Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is slightly smaller, thinner and lighter which could make it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Weight | 200g | 190g | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) provides a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has a significantly sharper display with more detail, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 395 | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) screen will look much clearer and less pixelated than the G30 |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | The P-OLED of the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making the viewing experience better overall. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) will offer smoother scrolling and animation for a more fluid user interface. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) screen will be vastly more readable in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is substantially faster and more energy-efficient, handling demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking more easily. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 514,000 | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has much better performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 710 | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64 MP | 50 MP | The Moto G30 has a higher resolution main camera, however, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has a larger sensor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | Moto G30 has a wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 1.00 µm | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has larger pixels for better light capture and potentially better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Unknown | Sony LYT-700C, 1/1.56" | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) uses a larger and more modern sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13 MP | 32 MP | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) captures more detailed selfies with a much higher resolution sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | The Moto G30 has a slightly wider aperture for the selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 0.70 µm | The Moto G30 has larger pixel sizes in the front-facing camera. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP | None | The Moto G30 features a dedicated wide-angle lens for group shots. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP | None | The Moto G30 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro lens | 2MP | None | The Moto G30 has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 13 MP | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has a combined wide angle + macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) offers higher resolution video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) offers better video stability, ideal for capturing moving subjects and action scenes |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity. |
| Charging Speed | 15W | 30W | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) will charge significantly faster. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer is a slightly more modern battery chemistry. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 15W wireless charging | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has wireless charging and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) comes with a much newer Android version. |
| Max Version | 12 | 15 | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) will likely receive more software updates in the future. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to WiFi 6E | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has support for newer and faster Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has a slightly newer version with better codec support |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) uses a more advanced GPS system with better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) gives you the option to use an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128 GB | 256 GB | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has more storage space. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6 GB | 8 GB | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) will offer better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has superior audio output and recording, ideal for media consumption and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Basic | Both have basic fingerprint sensor, and no details regarding performance or speed are available. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has a compass sensor which can be used for navigation and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: The Moto G30 has dedicated lenses for wide-angle, depth and macro shots for flexibility in photography.
- Wider Aperture on main camera: The Moto G30 main camera has a wider f/1.7 aperture compared to the f/1.8 on the Moto G Stylus 5G, which could allow slightly more light into the sensor.
- Wider Aperture on Selfie Camera: The Moto G30 has a slightly wider f/2.2 aperture vs the f/2.45 on the Moto G Stylus 5G.
- Pixel size on Selfie Camera: The Moto G30 has larger pixel sizes on the front facing camera, allowing more light to be captured, especially in lower light situations.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Advantages:
- Superior Display: P-OLED, higher resolution, higher pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness lead to a vastly better viewing experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offers much faster processing speeds, leading to better overall performance and responsiveness.
- Modern Software: Comes with Android 14, offering the newest features and will receive more future updates.
- Better Camera Sensor: The main camera uses a larger sensor with larger individual pixel size which should provide better low light performance.
- 4K Video Recording: The ability to record 4k videos is a significant advantage for those that value video recording quality.
- Advanced Video Stabilization: Allows for more stable videos, especially when filming on the move.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging is much faster than the 15W on the G30.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging capabilities.
- Reverse Charging: Allows you to use the phone as a power bank to charge other devices.
- eSIM: Offers the ability to activate cellular plans digitally.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, and 2 microphones.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi standards, better Bluetooth codec support and a more accurate GPS system.
- More RAM and Storage: 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and 256 GB of storage provides ample space for apps, photos and videos.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G30 sacrifices performance, display quality, and charging speed for a more versatile set of camera lens choices. The Moto G Stylus 5G has a superior screen, much faster processor, and better software support at the cost of the dedicated depth sensor, macro lens and wide angle lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking an affordable phone with a basic but versatile camera set-up.
- Users Prioritizing Camera Variety: Individuals who want different dedicated lenses, even if the overall image quality might not be the best.
- Users who don't mind lower display resolution and brightness: The Moto G30 might appeal to users who are used to older smartphones with these specs or who don't need it for very bright outdoor usage.
- Specific Use Cases: Basic photography and social media sharing, general browsing and calling, good for simple everyday tasks.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch videos, play games, and want a great viewing experience.
- Performance Seekers: Those who need a phone that handles multitasking and demanding apps with ease.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize good photo and video quality and need it to capture better low-light images.
- Tech-Savvy Users: People who appreciate the latest features like a high refresh rate, wireless charging, e-sims and advanced connectivity.
- Specific Use Cases: Content creation, gaming, video streaming, heavy multitasking, travel, note-taking, and anything that would benefit from a superior screen.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If you value a vibrant, sharp display with excellent outdoor visibility, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the better choice. If you value having dedicated extra lenses on your camera and don't mind a lower resolution, and lower brightness, the Moto G30 is the better choice.
- How much do you value performance? If you need a phone that is fast and responsive for demanding applications, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is much better. If you only use your phone for basic applications the Moto G30 may be adequate.
- What is your budget? While not mentioned, it's important to consider the price-to-value ratio for both phones. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) has far superior specifications, and will likely come at a higher cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: A user who mainly browses the web, uses social media, and occasionally takes photos. The Moto G30 might be acceptable if on a tight budget but the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) will offer a much better user experience overall.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast: A user who watches lots of videos, plays games, and wants great audio. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the clear choice because of its better display and audio.
- Scenario 3: Power User: A user who needs to do a lot of work on their phone and use demanding apps. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is much better due to its stronger processing performance and more RAM.
- Scenario 4: Photography Focus: A user that wants a wide angle lens, a depth sensor, and a dedicated macro lens for photography, and is not as concerned with the absolute best image quality, the Moto G30 is the better choice. A user that values high-quality images and videos more will appreciate the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024).
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). The superior display quality (P-OLED, higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 1200 nits of brightness) alone makes it a far better device for my use cases, which involve frequent media consumption and content creation. The significantly improved processing power (Snapdragon 6 Gen 1) ensures the phone is responsive for demanding applications, which is a huge plus. The upgraded video capabilities, such as 4K recording, advanced video stabilization, wireless charging, and the more modern software, make it a more future-proofed device. While the Moto G30 offers a more versatile camera setup with dedicated lenses, the overall quality and capabilities of the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) camera are better for my needs. The faster charging and better audio are welcome additions as well. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) delivers a vastly better experience and is worth the upgrade if your budget allows.
