Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: A Practical Showdown
These two phones cater to radically different audiences, and the specs reveal why. Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard slate | Foldable (book-style) | Fold4 offers tablet-like screen when open; Moto is simpler, more durable. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 263g | Moto is lighter and easier for one-handed use. Fold4 is heavier but balances weight well. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Fold4 is more scratch/drop-resistant. Moto’s durability is a question mark. |
Verdict: Fold4 wins on innovation, but the Moto is lighter and potentially more pocketable.
Display
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 7.6" Dynamic AMOLED (unfolded) | Fold4’s larger screen is great for multitasking; Moto’s LCD is less vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Fold4 feels smoother in scrolling and gaming. Moto’s 60Hz is basic but fine for casual use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1812x2176 (373 PPI) | Fold4’s higher pixel count benefits media consumption. Moto’s PPI is slightly sharper, but AMOLED wins overall. |
Verdict: Fold4 dominates with a smoother, more immersive display.
Performance
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Fold4 is 7x faster—handles gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps effortlessly. Moto is budget-tier. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB | Fold4 can keep more apps open; Moto may struggle with heavy multitasking. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 256GB/512GB/1TB (non-expandable) | Fold4 offers far more storage, better for power users. |
Verdict: Fold4 is a powerhouse; Moto is strictly for light usage.
Camera
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8, OIS, 1/1.57" sensor) | Fold4’s larger sensor and OIS mean better low-light shots. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Moto has higher resolution, but Fold4’s processing is superior. |
| Telephoto | None | 10MP (3x zoom) | Fold4 wins for zoom shots. Moto lacks this entirely. |
| Selfie | 20MP (f/2.0) | 10MP (under-display + cover cam) | Moto has a sharper front cam, but Fold4’s under-display is more futuristic. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps (no OIS) | 8K@24fps (OIS + HDR) | Fold4 is far superior for videography. Moto’s video is basic. |
Verdict: Fold4 is the clear winner—better flexibility, stabilization, and detail.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4400mAh | Fold4’s slightly larger battery + efficient chip should last longer. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 25W (faster) + wireless charging | Fold4 charges 2.5x faster and supports Qi charging. Moto’s 10W is outdated. |
Verdict: Fold4 wins again—faster charging, wireless support, better endurance.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Built-in stylus – Great for note-taking and sketching.
✅ Lighter & cheaper – More comfortable for extended use and easier on the wallet.
✅ Higher MP selfie cam – Better for social media selfies.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Strengths
✅ Foldable screen – Tablet-like experience when unfolded.
✅ Top-tier performance – Handles gaming, multitasking, and future apps with ease.
✅ Superior cameras – Better in every way except selfie resolution.
✅ Faster charging & wireless support – More convenient for power users.
Limitations
- Moto G Stylus 5G has a weak chipset, slow charging, and an outdated 60Hz screen.
- Fold4 is heavy, expensive, and fragile—not ideal for rough handling.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Budget users who want a stylus for notes/doodles.
- Casual users who don’t need high-end performance.
- Students or professionals who prioritize writing over specs.
Who Should Buy the Galaxy Z Fold4?
- Power users who want the best multitasking and foldable experience.
- Creators who need a pocketable tablet for media and productivity.
- Early adopters willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge tech.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- "Do I need a foldable screen, or is a stylus more important?"
- Fold4 for multitasking; Moto for writing.
- "Will I run demanding apps or just browse social media?"
- Fold4 for gaming/editing; Moto for casual use.
- "Is budget a major factor?"
- Moto is much cheaper.
Scenario-Based Picks:
- Best productivity machine? → Fold4 (multitasking + S Pen support).
- Best budget phone with a pen? → Moto G Stylus 5G.
- Best camera & performance? → Fold4, no contest.
Final Verdict: What Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
Why?
- The foldable screen is a game-changer for productivity and media.
- The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 makes the Moto’s chip look ancient.
- Better cameras, faster charging, and wireless support make it a true flagship.
The Moto G Stylus 5G is only worth it if:
- You must have a stylus on a budget.
- You don’t care about performance or cutting-edge features.
Bottom Line:
- Fold4 = Future-proof powerhouse.
- Moto G Stylus 5G = Budget pen phone with compromises.
If you can afford it, the Fold4 is the clear winner. If not, the Moto is a decent stylus phone—but don’t expect flagship performance.
