Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Moto G31 and Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). These two phones, while both bearing the Motorola badge, are targeted at different users and offer distinct experiences. I'm putting on my tech journalist hat to break down what these specs mean for you, the everyday user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Let's get into the nitty-gritty with a detailed comparison table:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm, 181g | 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm, 215g | G31 is more compact and lighter, better for one-handed use; Stylus 5G is bulkier, feels more substantial. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphone designs. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.8" | Stylus 5G has a larger display for more immersive viewing and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2460 | Both have FHD+ resolution, good for sharp visuals. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | G31 has a slightly sharper screen, but the difference is barely noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | G31 offers better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors compared to the Stylus 5G. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Stylus 5G has smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data unavailable, which is a significant gap. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Stylus 5G has a more powerful and efficient processor, smoother performance and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 385,000 | Stylus 5G performs significantly better, suitable for heavy apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Stylus 5G's GPU offers better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9 | G31 has a slightly wider aperture for slightly better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 | Stylus 5G offers slightly higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.2 | G31 has a slightly wider aperture on its ultrawide lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | Stylus 5G has better video stabilization and offers 60 fps recording. |
| Camera Features | OIS, LAF, PDAF, RAW | Night Mode 2.0, OIS | G31 has features suited for photography enthusiasts, while the Stylus 5G has Night Mode for low-light capture. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | Not specified | G31 has 10W charging but the Stylus 5G lacks charging specifications. |
| Software & Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Stylus 5G has a more up-to-date Android version. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | Stylus 5G offers better multitasking and app performance. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 256GB | Stylus 5G has ample built-in storage, making it less reliant on cloud storage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.1 LE with EDR, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Stylus 5G has more options for better Bluetooth audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Stylus 5G offers more accurate positioning with additional satelite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | G31 supports two SIMs, ideal for travel or separate work/personal numbers. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | 2 microphones | G31 offers Dolby Atmos for enhanced sound. |
| Stylus | N/A | Built-in | Stylus 5G comes with a built in stylus for writing and drawing capabilities. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display is a clear win, offering better visuals for media consumption.
- Compact and Lightweight: Its smaller size makes it more ergonomic for everyday use, especially for smaller hands.
- Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos support enhances audio immersion, making it better for enjoying music and videos.
- Dual Sim Support Offers flexibility with two SIM slots.
- Wider Aperture: The primary and wide angle lenses offer a wider aperture for slightly better low light photography
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeable improvement in fluidity and user experience.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 695 chip provides faster speeds for multitasking and gaming.
- Ample Storage: 256GB of built-in storage is great for people with large media libraries.
- More RAM 8GB RAM is great for multitasking.
- Stylus Integration: The built-in stylus adds a unique dimension, ideal for note-taking and creative tasks.
- Newer Bluetooth This offers better bluetooth audio capabilities.
- Newer Android Version Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
- Better video recording 1080p at 60fps
- Better location tracking Better GPS support
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Display Tech: The G31's AMOLED screen wins here, but lacks the fluidity of the Stylus 5G's 120hz display.
- Performance: G31's Helio G85 is significantly less powerful, especially for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Size and Weight: The G Stylus 5G is notably bigger and heavier, which can be less comfortable for some users.
- Lack of Expandable Storage Neither phone offers expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31 is Best for:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize display quality and compact design for daily use.
- Media Consumers: Ideal for those who enjoy watching videos and want vibrant colors.
Price Conscious: Users who want to prioritize value without sacrificing display quality.
Use Cases: Daily browsing, social media, watching videos, casual gaming.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is Best for:
- Productivity Users: Those who need a stylus for note-taking, drawing, and quick actions.
- Power Users: Users who need smooth multitasking and better app performance.
- Creative Professionals: Good for those who value writing, drawing and precise input from the stylus.
- Users looking for the best battery life. Both phones offer similar battery life, but the Stylus 5G offers a more efficient processor which will likely lead to better overall battery life.
Users looking for the smoothest display possible. The 120hz refresh rate is the fastest here.
Use Cases: Note-taking, drawing, multi-tasking, gaming, content creation.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize display quality or performance?
- If display quality, the Moto G31 with its AMOLED is the clear choice.
- If performance is your priority, the Moto G Stylus 5G's faster processor and more RAM make it superior.
- Do you need a stylus for productivity or creativity?
- If yes, the Moto G Stylus 5G is your only option here.
- If no, the Moto G31 might be a better option if other features align with your priorities.
- Is portability and weight a key factor?
- If yes, the Moto G31 is more compact and comfortable to handle.
- If no, the Moto G Stylus 5G's larger size may not be an issue.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: You mostly browse social media, watch videos, and send emails. The Motorola Moto G31 will suit your needs perfectly with its vibrant AMOLED display and a more compact size.
- Scenario 2: Student/Note Taker: You frequently need to take notes, make quick annotations, or draw diagrams. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022), with its integrated stylus, is an ideal fit.
- Scenario 3: Heavy Gamer/Multi-tasker: You play mobile games and need multiple apps open simultaneously. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)'s superior processor and ample RAM will provide a smooth experience.
My Choice
If I were buying a phone today, I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). While I appreciate the superior display on the Moto G31, the performance gap is just too significant to ignore. The Snapdragon 695 processor in the Stylus 5G provides a noticeable boost in overall speed and smoothness, which is crucial for running apps and especially for gaming. Plus, I have a habit of taking a lot of notes and doodling, so the integrated stylus is a significant advantage for my personal workflow. Also, the extra RAM and storage make a noticeable difference. The higher refresh rate is another bonus! While the larger size and weight may not be for everyone, I believe the benefits of the Stylus 5G's performance and added functionality make it worth the trade-off.
