Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). These two phones, while seemingly similar on the surface, have some crucial differences that will heavily impact the user experience. I'll break down the tech specs, analyze the real-world implications, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two devices stack up, with a focus on what each specification means for the average user:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm | G51 taller, Stylus slightly thicker; negligible difference in hand. |
| Weight | 208g | 215g | G51 is slightly lighter; Both feel similar in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Both offer a large screen, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2460 | Very similar; crisp visuals for everyday use. |
| PPI | 387 | 395 | Negligible difference in sharpness, similar visual experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Consistent color and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | This is likely incorrect or missing information |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Stylus has a newer, more powerful chip for better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 385,000 | Practically identical benchmark score, but newer chip in Stylus 5G may lead to better real-world performance |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Similar graphical performance, games should run similarly on both phones. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Slightly wider aperture in G51 for potentially better low-light |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 | Stylus offers more detail in selfies |
| Wide Angle | 8MP | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle shots |
| Macro | 2MP | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities |
| Video | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | G51: 240 fps slow motion; Stylus: EIS (electronic image stabilization) |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW, Panorama | Night Mode 2.0, OIS, Manual focus | G51: additional autofocus features and RAW image captures, Stylus: advanced low-light features and image stabilization |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life under normal use. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging, Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | G51 offers fast charging while the G Stylus uses Lithium Polymer, a slightly more stable material. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Stylus has a newer base Android version; May offer longer-term support on Android 12 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Stylus offers more Bluetooth audio codecs for high-quality audio |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Stylus supports QZSS for better location in some regions |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | G51 offers dual SIM support for separate lines |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 256GB | Stylus has more base storage, very useful for users with a lot of photos and apps |
| RAM | 4/8GB | 8GB | Stylus has standard 8GB of RAM, both handle multitasking smoothly |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage, but styluses 256GB built in storage is generous |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | 2 mics | G51 offers a more immersive audio experience, while both feature similar microphone configuration |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Standard biometric security for device access |
2. Key Insights
Here's what stands out when you compare the Moto G51 5G and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022):
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths:
- Wider camera aperture (f/1.8), potentially better low light performance.
- Offers a unique high speed slow motion video capture at 240 FPS.
- Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio immersion
- Dual SIM capability, good for travel or separating work and personal use.
- Has Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), and Laser autofocus (LAF)
- Tradeoffs:
- Older chipset, less future-proof in terms of processing power.
- Android 11 out of box, which may not get Android updates as long as the G Stylus 5G (2022).
- Lacks OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and EIS which results in slightly less stable videos
- Smaller base internal storage
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022):
- Strengths:
- Newer, more powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chipset for better performance.
- Larger base storage capacity (256 GB).
- More advanced Bluetooth audio codecs for high quality sound.
- Comes with Android 12, better long term software support.
- OIS and EIS for significantly more stable videos.
- Additional selfie MP count.
- Night Mode 2.0 for better low-light photos.
- Tradeoffs:
- Thicker and slightly heavier build.
- Single SIM slot, might be limiting for users needing two numbers.
- Narrower aperture in main camera (f/1.9).
- Slow motion only goes up to 120 FPS.
- Missing additional autofocus features (PDAF and LAF)
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best For: Users who want a budget 5G phone with better audio experience. Those needing dual sim functionality, those who take a lot of slow motion videos and those wanting all the autofocus features for photos.
- Use Cases: International travelers needing dual SIMs, avid audio listeners who enjoy Dolby Atmos support, users interested in RAW image processing, and people that are interested in high speed slow motion videos.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022):
- Best For: Users who prioritize performance and storage, good battery life and quality photography. This is also for users who are looking for long term software support.
- Use Cases: Those who frequently use apps and games that benefit from additional processing power, users who capture a lot of photos and videos that take up space. Users who want higher quality audio on Bluetooth devices. This is a great phone for users looking for solid all around performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you need Dual SIM support? If yes, the G51 is the clear choice. If not, the G Stylus might be a better fit.
- Is performance or storage more important to you? The G Stylus has a more modern processor and 256GB of storage, making it better for heavy users and content creators.
- Are photo stabilization, newer software, and quality audio features important? If yes, the G Stylus with OIS, Android 12, and better Bluetooth audio will be the obvious choice.
Scenario Recommendations:
- Budget Traveler: The Motorola Moto G51 5G, for its dual SIM capabilities, would be ideal, especially if your photo and video needs are simple.
- Content Creator: The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is the superior choice, due to its newer processor, storage, more stable video recording and better photo quality.
- Everyday User: The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is better for users who value a more up to date operating system, a more future proof chip, storage and superior bluetooth audio support.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go with the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). While the G51 has some unique features, the G Stylus offers the full package: a more recent processor, more storage, more up to date operating system, improved bluetooth audio, and OIS for more stable videos and better photos. The benefits of OIS, EIS, better storage, better software support and a better CPU outweigh the potential benefits of the additional autofocus features and better slow motion. For me, this makes the G Stylus the better everyday phone.
