Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Google Pixel 9: Detailed Comparison
These two phones cater to very different audiences—one is a budget-friendly stylus-equipped device, while the other is a premium flagship with cutting-edge AI and camera tech. Let’s break them down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) | Pixel 9 (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 152.8 × 72 × 8.5 mm | Pixel 9 is more compact and lighter (198g vs. 217.5g), making it easier for one-handed use. The Moto G Stylus is bulkier but has a built-in stylus. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 9 is more durable, while the Moto G Stylus lacks confirmed protection. |
| Water Resistance | No | Likely IP68 (unconfirmed) | Pixel 9 is better suited for wet conditions. |
✅ Winner: Pixel 9 – More premium, durable, and pocket-friendly.
Display
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Pixel 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.3" OLED | Moto’s bigger screen is great for media, but Pixel 9’s OLED offers deeper blacks and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 9 feels smoother—scrolling, gaming, and animations are far more fluid. |
| Resolution & PPI | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1080x2424 (422 PPI) | Pixel 9 has sharper text and slightly better clarity despite similar resolution. |
| Brightness | Unknown | Unknown (likely superior) | OLED typically gets brighter than LCD outdoors. |
✅ Winner: Pixel 9 – OLED, 120Hz, and higher PPI make it the better panel.
Performance & Software
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Pixel 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 (8nm) | Tensor G4 (4nm) | Pixel 9 is vastly faster—better for gaming, AI tasks, and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171K | 1.07M | Pixel 9 is ~6x faster—no contest in speed. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB | Pixel 9 crushes multitasking—Moto G Stylus may struggle with heavy apps. |
| Storage | 128GB (no expandable) | 128GB/256GB | Neither has expandable storage, but Pixel 9 offers a higher-tier option. |
| OS & Updates | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 14 (up to 21) | Pixel 9 will get ~7 years of updates vs. Moto’s outdated software. |
✅ Winner: Pixel 9 – Far superior performance and long-term support.
Camera
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Pixel 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.69, 1/1.3" sensor) | Pixel 9 has a larger sensor—better low-light shots, dynamic range, and AI processing. |
| Ultra-Wide | 16MP | 48MP (dual-purpose macro) | Pixel 9’s macro/ultra-wide hybrid is more versatile. |
| Selfie | 20MP (f/2.0) | 10.5MP (f/2.2) | Moto has higher resolution, but Pixel’s AI processing will deliver better results. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | Pixel 9 is far superior—smoother, higher-quality video with stabilization. |
| Extra Features | Quad-camera (incl. macro & ToF) | Night Mode, Pro Video, RAW support | Pixel 9’s AI-enhanced modes beat Moto’s extra lenses in real-world use. |
✅ Winner: Pixel 9 – Better hardware + Google’s computational photography = best smartphone camera period.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Pixel 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4700mAh | Pixel 9 should last longer despite faster chipset. |
| Charging Speed | 10W | 27W | Pixel 9 charges ~2.5x faster. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W Qi | Pixel 9 supports wireless charging (a premium perk). |
✅ Winner: Pixel 9 – Bigger battery, faster charging, and wireless support.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✔ Built-in stylus – Useful for note-taking and sketches.
✔ Bigger display – Better for media consumption.
✔ More rear cameras (macro & ToF) – Though real-world usefulness is limited.
Google Pixel 9 Strengths
✔ Flagship-tier performance – Blows the Moto G Stylus out of the water.
✔ Superior cameras – Best-in-class computational photography.
✔ Longer software support – 7 years of updates vs. Moto’s outdated OS.
✔ Better display – OLED, 120Hz, and higher PPI.
✔ Faster charging & wireless support – More convenient daily use.
Trade-Offs
- Moto G Stylus is bulkier but gets a stylus.
- Pixel 9 has no expandable storage, but 256GB option helps.
- Moto has a higher-MP selfie cam, but Pixel’s AI processing compensates.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
✔ Budget users who want a stylus for notes/drawing.
✔ Casual users who don’t need high performance.
✔ Big-screen lovers who don’t mind LCD over OLED.
Who Should Buy the Pixel 9?
✔ Photography enthusiasts – Best smartphone camera available.
✔ Power users – Flagship chipset, 12GB RAM, and long-term updates.
✔ Future-proof buyers – Will stay relevant for years.
✔ Anyone who values smoothness – 120Hz OLED is a game-changer.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I prioritize performance, cameras, and longevity? → Pixel 9
- Am I on a tight budget? → Moto G Stylus 5G
Scenario-Based Picks:
- Student taking notes? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Photographer or tech enthusiast? → Pixel 9
- Need a durable, long-lasting phone? → Pixel 9
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
🚀 Google Pixel 9 – It’s not even close.
Why?
- The performance gap is enormous (6x faster in benchmarks).
- Cameras are leagues ahead—Pixel’s AI processing is unmatched.
- 120Hz OLED vs. 60Hz LCD makes everyday use smoother.
- Long-term software updates ensure future-proofing.
- Better battery life & charging (+ wireless support).
The only reason to pick the Moto G Stylus 5G is if you absolutely need a stylus on a budget. For everyone else, the Pixel 9 is the clear winner.
