Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Honor X8a: A Practical Comparison
Both phones cater to budget-conscious users but with different strengths—Motorola leans into productivity with its stylus, while Honor focuses on performance and camera capabilities. Let’s break down the key differences and who each device suits best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Honor X8a | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 162.9 × 74.5 × 7.5 mm | Honor is slimmer and lighter (179g vs. 217.5g), making it more pocket-friendly. Motorola’s bulk accommodates the stylus. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted (Honor) is more convenient for unlocking while holding the phone. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Honor X8a | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.7" IPS LCD | Nearly identical size, but Honor has a 90Hz refresh rate (vs. 60Hz), making scrolling smoother. |
| Resolution & PPI | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1080x2388 (391 PPI) | No noticeable difference in sharpness. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Honor X8a | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Helio G88 (12nm) | Honor is 48% faster in benchmarks (253K vs. 171K AnTuTu), meaning better app loading and multitasking. |
| RAM & Storage | 4GB RAM / 128GB | 6GB/8GB RAM / 128GB/256GB | Honor offers more RAM (up to 8GB), better for gaming and heavy apps. Neither has expandable storage. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Honor X8a | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 100MP (f/1.9) | Honor’s 100MP sensor captures more detail, but Motorola’s wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Motorola’s ultrawide is far superior—better for landscapes and group shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.45) | Motorola’s front cam is better in low light. |
| Extra Features | ToF sensor, Laser AF | Triple camera | Motorola has better autofocus and depth sensing, useful for stylus-based editing. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Honor X8a | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | Honor lasts longer, especially with its more efficient chipset. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 22.5W (faster) | Honor charges over twice as fast—a big advantage for heavy users. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Honor X8a | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Honor is newer, but Motorola has a cleaner Android experience. |
| 5G Support | Yes | No | Motorola is future-proofed for 5G networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Honor has slightly better Bluetooth efficiency. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Stylus support – Great for note-taking, sketching, and precise editing.
✅ Better ultrawide camera – More versatile for photography.
✅ 5G connectivity – More future-proof.
Honor X8a Strengths
✅ Faster performance – Better for gaming and multitasking.
✅ 90Hz display – Smoother scrolling and animations.
✅ Bigger battery & faster charging – Less downtime.
✅ Higher-resolution main camera – More detail in daylight shots.
Trade-Offs
- Motorola is thicker and heavier due to the stylus.
- Honor lacks 5G, which may matter for long-term use.
- Motorola’s software is cleaner, but Honor’s hardware is stronger.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G?
✔ Students & creatives – The stylus is great for notes and sketches.
✔ Photography enthusiasts – Better ultrawide and depth-sensing capabilities.
✔ 5G early adopters – If you want future network support.
Who Should Buy the Honor X8a?
✔ Gamers & power users – Faster chipset and more RAM.
✔ Battery-conscious users – Bigger battery and faster charging.
✔ Social media lovers – Smoother display and high-res main camera.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Motorola
- Do I prioritize speed and battery life? → Honor
- Is 5G important for me? → Motorola
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For productivity & creativity → Motorola (stylus + better editing tools).
- For gaming & media consumption → Honor (faster performance + 90Hz screen).
- For long-term use → Motorola (5G support).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Honor X8a—unless I specifically needed the stylus. Here’s why:
- Faster performance (Helio G88 > Snapdragon 480).
- 90Hz display makes everyday use smoother.
- Bigger battery & faster charging means less hassle.
- Higher-resolution main camera is great for social media.
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is still a solid choice if you need the stylus or 5G, but for most users, the Honor X8a offers better overall value.
Would you prioritize the stylus or raw performance? Let me know your thoughts! 🚀
