Motorola Moto G30 vs Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 17, 2021 June 14, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 113.8 cm³ 123.48 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.25 "/g 3.13 "/g
Weight 200 g 217.5 g
Height 165.2 mm 169.5 mm
Width 75.7 mm 77.5 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 9.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Phantom Black (Dark Pearl)
  • Pastel Sky
  • Cosmic Emerald

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.8 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 85 %
Pixel Density 269 PPI 387 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 108.13 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.94 mAh/cm³ 40.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 12 12

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G30Motorola Moto G Stylus 5GPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm169.5 x 77.5 x 9.4 mmThe G Stylus 5G is slightly larger in every dimension, which may impact one-handed use.
Weight200g217.5gThe G30 is noticeably lighter, which could make it more comfortable for extended use, especially for those with smaller hands.
Display
Size6.5"6.8"The G Stylus 5G provides a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption.
Resolution720x16001080x2400The G Stylus 5G has a much sharper display; text and images will appear significantly clearer.
PPI269387The G Stylus 5G will provide a visibly higher level of detail and sharpness
TechnologyIPS LCDIPS LCDBoth have similar LCD quality, no significant difference in color reproduction.
Refresh Rate90Hz60HzThe G30 offers smoother animations and scrolling, making the user experience feel more responsive.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth phones have unknown peak brightness levels, making outdoor visibility difficult to predict.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)While both are mid-range, the G Stylus 5G's Snapdragon 480 offers 5G connectivity and potentially better power efficiency due to its smaller manufacturing process.
AnTuTu Score170,968171,000Very similar overall performance, so both will handle basic tasks well.
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 619The Adreno 619 in the G Stylus 5G may offer slightly better graphics performance for gaming.
Camera
Rear Main64MP, f/1.7, 0.70µm48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µmThe G30 has a higher megapixel count but slightly smaller pixel size, which could mean slightly more detail but potentially less light sensitivity compared to the G Stylus 5G.
Selfie13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm20MP, f/2.0, unknown µmThe G Stylus 5G has a higher resolution and wider aperture selfie camera for better low-light performance.
Wide Angle8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm16MP, f/2.2, unknown µmThe G Stylus 5G's wide-angle lens captures higher resolution images.
ToF 3D SensorNoYesThe G Stylus 5G has a Time-of-Flight sensor, which aids in depth sensing for portraits and AR applications.
Portrait Mode (depth)2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µmNoThe G30 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm2MP, f/2.2, 1.75µmBoth offer macro photography, the G Stylus 5G's wider aperture means slightly better low light on macro shots.
Video1080p@30/60fps, Slow-mo 60fps1080p@30/60fps, Slow-mo 120fpsThe G Stylus 5G can record slow-motion video at a higher frame rate, capturing more details.
FeaturesRAW, PDAF, LAF, etc.Digital image stabilization, PDAF, LAF, etc.The G30 can capture RAW images, while the G Stylus 5G has digital image stabilization.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh4000mAhThe G30 has a significantly larger battery, likely providing longer battery life.
Charging15W10WThe G30 charges faster, reducing downtime.
Software
OSAndroid 11Android 11Both offer Android 11, and will receive the same software upgrades up to Android 12.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-bandBoth support the latest Wi-Fi standards for speedy connections. The G Stylus 5G also has Wi-Fi display.
Bluetooth5.0, LE5.0, LE, EDRThe G Stylus 5G supports Enhanced Data Rate, potentially offering faster data transfer via Bluetooth.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoBoth provide standard location tracking features.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIMBoth can support two SIM cards simultaneously.
Storage
Internal64 GB or 128GB128 GBThe G Stylus 5G has a single 128GB option while the G30 has both 64 GB or 128 GB options.
RAM4GB or 6GB4 GBThe G30 has a 6GB RAM option, allowing for better multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone offers expandable storage, which can limit media storage capacity.
Audio
QualityBasic audio featuresBasic audio featuresBoth phones offer identical audio capabilities and do not have any advanced audio features.
Security
FeaturesRear-mounted fingerprint sensorRear-mounted fingerprint sensorBoth phones have a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionUnknownUnknownBoth phones have unknown screen protection, so care is recommended.
Sensors
Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, GyroscopeFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, GyroscopeBoth phones come equipped with standard smartphone sensors.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life, ideal for users who need their phone to last all day.
  • Faster Charging: The 15W charging speed will charge the phone faster compared to the G Stylus 5G.
  • Higher Refresh Rate: The 90Hz display provides a smoother visual experience when scrolling or playing games.
  • RAM option: A 6GB RAM option for better multitasking.
  • RAW image capture: The ability to capture RAW images is useful for photography enthusiasts who wish to edit their photos in more detail.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Advantages:

  • Higher Resolution Display: The 1080x2400 resolution screen is significantly sharper, offering a better viewing experience for text, images, and video.
  • 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 480 processor enables 5G network support, providing faster download and upload speeds.
  • Better Selfie Camera: The 20MP selfie camera with a wider f/2.0 aperture provides better low-light performance.
  • Higher Resolution Wide-Angle Lens: The 16MP wide-angle lens captures higher-quality images when using the wide-angle lens.
  • ToF 3D Sensor: This enables better depth sensing for portrait mode effects.
  • Better Slow-motion Video: The 120fps slow-motion video recording captures more detail in slow-motion video compared to the G30's 60 fps
  • Digital Image Stabilization: Offers slightly smoother video recording capabilities.
  • Wi-Fi Display: Added support for projecting phone screen on compatible devices.
  • Bluetooth EDR: Faster data transfer for compatible Bluetooth devices.

Trade-offs:

  • The G30 sacrifices 5G connectivity, display sharpness and camera quality for battery life, faster charging and smoother animations.
  • The G Stylus 5G sacrifices battery life, a smoother display and RAW image capture for 5G, better camera quality, and the added stylus functionality.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:

  • Users prioritizing battery life: Individuals who need a phone that can easily last a full day without needing to be charged.
  • Budget-conscious consumers: The G30 often comes at a lower price point, making it ideal for price-sensitive buyers.
  • Users who prefer smoother animations: The 90Hz display refresh rate will be appreciated by those who want a more responsive user experience.
  • Casual photographers: For everyday photos, the 64MP main camera will be sufficient.
  • Those that use two SIM cards simultaneously

Use Cases:

  • Long days away from power outlets.
  • Casual gaming that benefits from a smoother display.
  • Social media usage and browsing.
  • Basic photography and video recording.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Ideal User:

  • Users needing 5G: Individuals in areas with 5G coverage who want the benefits of faster mobile data speeds.
  • Users wanting better camera quality: Those who frequently use their phone's camera, especially for selfies and wide-angle shots.
  • Users who consume a lot of video content: The sharper, higher-resolution display provides a better viewing experience.
  • Users that utilize the stylus: If one would like a phone with stylus support, the G Stylus 5G is a more budget friendly option.
  • Users who watch or record a lot of videos.

Use Cases:

  • Streaming media on the go with fast 5G data speeds.
  • Taking photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
  • Watching videos and movies on a detailed screen.
  • Video recording and sharing videos online.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Is 5G connectivity important to you?
    • If yes, the Moto G Stylus 5G is the clear choice.
    • If no, consider if other features of the G Stylus 5G outweigh its smaller battery.
  2. Do you prioritize battery life and charging speed over display sharpness and camera quality?
    • If yes, the Moto G30 is the better option due to its larger battery, faster charging, and smoother screen.
    • If no, the G Stylus 5G has a clearer screen and better camera performance.
  3. Do you do a lot of photography and watch a lot of videos?
    • If yes, the G Stylus 5G is better due to it's sharper screen and superior camera performance
    • If no, the G30 could be a more suitable option due to its lower price and sufficient camera and screen for basic use cases.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Long Travel/Commute: If you need a phone for long commutes and frequent travel and need the battery to last all day, the Moto G30 would be better due to its larger battery, faster charging, and smoother screen experience.
  • Scenario 2: Content Consumption: If you mostly use your phone for consuming content and you have 5G coverage, the G Stylus 5G would be a better choice because of its sharper screen and better camera quality.
  • Scenario 3: Casual Use: If you simply need a functional phone for basic tasks and social media with a larger battery the Moto G30 will serve you better for a lower price.

My Choice

I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G. While the G30 offers a larger battery and faster charging, the improved display, 5G connectivity, and better camera performance of the G Stylus 5G make it a more compelling option for my use case. I consume a lot of media on my phone, and value a sharp, high-quality display. I also live in an area with good 5G coverage and would like to take advantage of the faster speeds. The camera improvements are also a plus, especially for taking photos in different lighting conditions. Although it's slightly heavier and the battery is smaller, I feel the overall benefits of the G Stylus 5G outweigh these drawbacks. The added functionality of the stylus is a bonus that may come in handy.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.