Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm | The Moto G30 is slightly taller and wider, while the Stylus is a touch thicker, with both phones feeling similar in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 202g | Both phones are nearly identical in weight; feels the same in the pocket |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size; both phones are comfortable for media consumption |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Stylus 5G (2023) offers a noticeably sharper and clearer display; better for reading, videos and viewing photos |
| PPI | 269 | 399 | The Stylus 5G (2023) provides a much crisper image due to higher pixel density; text and images are much less pixelated compared to Moto G30 |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar viewing angles and color reproduction. No significant difference in daily use. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Stylus 5G (2023) provides smoother scrolling and animations, which can enhance the user experience, especially for gaming and fast-paced UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar brightness capabilities, which are not specified |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Stylus 5G (2023) chipset is significantly more powerful and energy-efficient; expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 565,000 | The Stylus 5G (2023) has dramatically higher performance, indicating a much smoother and more responsive experience in most usage scenarios. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 710 | The Stylus 5G (2023) provides much better graphics performance, which is better for demanding games and graphic-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life. Expect a day of moderate use on both phones. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 20W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | The Stylus 5G (2023) charges slightly faster and Li-Polymer batteries tend to be more stable. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have the same non-removable battery design. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7, 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55", 1.00µm | The Moto G30 offers a slightly higher megapixel count, but the Stylus 5G (2023) has a larger sensor and pixel size which should result in better image quality overall and better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.5 | The Stylus 5G (2023) has a higher megapixel selfie camera; the G30's wider aperture might result in slightly better low light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | The G30 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens, offering more versatility in shooting |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | The G30 offers a dedicated depth lens, which can improve the accuracy of bokeh (background blur) effects in portrait photos |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | The G30 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | The Stylus 5G (2023) has a combined wide-angle and macro lens, making it easier to capture both wide and close-up perspectives |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | The Stylus 5G (2023) records higher resolution videos. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | The Stylus 5G (2023) has video stabilization which will be useful for those who are moving while recording videos |
| Slow-Motion | 60 fps | 240 fps | The Stylus 5G (2023) records slow motion at a much higher frame rate, making the result smoother and more detailed |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max ver. 12 | Android 13 | The Stylus 5G (2023) ships with a newer OS and potentially has better long-term software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The Stylus 5G (2023) has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | The Stylus 5G (2023) has a newer version of Bluetooth with better codec support for improved audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, SUPL, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Both have GPS, the Stylus has more precise GPS positioning; the G30 has GLONASS |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | The Moto G30 supports two SIM cards, which can be useful for separating work and personal numbers, or if you travel frequently and use local SIM cards |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | The Stylus 5G (2023) offers more storage space, which is better for users with extensive photo, video or app libraries. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | The Stylus 5G (2023) has options with higher RAM, leading to smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone provides expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | The Stylus 5G (2023) offers significantly better audio quality; better for music, gaming, and video consumption. The additional microphones will lead to better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Stylus 5G (2023) is more convenient |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Hall; Geomagnetic | The Stylus 5G (2023) has additional sensors that could be useful for specific apps and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: The Moto G30 features separate wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors, providing more specialized options for different photographic needs.
- Dual SIM Support: The G30 supports dual SIM cards, convenient for managing multiple phone numbers or while travelling.
- Lower Cost: The Moto G30 is older and is likely to be available at a lower price point, making it a budget-friendly option.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset provides dramatically faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities compared to the Snapdragon 662 in the G30.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and refresh rate result in a much clearer and smoother visual experience.
- Enhanced Camera Quality: Although the Stylus 5G (2023) has a slightly lower megapixel main camera, its larger sensor size and pixel size will yield better image quality in most scenarios, especially low-light.
- Better Video Recording: Ability to record in 4K and slow-motion recording at 240 fps make it more suitable for video creation.
- Improved Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos enhance the multimedia experience.
- Newer Software: Android 13 offers more features, better security and potentially longer-term support.
- Faster Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards mean faster and more reliable connections.
- More Storage Options: Up to 256 GB of internal storage and up to 8GB of RAM provide more space for files and better multitasking.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G30 provides more specialized camera options, although its image quality may be inferior. Its lower price may also be more appealing for budget-conscious users, but its performance will be limited.
- The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) offers a significant performance and quality jump, however it drops the wide-angle, macro and depth cameras for a combined wide angle + macro, alongside dual SIM support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for an affordable smartphone with basic features for everyday use.
- Users needing dual SIM support: People who require separate numbers for work and personal life or while travelling.
- Users wanting specific camera lenses: Individuals who like to take different types of shots (wide-angle, macro).
Use Cases:
- Basic smartphone tasks (calls, texts, social media)
- Everyday photography with multiple lenses.
- A secondary or backup phone
- Users who don't need intensive performance
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) - Ideal User:
- Power users: Users who require smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and enhanced gaming performance.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Users who consume lots of videos, enjoy gaming, and listen to music.
- Users who prioritize display quality and smooth animations: Individuals who want a sharper and more responsive visual experience.
- Users who need enhanced camera capabilities: Those who want high-quality video recording and photos.
- Users who value the latest features: People who prefer newer software, faster connectivity, and better audio.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, including graphically intensive titles.
- Streaming and consuming media content (videos, music).
- Productivity tasks requiring smooth multitasking.
- Video creation and photography.
- Everyday phone usage with a more premium feel.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? If on a very tight budget, the Moto G30 is cheaper, but it comes with compromises.
- How important is performance? If you need a fast, smooth phone for gaming, multitasking or demanding apps, the Stylus 5G (2023) is the clear winner.
- Which features do I prioritize most? Do you prefer a variety of dedicated camera lenses, dual SIM capabilities, or better display, enhanced performance, and better video recording?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If you are on a strict budget, and need a functional phone, the Motorola Moto G30 is suitable but note its limited performance.
- Everyday User: If you need a decent smartphone that is smooth and responsive for everyday tasks, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the more suitable option for its enhanced performance.
- Multimedia User: If you consume a lot of multimedia (videos, games, music) and prioritize high quality audio and display, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the best pick.
- Power User/Gamer: If you need a phone that handles intensive tasks and graphic-rich games, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) with its superior chipset and GPU is the better option.
Personal Recommendation
I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023).
Here's why:
While the Motorola Moto G30 has some advantages with its specialized camera lenses and dual-SIM capability, the sheer performance leap offered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset in the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is significant. The smoother performance, superior display, improved cameras, better video recording, enhanced audio, and faster connectivity combine to provide a much better overall user experience. The G30 feels like a phone that is starting to show its age, while the Stylus 5G (2023) feels like a more modern device.
I believe the advantages of the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) far outweigh the benefits of the G30. For someone looking for a phone that is smooth, responsive, great for multimedia and can take good photos and videos, the Stylus 5G (2023) is the better option, even with the compromises in camera lens options and the loss of dual-SIM.
