Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | ZTE is slimmer and more compact, easier for one-handed use. Moto is bulkier but may feel sturdier. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 204g | ZTE is noticeably lighter—better for long-term comfort. |
| Stylus Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Moto is better for note-taking, sketching, or precise UI navigation. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Panel Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED | ZTE offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. Moto’s LCD is less power-efficient in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | ZTE feels smoother for scrolling and gaming; Moto looks standard. |
| Brightness | Not specified | 1500 nits | ZTE is far superior outdoors—much easier to read in sunlight. |
| Resolution | 1080×2400 (387 PPI) | 1116×2480 (400 PPI) | Both sharp, but ZTE has a slight edge in detail. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | ZTE is dramatically faster—better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | ZTE crushes Moto in multitasking—apps stay open longer, no lag. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB–1TB (non-expandable) | ZTE offers way more storage options, useful for power users. |
| Benchmark (AnTuTu) | 171,000 | 1,061,300 | ZTE is over 6x faster—night-and-day difference in speed. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 64MP (f/1.6) | ZTE has sharper, brighter shots with better low-light performance. |
| Ultra-Wide | 16MP | ❌ None | Moto has an ultra-wide lens; ZTE lacks it (but has a telephoto). |
| Telephoto | ❌ None | 64MP (f/3.5) | ZTE offers optical zoom, better for portraits and distant shots. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | ZTE is a beast for video—pro-level recording capabilities. |
| Selfie | 20MP | 16MP (under-display) | Moto has a higher-res selfie cam, but ZTE’s is hidden under the screen. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | ZTE lasts longer—25% bigger battery with more efficient chip. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 65W (very fast) | ZTE charges in a fraction of the time—huge advantage. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Stylus Support – Great for artists, note-takers, or anyone who prefers precision input.
✅ Ultra-Wide Camera – Better for landscapes and group shots than ZTE.
✅ Higher-Resolution Selfie Cam (20MP vs. 16MP).
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths
🚀 Blazing Fast Performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 + up to 18GB RAM) – Handles everything effortlessly.
📷 Superior Camera System – Better main sensor, telephoto zoom, and 8K video.
🔋 Much Better Battery Life & 65W Charging – No more waiting hours for a full charge.
🖥 AMOLED + 120Hz – Smoother, more vibrant display.
Trade-Offs & Limitations
- Moto G Stylus 5G’s chipset is weak—fine for basics but struggles with heavy apps/games.
- ZTE lacks an ultra-wide camera—a downside for some users.
- No stylus on ZTE—if you need a pen, Moto is the only choice.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Budget-conscious users who want a stylus.
- Casual users who don’t need high-end performance.
- Those who prioritize ultra-wide shots over telephoto.
Who Should Buy the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra?
- Power users & gamers (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 destroys mid-range chips).
- Photography/video enthusiasts (8K, telephoto, better low-light shots).
- Those who hate slow charging (65W is a game-changer).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Yes = Moto | No = ZTE
- Do I care more about performance or battery life? → ZTE wins both.
- Am I okay with a mid-range phone, or do I want flagship power? → Moto = Mid | ZTE = Flagship
Scenario Recommendations:
- Student taking notes? → Moto G Stylus 5G (pen support).
- Gamer/photographer? → ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (speed + cameras).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
- It’s faster, has better cameras, a superior display, and much faster charging—all things I value in a phone.
- The lack of a stylus isn’t a dealbreaker for me (I don’t use one often).
- If I needed a stylus, I’d reluctantly go with the Moto, but I’d be frustrated by its slow performance.
ZTE is the clear winner—unless you absolutely need that pen. 🚀
