Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Oppo Reno12: A Practical Comparison
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) and Oppo Reno12 (2024) cater to different audiences—one offers a stylus for productivity, while the other delivers a premium mid-range experience with superior performance and display tech. Let’s break down the key differences and determine which phone fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Oppo Reno12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 161.4 × 74.1 × 7.6 mm | The Reno12 is slimmer and lighter (177g vs. 217.5g), making it more pocket-friendly. The Moto G Stylus is bulkier but includes a built-in stylus. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Reno12 has better drop resistance, while the Moto G’s durability is unclear. |
| Stylus Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | The Moto G is better for note-taking and sketching, while the Reno12 lacks this feature. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Oppo Reno12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.7" AMOLED | The Reno12’s AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors—ideal for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Reno12’s 120Hz display makes scrolling and gaming smoother compared to the Moto G’s 60Hz. |
| Peak Brightness | Unknown | 1400 nits | The Reno12 is far better in sunlight, while the Moto G may struggle outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Oppo Reno12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Dimensity 7300 Energy (4nm) | The Reno12 is 3x faster (Antutu: 702K vs. 171K), making it better for gaming and multitasking. |
| RAM & Storage | 4GB + 128GB | 12/16GB + 256/512GB | The Reno12 has more RAM and storage, ideal for power users. |
| Software | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 14 (up to 17) | The Reno12 has longer software support and newer features. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Oppo Reno12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8, Sony LYT-600) | The Reno12 has better low-light performance and 4K video recording with OIS, while the Moto G lacks stabilization. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The Moto G has a higher-res ultrawide, but the Reno12’s sensor is likely better tuned. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP | 32MP | The Reno12’s 32MP front camera is better for selfies and video calls. |
| Video Capabilities | 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | The Reno12 records higher-quality video with stabilization. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Oppo Reno12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Reno12 lasts longer and supports 80W fast charging (vs. 10W on the Moto G). |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 80W (ultra-fast) | The Reno12 charges in ~30 mins, while the Moto G takes 2+ hours. |
Connectivity & Extras
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Oppo Reno12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The Reno12 has faster, more stable Wi-Fi in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | The Reno12 supports better audio codecs (LDAC, aptX) for wireless headphones. |
| Expandable Storage | ❌ No | ❌ No | Neither phone supports microSD, but the Reno12 has more built-in storage. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Built-in stylus – Great for note-taking and drawing.
✅ Higher-res ultrawide camera (16MP vs. 8MP).
✅ Cheaper (likely due to being older).
Oppo Reno12 Strengths
✅ Much faster performance (3x higher benchmark scores).
✅ Superior AMOLED display (120Hz, 1400 nits brightness).
✅ Better cameras (50MP main, 4K video, OIS).
✅ Faster charging (80W vs. 10W).
✅ Newer software (Android 14 vs. 11).
Trade-Offs
- The Moto G Stylus is bulkier but has a stylus.
- The Reno12 lacks a stylus but is far more powerful.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Budget users who need a stylus for notes/sketches.
- Casual users who don’t need high-end performance.
- Those who prefer a larger screen (6.8" vs. 6.7").
Who Should Buy the Oppo Reno12?
- Power users who want fast performance and smooth UI.
- Photography/video enthusiasts (better cameras, 4K recording).
- Media consumers (AMOLED, 120Hz, brighter display).
- People who hate slow charging (80W is a game-changer).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I want better performance, cameras, and charging? → Oppo Reno12
- Am I on a tight budget? → Moto G Stylus 5G (likely cheaper)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student/Artist? → Moto G Stylus (for note-taking).
- Gamer/Photographer? → Oppo Reno12 (better chipset & cameras).
- Long-term user? → Oppo Reno12 (newer software support).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Oppo Reno12.
Why?
- Performance is 3x faster—better for gaming and future-proofing.
- AMOLED + 120Hz makes everything smoother and more vibrant.
- 80W charging is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
- Better cameras with 4K video and OIS.
The Moto G Stylus 5G is only worth it if you really need the stylus—otherwise, the Reno12 is the clear winner in almost every category.
Would you prioritize the stylus or the better overall experience? Let me know your thoughts! 🚀
