Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ – In-Depth Comparison
These two devices serve very different purposes—one is a budget-friendly smartphone with stylus support, while the other is a mid-range tablet with productivity in mind. Let’s break down how they compare and who each device is best suited for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Portability
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 285.4 × 185.4 × 6.5 mm | The Tab S9 FE+ is much larger, making it better for media consumption but less pocketable. The Moto G is a standard phone size. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 627g | The Moto G is significantly lighter, making it far more comfortable for one-handed use. The Tab S9 FE+ is tablet-heavy. |
| Build | Plastic body | Metal frame + glass back | The Tab S9 FE+ feels more premium, but the Moto G is more durable for daily drops. |
Verdict:
- Moto G Stylus 5G wins for portability.
- Tab S9 FE+ wins for build quality and screen real estate.
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 12.4" IPS LCD | The Tab S9 FE+ is far better for media, reading, and multitasking, while the Moto G is phone-sized. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (FHD+) | 1600x2560 (WQXGA) | The Tab S9 FE+ has higher resolution, but the Moto G has higher PPI (387 vs. 243), meaning text looks sharper on the phone. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Tab S9 FE+ has smoother scrolling and animations, but neither is a high-refresh-rate powerhouse. |
Verdict:
- Tab S9 FE+ wins for media consumption.
- Moto G Stylus 5G wins for pixel density (sharper text).
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | The Exynos 1380 is significantly faster—better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 507,000 | The Tab S9 FE+ is nearly 3x faster in benchmarks—much better for demanding apps. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB/12GB | The Tab S9 FE+ is far better for multitasking—4GB on the Moto G is limiting in 2024. |
Verdict:
- Tab S9 FE+ is the clear winner for performance.
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 12MP (f/2.0) | The Moto G has higher resolution and a wider aperture, meaning better low-light shots. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The Moto G again wins with better ultrawide quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 8MP | The Moto G is far better for selfies and video calls. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps | The Tab S9 FE+ supports 4K video, but the Moto G has better stabilization. |
Verdict:
- Moto G Stylus 5G is the better camera phone.
- Tab S9 FE+ is fine for occasional tablet photography but not a strong point.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 10090mAh | The Tab S9 FE+ has over 2.5x the battery life—great for all-day use. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 45W (fast) | The Tab S9 FE+ charges much faster, despite its larger battery. |
| Bypass Charging | No | Yes | The Tab S9 FE+ can power the device directly while gaming, reducing battery wear. |
Verdict:
- Tab S9 FE+ wins for battery life and charging.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths:
✔ Better cameras (48MP main, 20MP selfie)
✔ More portable (phone-sized, lighter)
✔ Higher PPI display (sharper text)
✔ Includes a stylus (for note-taking)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Strengths:
✔ Much larger, higher-res display (better for media & productivity)
✔ Faster performance (Exynos 1380 vs. Snapdragon 480)
✔ Bigger battery & faster charging (10090mAh, 45W)
✔ Better for multitasking (8GB/12GB RAM options)
Trade-Offs:
- The Moto G Stylus 5G is a budget phone with weaker performance and slower charging.
- The Tab S9 FE+ is not pocketable and has worse cameras—it’s a tablet first.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Budget-conscious users who want a stylus phone for notes.
- People who prioritize cameras over raw performance.
- Those who need a pocketable device (not a tablet).
Who Should Buy the Tab S9 FE+?
- Students & professionals who need a large-screen tablet for productivity.
- Media consumers who want a big, high-res display for videos.
- Gamers & power users who need better performance and battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself These 3 Questions:
Do I need a phone or a tablet?
- If you want portability, go for the Moto G Stylus 5G.
- If you want a big screen, go for the Tab S9 FE+.
Do I care more about cameras or performance?
- Cameras? → Moto G Stylus 5G.
- Performance? → Tab S9 FE+.
Will I use a stylus often?
- The Moto G includes one, while the Tab S9 FE+ requires a separate S Pen purchase.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.
Why?
- Performance is king—the Exynos 1380 is far better than the Snapdragon 480.
- Battery life is exceptional—10090mAh means all-day use.
- The 12.4" display is fantastic for media, work, and gaming.
The Moto G Stylus 5G is a decent budget phone, but its weak chipset and 4GB RAM make it feel outdated. If you need a phone, it’s fine, but the Tab S9 FE+ is the better long-term investment for productivity and entertainment.
Final Recommendation:
- For a phone: Moto G Stylus 5G (if stylus is a must).
- For a tablet: Tab S9 FE+ (better in almost every way).
