Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the newer Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). We'll dissect the specs and see how they translate into the real-world user experience, cutting through the jargon to get to what matters most.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table breaking down the key technical specifications of both phones:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm | The G Stylus is slightly larger and thinner, though the difference is negligible. |
| Weight | 181g | 190g | The G31 is a tad lighter, which might be preferable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | The G Stylus has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, clear displays. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 395 PPI | The G31 has a marginally sharper display, but the difference is unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both use high-quality OLED technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The G Stylus's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations much smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The G Stylus is significantly brighter, making it much better for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | The G Stylus's chipset is much more powerful, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 514,000 | The G Stylus offers a significant performance boost (128% increase) over the G31. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 710 | The G Stylus's GPU offers better graphics performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | The G Stylus's larger sensor and bigger pixel size should capture more light and details, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.70µm | The G Stylus has much higher resolution selfie camera, though the aperture is slightly smaller. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | None | The G31 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for expansive shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | The G31 has a dedicated macro lens for closeup details. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | The G Stylus combines a wide angle and macro lens into one for more versatility. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps, with 1080p options | The G Stylus can capture higher resolution video, with better slow-motion capabilities. |
| Video Stabilisation | No | Yes (OIS) | The G Stylus has optical image stabilization, meaning less shaky videos. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical zoom, Laser Autofocus, RAW, etc | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Dual camera, etc | Both offer diverse camera features, but focus is on different scenarios, with OIS on the Stylus being a real plus. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 30W fast charging, 15W wireless | The G Stylus charges much faster and supports wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 15W wireless charging | The G Stylus offers more charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 (upgradable to 15) | The G Stylus has the latest OS with promised upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6E | The G Stylus has the latest Wi-Fi standard for better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1, with APT-x, LDAC, SBC | The G Stylus provides better audio support on Bluetooth. |
| GPS | Standard suite | More satelite system | G Stylus provides better GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | The G Stylus offers more flexibility on the SIM configuration. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB | The G Stylus has more storage. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | The G Stylus provides better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither have expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | The G Stylus has stereo speakers for more immersive audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones provide biometric security. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Both are similar in sensor suites. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths:
- Slightly Lighter Design: A bit more comfortable for extended single-hand use.
- Marginally Sharper Display: While hard to notice, it has a slightly higher pixel density.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro Lenses: Offers versatile photography options if you like to explore various shooting styles, although these are separate from the main camera.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Strengths:
- Massive Performance Upgrade: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 provides a significant leap in processing power for better performance in daily tasks, gaming and apps.
- 120Hz Display: Provides a much smoother visual experience, especially when scrolling or gaming.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Outdoor visibility is vastly superior.
- Superior Camera: The larger sensor on the main camera, plus a higher resolution selfie camera and OIS for video make it a much better cameraphone.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: The 30W fast charging and wireless charging offer much greater convenience.
- Latest OS: Comes with Android 14, upgradable to 15 and support.
- Stereo Speakers: Offers an immersive audio experience.
- Larger Internal Storage and RAM: Plenty of storage and better multitasking for users with lots of apps or media, as well as better gaming performance.
- eSIM Support: More flexible options with dual SIM capabilities, especially for frequent travelers.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Motorola Moto G31: The older chipset and slower refresh rate may feel sluggish compared to modern devices. The slower 10W charging is a major drawback. Its camera is less versatile with worse low-light performance.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): Lacks dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses; it combines these into a single camera. It also has a basic fingerprint sensor, not the side-mounted one.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31:
- Best For: Budget-conscious users seeking a reliable phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and browsing. Also suited for users who prioritize slightly lighter phones.
- Use Cases: Basic daily tasks, less demanding app usage, users who prefer a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens.
- Recommendation: If budget is the absolute primary concern and you don't mind slower performance and charging, this might do.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024):
- Best For: Users seeking a mid-range device that performs well in all categories, including gaming and photography, plus convenience of faster and wireless charging.
- Use Cases: Gamers, heavy media consumers, users who take a lot of photos and videos, multitaskers, and users wanting the convenience of wireless charging.
- Recommendation: For most users, the performance, display and battery upgrades alone make the Stylus worth the investment. It’s a device that’s much more future-proof and more enjoyable to use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How much do I value performance?
- If: You need a smooth, responsive phone, the G Stylus is the clear winner with its much more powerful processor and more RAM.
- If: Your needs are basic and you're willing to compromise on speed, the G31 might suffice.
- How important is display quality?
- If: You value a brighter screen, especially for outdoor use, and smoother scrolling, the G Stylus with its 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness is the better option.
- If: A more basic, but still quality display, is fine, the G31 will do.
- Do you need good camera and better photography features?
- If: You want versatile camera options with a main camera with good low light performance and OIS, faster video options, then the Stylus is the clear choice.
- If: You want basic photography and are okay with slightly less in all camera areas, then the G31 is an option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget User: You need a phone for calls, texts, and some social media. You might consider the Moto G31 but the performance gap is so large that the Stylus offers better value even at a higher price point.
- The Gamer/Media Enthusiast: You play mobile games and watch videos often, value speed and responsiveness, and require a good visual experience, you should go for the G Stylus.
- The Photography Buff: You want the best camera quality and versatile shooting modes. The G Stylus has a more powerful camera and it is the better choice.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I'd absolutely go for the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). While the Moto G31 is okay for basic usage, the Stylus simply provides a vastly superior user experience in every category that matters in a modern smartphone.
The massive performance leap thanks to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, the silky-smooth 120Hz display, and the vastly improved camera are game-changers. The fact it also comes with much faster charging, wireless charging, and a more future-proof OS makes it the easy choice. Yes, it’s slightly heavier and lacks the dedicated wide angle and macro, but the overall benefits far outweigh those minor drawbacks. In my view, the G Stylus doesn't just beat the G31, it makes the G31 feel outdated. The enhanced experience on the Stylus makes it worth the price difference, offering much better value in terms of features and the overall user experience.
