Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Razr 40 Ultra: A Practical Comparison
These two Motorola phones cater to very different audiences—one is a budget-friendly stylus-equipped workhorse, while the other is a premium foldable with cutting-edge specs. Let’s break down how they compare in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Razr 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard slab phone | Foldable clamshell | Razr is more compact when folded, but G Stylus is simpler and sturdier. |
| Weight | 217.5g (heavier) | 184.5g (lighter) | Razr is easier to carry, especially in pockets. |
| Durability | Unknown screen protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Razr has better drop resistance. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Razr’s placement is more convenient. |
Verdict: The Razr 40 Ultra wins in portability and premium feel, while the G Stylus is bulkier but more traditional.
Display
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Razr 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.9" foldable LTPO AMOLED | Razr’s AMOLED offers deeper blacks and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | Razr feels much smoother in scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | Unknown (likely ~500 nits) | 1400 nits (peak) | Razr is far better in sunlight. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1080x2640 (413 PPI) | Razr is slightly sharper. |
Verdict: The Razr 40 Ultra’s display is superior in every way—brighter, smoother, and more vibrant.
Performance
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Razr 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Razr is 6x faster in benchmarks. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB / 12GB | Razr handles heavy multitasking better. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 256GB / 512GB (non-expandable) | Razr offers more space for apps/media. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Razr is a gaming beast; G Stylus struggles with high-end games. |
Verdict: The Razr 40 Ultra is a flagship-level performer, while the G Stylus is strictly for light use.
Camera
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Razr 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 12MP (f/1.5) | Razr’s wider aperture captures more light, but G Stylus has higher resolution. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP | None | G Stylus is better for landscapes. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.45) | Razr has a sharper front camera. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps with HDR & EIS | Razr is far better for video. |
| Extra Features | Macro, ToF sensor | OIS, Night Vision, RAW support | Razr has better stabilization and low-light performance. |
Verdict: The Razr 40 Ultra takes better photos and videos overall, but the G Stylus has more versatility with its ultrawide and macro lenses.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Razr 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 3800mAh | G Stylus may last slightly longer. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 30W (fast) + 8W wireless | Razr charges 3x faster and supports wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | Razr can charge other devices. |
Verdict: The Razr charges much faster, but the G Stylus has a slight edge in battery life.
2. Key Insights
Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✔ Budget-friendly (likely much cheaper than the Razr)
✔ Built-in stylus (great for note-taking and sketching)
✔ Better battery endurance (4000mAh vs. 3800mAh)
✔ More versatile camera setup (ultrawide + macro)
Razr 40 Ultra Strengths
✔ Far superior performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 vs. 480)
✔ Best-in-class display (165Hz AMOLED, 1400 nits)
✔ Premium foldable design (compact when closed)
✔ Better cameras for video & low light (4K HDR, OIS)
Trade-Offs
- The G Stylus is thicker and heavier but has a stylus.
- The Razr has a smaller battery but charges much faster.
- The G Stylus is better for budget-conscious users, while the Razr is for those who want cutting-edge tech.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Students & note-takers (stylus is useful for annotations)
- Budget-focused users (better value if performance isn’t a priority)
- Casual photographers (ultrawide & macro lenses add flexibility)
Who Should Buy the Razr 40 Ultra?
- Tech enthusiasts (foldable design, flagship performance)
- Mobile gamers (165Hz display, Adreno 730 GPU)
- Content creators (4K HDR video, better selfie camera)
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → G Stylus 5G
- Do I want the best performance and display? → Razr 40 Ultra
- Is budget a major factor? → G Stylus 5G
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I take notes and want a big screen." → G Stylus 5G
- "I want a futuristic phone with top-tier specs." → Razr 40 Ultra
- "I need long battery life and a cheap phone." → G Stylus 5G
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Razr 40 Ultra.
Why?
- The 165Hz AMOLED display is a game-changer for smoothness.
- The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 ensures it stays fast for years.
- The foldable design makes it ultra-portable.
- 4K video & OIS mean better content creation.
The G Stylus 5G is great for its price, but the Razr 40 Ultra is a premium experience worth the extra cost if you can afford it.
If you’re on a budget and need a stylus, the G Stylus 5G is still a solid pick. But if you want the best Motorola has to offer, the Razr 40 Ultra is the clear winner.
