Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Honor Magic V2: A Practical Comparison
These two phones cater to very different audiences—one is a budget-friendly stylus-equipped device, while the other is a cutting-edge foldable flagship. Let’s break down how they compare in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Honor Magic V2 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard smartphone | Foldable | Magic V2 offers a tablet-like experience when unfolded, while the Moto G is a traditional slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 156.7 × 145.4 × 4.7 mm (folded) | Magic V2 is thinner but wider when unfolded, making it more pocketable when closed. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 231g | Moto G is slightly lighter, but the Magic V2’s weight is impressive for a foldable. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Magic V2’s side sensor is more convenient for quick unlocks. |
Key Insight: The Magic V2 is a premium foldable with a sleek design, while the Moto G Stylus is a bulkier but more affordable option with a built-in stylus.
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Honor Magic V2 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 7.92" OLED (unfolded) | Magic V2 offers a near-tablet experience, great for multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 2156x2344 (402 PPI) | Magic V2 has a sharper, more vibrant display. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Magic V2 feels smoother for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | (Not specified) | 2500 nits (peak) | Magic V2 is far better in sunlight. |
Key Insight: The Magic V2’s foldable OLED screen is superior in every way—brighter, smoother, and larger. The Moto G’s LCD is decent but dated.
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Honor Magic V2 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | Magic V2 is a powerhouse; Moto G is entry-level. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 1,361,789 | Magic V2 is 7x faster—better for gaming and multitasking. |
| RAM | 4GB | 16GB | Magic V2 handles heavy apps effortlessly; Moto G may lag. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 256GB/512GB/1TB | Magic V2 offers far more storage options. |
Key Insight: The Magic V2 is a performance beast, while the Moto G is best for light tasks.
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Honor Magic V2 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.9) | Similar resolution, but Magic V2 has better processing. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 50MP (f/2.0) macro+wide | Magic V2’s ultrawide doubles as a macro lens. |
| Telephoto | None | 20MP (f/2.4) | Magic V2 offers optical zoom, a big advantage. |
| Selfie | 20MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.2) | Moto G has a higher-res front camera. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps (OIS, HDR) | Magic V2 is far better for videography. |
Key Insight: Magic V2 has a more versatile camera system, especially for zoom and video. Moto G’s selfie cam is better, but overall, the Magic V2 wins.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Honor Magic V2 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Magic V2 lasts longer despite the larger screen. |
| Charging Speed | 10W | 66W | Magic V2 charges 6x faster—huge advantage. |
Key Insight: Magic V2 has better battery life and much faster charging.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✔ Built-in stylus – Great for note-taking and sketching.
✔ Higher-res selfie camera – Better for video calls.
✔ Lower price – More budget-friendly.
Honor Magic V2 Strengths
✔ Foldable OLED display – Expansive screen for productivity.
✔ Flagship performance – Blazing-fast chipset and 16GB RAM.
✔ Superior cameras – Telephoto, better video, and HDR.
✔ Much faster charging – 66W vs. 10W.
Trade-Offs
- Moto G Stylus 5G has weak performance and a 60Hz screen.
- Magic V2 is expensive and lacks stylus support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Budget-conscious users who need a stylus.
- Casual users who don’t need high performance.
- Students who take handwritten notes.
Who Should Buy the Honor Magic V2?
- Power users who want a foldable flagship.
- Multitaskers who need a tablet-like experience.
- Photography & gaming enthusiasts who demand top-tier specs.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I want a foldable with flagship performance? → Magic V2
- Is budget a major concern? → Moto G Stylus 5G
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Best for productivity & media: Magic V2 (big screen, fast performance).
- Best for students on a budget: Moto G Stylus 5G (cheaper, stylus included).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Honor Magic V2.
Why?
- The foldable display is a game-changer for multitasking.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 + 16GB RAM ensures smooth performance for years.
- 66W charging means less downtime.
- Superior cameras make it a better all-rounder.
The Moto G Stylus 5G is a decent budget option, but the Magic V2 is in a different league. If you can afford it, the foldable experience and flagship specs are worth the premium.
For most users, the Magic V2 is the better choice—unless you really need that stylus.
