Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Nokia G42: A Practical Comparison
Both phones cater to budget-conscious users, but they take different approaches—Motorola leans into productivity with its stylus and larger display, while Nokia focuses on performance and battery life. Let’s break down the key differences and who each phone suits best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 165 × 75.8 × 8.6 mm | Nokia is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 193.8g | Nokia is noticeably lighter—better for one-handed use. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia has better scratch resistance. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Nokia’s placement is more convenient. |
Takeaway: Nokia wins in ergonomics and durability, while Motorola is bulkier but includes a stylus.
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.56" | Motorola offers more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (FHD+) | 720x1612 (HD+) | Motorola’s display is much sharper (387 PPI vs. 269 PPI). |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Nokia feels smoother in scrolling and animations. |
| Panel Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both have decent color accuracy but no OLED. |
Takeaway: Motorola has a better resolution, but Nokia’s 90Hz refresh rate makes motion smoother.
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Nokia’s "+" variant is slightly faster. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 380,000 | Nokia is 122% faster—better for multitasking and gaming. |
| RAM Options | 4GB | 4GB / 6GB | Nokia’s 6GB variant handles more apps at once. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB (non-expandable) | Same storage, but no microSD on either. |
Takeaway: Nokia is the clear winner in performance, especially for gaming and heavy apps.
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Similar quality, but Motorola’s wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 16MP (f/2.2) | None | Motorola has an extra ultrawide lens—great for landscapes. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Motorola’s selfies are much higher resolution. |
| Macro & Depth | 2MP macro | 2MP depth | Neither is great, but Nokia’s depth sensor helps with portraits. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Motorola supports smoother 60fps recording. |
Takeaway: Motorola has a more versatile camera setup, especially for selfies and ultrawide shots.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Nokia lasts longer—25% bigger battery. |
| Charging Speed | 10W | 20W | Nokia charges twice as fast. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer (Nokia) is slightly more efficient. |
Takeaway: Nokia wins in battery life and charging speed.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths:
✅ Stylus support – Great for note-taking and sketching.
✅ Sharper, larger display – Better for media consumption.
✅ Better selfie & ultrawide cameras – More versatile photography.
Nokia G42 Strengths:
✅ Faster performance – Better for gaming and multitasking.
✅ Longer battery life & faster charging – More endurance.
✅ 90Hz refresh rate – Smoother scrolling and animations.
Trade-Offs:
- Motorola’s battery is smaller (4000mAh vs. 5000mAh).
- Nokia’s display is lower resolution (720p vs. 1080p).
- Motorola’s performance is weaker (older chipset).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G?
✔ Students & note-takers – The stylus is useful for annotations.
✔ Media consumers – Bigger, sharper screen for videos.
✔ Selfie lovers – 20MP front camera is much better.
Who Should Buy the Nokia G42?
✔ Gamers & power users – Faster chipset and 6GB RAM option.
✔ Battery-conscious users – 5000mAh lasts longer.
✔ Those who prefer smoother UI – 90Hz refresh rate feels better.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Motorola
- Do I prioritize battery life and performance? → Nokia
- Do I take a lot of selfies or wide-angle shots? → Motorola
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For productivity & creativity → Motorola (stylus + better display).
- For gaming & long battery life → Nokia (faster chip + 5000mAh).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Nokia G42.
Why?
- Performance matters more than a stylus for my daily use.
- 90Hz + better battery life makes a bigger difference in real-world usage.
- Motorola’s display is sharper, but Nokia’s 90Hz smoothness compensates.
However, if I were a student or artist who needed the stylus, I’d go for the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G despite its weaker performance.
Bottom Line:
- Best for performance & battery → Nokia G42
- Best for stylus & display → Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
Which one fits your needs better? 🚀
