Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. TCL 50 SE: A Practical Comparison
Both phones target budget-conscious users but with different strengths—Motorola leans into stylus functionality and camera versatility, while the TCL 50 SE offers a more modern chipset, better battery life, and a smoother display. Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | TCL 50 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm | TCL is slimmer and lighter (195g vs. 217.5g), making it more pocket-friendly. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted is more convenient for one-handed unlocking. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | TCL 50 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.78" IPS LCD | Nearly identical screen size, but TCL has a 90Hz refresh rate (vs. 60Hz), making scrolling smoother. |
| Brightness | Not specified | 900 nits | TCL is far better outdoors—Motorola may struggle in sunlight. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1080x2460 (396 PPI) | Negligible difference in sharpness. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | TCL 50 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Helio G88 (12nm) | TCL is 46% faster (AnTuTu 250K vs. 171K), better for gaming and multitasking. |
| RAM Options | 4GB | 4GB or 6GB | 6GB variant on TCL helps with keeping more apps open. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB or 256GB | TCL offers more storage flexibility. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | TCL 50 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5010mAh | TCL lasts 25% longer in daily use. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 33W (fast) | TCL charges 3x faster—big advantage for heavy users. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | TCL 50 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Motorola has a slightly wider aperture (better in low light). |
| Ultrawide Lens | 16MP (f/2.2) | ❌ None | Motorola wins for landscape/group shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Motorola’s selfies are much sharper. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps, 120fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps | Motorola offers smoother video and slow-mo. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | TCL 50 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| OS Version | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 14 | TCL is 3 years newer in software support. |
| Stylus Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Motorola is better for note-taking/drawing. |
| Audio | Basic mono speaker | Stereo speakers | TCL has better sound for media. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✔ Stylus functionality – Great for note-taking, doodling, or precise editing.
✔ Better camera versatility – Ultrawide lens + higher-res selfie cam.
✔ Smoother video recording – 60fps and slow-motion support.
TCL 50 SE Strengths
✔ Faster performance – 46% higher benchmark score, better for gaming.
✔ Longer battery life – 5010mAh + 33W fast charging.
✔ 90Hz display – Smoother scrolling and animations.
✔ Newer software – Ships with Android 14 vs. Motorola’s outdated Android 11.
Trade-Offs
- Motorola’s battery is weak (4000mAh + slow charging).
- TCL lacks an ultrawide camera and has a weaker selfie cam.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Students/creatives who need a stylus for notes or sketches.
- Photography enthusiasts who want an ultrawide lens and better selfies.
- Light users who don’t mind slower performance and charging.
Who Should Buy the TCL 50 SE?
- Gamers & multitaskers who need a faster chipset and 6GB RAM.
- Battery-conscious users who want all-day endurance + fast charging.
- Media consumers who prefer a 90Hz screen and stereo speakers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Motorola
- Do I prioritize battery life and performance? → TCL
- Do I take a lot of wide-angle photos? → Motorola
Scenario-Based Picks:
- Best for productivity & creativity: Motorola (stylus + better cameras).
- Best for gaming & battery life: TCL (faster chipset + 5010mAh).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the TCL 50 SE.
Why?
- Performance matters more—Helio G88 is a big upgrade over the Snapdragon 480.
- Battery life is king—5010mAh + 33W charging is a game-changer.
- 90Hz display makes everyday scrolling smoother.
- Newer software (Android 14) ensures better long-term support.
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is still a solid pick if you really need the stylus or ultrawide camera, but for most users, the TCL 50 SE is the better-balanced device.
