison. Missing crucial information on pixel size and sensor size for the Nokia. Moto lists OIS, which significantly improves low-light performance and video stability.
Video Recording4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps1080p@30fpsMoto offers superior video recording capabilities with 4K resolution and 60fps at 1080p, resulting in smoother and higher-resolution videos.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Identical battery capacity. Real-world battery life will depend on software optimization and usage patterns.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Advantages:

  • Significantly better performance: Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, more RAM, and a superior GPU translate to a smoother and faster user experience.
  • Sharper and smoother display: Higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate provide a more visually appealing experience.
  • Superior camera capabilities: 4K video recording and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for better photos and videos.
  • Integrated Stylus: Unique feature for note-taking, drawing, and precise screen interaction.

Nokia G42 Advantages:

  • Potentially lower price: Depending on the specific configuration and retailer. Price information provided shows some overlap but Nokia generally positioned lower.
  • Slightly thinner and lighter: Marginally more compact design, though the difference is minimal in practical terms.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): Ideal for users who prioritize performance, a smooth display, a good camera, and the utility of a stylus. Suitable for:

  • Students for note-taking
  • Creative professionals for sketching and design
  • Mobile gamers
  • Users who consume a lot of media

Nokia G42: Best suited for budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality and 5G connectivity over top-tier performance or camera features. Suitable for:

  • Users primarily focused on calling, texting, and web browsing
  • Light social media users

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Nokia G42 might be more appealing for strict budget limitations.
  2. How important is performance and a smooth display? The Moto G Stylus significantly outperforms the Nokia in these areas.
  3. Do you need a stylus for note-taking or drawing? This is a unique feature of the Moto G Stylus.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Student on a budget: If the price difference is significant, the Nokia G42 could be sufficient. However, the Moto G Stylus's stylus and performance benefits could be worth the investment for academic tasks.
  • Power user: The Moto G Stylus 5G is the clear choice for demanding tasks, gaming, and media consumption.

My Choice: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)

While price is always a factor, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) offers a significantly better overall package. The superior processor, smoother display, better camera, and integrated stylus provide a much more compelling user experience. The performance difference alone would be significant in day-to-day use, making the Moto a more future-proof investment. While the Nokia G42 might be suitable for extremely budget-conscious buyers with basic needs, the Moto's advantages outweigh the potential price difference for most users. The stylus provides unique functionality not found in the Nokia, making it a valuable tool for productivity and creativity.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.