Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Motorola Edge 50 Ultra: A Detailed Comparison
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) and Motorola Edge 50 Ultra (2024) cater to different audiences—one is a budget-friendly stylus-equipped phone, while the other is a premium flagship. Below, we break down their specs, real-world performance, and ideal user profiles.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Edge 50 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 161.1 × 72.4 × 8.6 mm | Edge 50 Ultra is slimmer and lighter (197g vs. 217.5g), making it more pocket-friendly. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Edge 50 Ultra has better drop resistance and scratch protection. |
| Stylus Support | Yes | No | G Stylus 5G is better for note-taking and sketching. |
Display
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Edge 50 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | IPS LCD (60Hz) | P-OLED (144Hz) | Edge 50 Ultra has deeper blacks, smoother scrolling, and better outdoor visibility (2500 nits vs. unknown). |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1220x2712 (446 PPI) | Edge 50 Ultra is sharper and better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Edge 50 Ultra offers buttery-smooth gaming and UI interactions. |
Performance
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Edge 50 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) | Edge 50 Ultra is far more powerful (1.5M+ AnTuTu vs. 171K)—better for gaming and multitasking. |
| RAM/Storage | 4GB/128GB (no expansion) | 12-16GB/512GB-1TB | Edge 50 Ultra is future-proof with double the RAM and 4-8x storage. |
Camera
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Edge 50 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.6, OIS) | Edge 50 Ultra has better low-light performance and stabilization. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 50MP (f/2.0) | Edge 50 Ultra captures sharper, more detailed wide shots. |
| Telephoto | None | 64MP (3x optical zoom) | Edge 50 Ultra is better for zoomed-in shots. |
| Selfie | 20MP (f/2.0) | 50MP (f/1.9) | Edge 50 Ultra has higher-res, better-lit selfies. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | Edge 50 Ultra is superior for vlogging and professional video. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Edge 50 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | Edge 50 Ultra has longer endurance. |
| Charging | 10W wired | 125W wired, 50W wireless | Edge 50 Ultra charges in minutes and supports wireless charging. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Edge 50 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 14 (up to 17) | Edge 50 Ultra has longer software support. |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers | Edge 50 Ultra has richer, louder sound. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0 | Wi-Fi 7, BT 5.4 | Edge 50 Ultra has faster, more stable connections. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Built-in stylus – Great for note-takers and artists.
✅ Lower price – More budget-friendly.
✅ Decent battery life – Adequate for casual use.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Strengths
✅ Flagship performance – Handles gaming, multitasking, and AI tasks effortlessly.
✅ Superior display – 144Hz P-OLED with 2500-nit brightness for HDR content.
✅ Pro-grade cameras – 50MP main + 64MP telephoto + 50MP ultrawide with OIS.
✅ Blazing-fast charging – 125W wired, 50W wireless (full charge in ~20 mins).
Trade-Offs
- G Stylus 5G has weaker performance, lower refresh rate, and outdated software.
- Edge 50 Ultra lacks a stylus and is significantly more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Budget-conscious users who need a stylus for notes/sketches.
- Casual users who don’t need high-end performance.
Who Should Buy the Edge 50 Ultra?
- Power users who want flagship performance and cameras.
- Gamers & media lovers who value 144Hz OLED and Dolby Atmos.
- Photographers who need OIS, 4K video, and telephoto zoom.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → G Stylus 5G
- Do I want the best performance and display? → Edge 50 Ultra
- Is fast charging and wireless charging important? → Edge 50 Ultra
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student on a budget? → G Stylus 5G (for note-taking).
- Mobile gamer/content creator? → Edge 50 Ultra (for power & display).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra—it’s a true flagship with cutting-edge performance, a stunning display, and pro-level cameras. The 144Hz OLED, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, and 125W charging make it a far more future-proof device.
However, if I absolutely needed a stylus, I’d go for the G Stylus 5G—but with the understanding that it’s a compromise on speed and features.
For most users, the Edge 50 Ultra is the better long-term investment. 🚀
