Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). I'll break down their specs, highlight key differences, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm, 208g | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm, 202g | G51 is larger and slightly heavier; Stylus is more compact and lighter. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no folding or special form factors. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | G51 has a larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer a sharp Full HD+ resolution, great for videos and text. |
| PPI | 387 | 399 | Similar pixel density; both screens will look equally sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Consistent color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both deliver smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both share identical peak brightness; Note that "0 nits" is likely a data point entry error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Stylus boasts a newer and more efficient chip, offering better performance and power saving. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 565,000 | Stylus has a significantly higher score, meaning snappier app loading and smoother gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 710 | Stylus has a better GPU that improves graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | Stylus has a larger sensor with bigger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.5 | Stylus has slightly higher resolution, G51 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | G51 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for expansive shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | G51 has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Stylus combines wide angle and macro functionality into a single lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p @ 240fps, no stabilization | Up to 4K @ 30fps, with stabilization | Stylus captures higher resolution videos and benefits from image stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life, but actual usage may vary. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Stylus charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Stylus comes with a more recent OS out-of-the-box, with newer features and security enhancements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Stylus offers the latest Wi-Fi standard, providing faster and more reliable connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Stylus has newer Bluetooth with better codec support for higher-quality audio. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | G51 supports two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Stylus offers more base storage and a higher storage option, suitable for users with extensive media or apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both offer similar RAM options for multitasking capabilities; the stylus is slightly better overall with more variants. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No option to expand storage via microSD card on either phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Mics | Stylus features stereo speakers, providing a richer audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer similar biometric security. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Stylus has additional sensors which provide added functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths: Larger screen, includes dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, Dual-SIM support.
- Competitive Advantages: Offers more camera versatility with dedicated lenses; Dual sim support is good for people who travel or want to manage 2 lines.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Older processor, slower charging, older Android OS out-of-the-box, no expandable storage.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Strengths: More powerful processor, faster charging, better main camera sensor, stereo speakers, newer Android OS, support for Wi-Fi 6.
- Competitive Advantages: Overall better performance, enhanced multimedia experience with stereo speakers, better quality photos with a larger camera sensor.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Smaller screen, no dedicated macro or wide-angle lenses (combines both in one lens). No Dual-SIM support.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best For: Users who prioritize a larger display, wide-angle and macro photography, and need dual-SIM functionality.
- Use Cases: Watching media, casual photography, managing two different SIM cards for work and personal use.
- Price-to-Value: If its price is significantly lower, it can be a good option for budget-conscious buyers.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Best For: Users who want better performance, faster charging, superior audio and a better main camera.
- Use Cases: Gaming, media consumption, capturing high-quality videos, photography, note-taking.
- Price-to-Value: A more premium experience but worth the investment if your budget allows.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To make the choice easier, ask yourself these three questions:
- Performance or Versatility? Do you need top-tier performance and quick charging (Stylus), or is a slightly larger screen with a wide angle and macro lens more important (G51)?
- Multimedia Experience? Do you need better audio quality with stereo speakers (Stylus)? Or will a slightly larger screen suffice (G51)?
- Future-Proofing? Do you want a phone with a more recent operating system, a newer chip and better performance (Stylus)? Or is the price point most important (G51)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is limited and you want a bigger screen for media, the G51 is okay.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: The Stylus with its stereo speakers, better screen and overall better performance makes it a more ideal choice.
- Performance User: The Stylus with its more powerful processor and GPU is the better choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you like wide-angle and macro shots, the G51 is better. If you prefer a larger main camera sensor and 4k video recording, the Stylus is a better option.
Which one would I pick and why?
For my needs, I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). Here’s why:
As a tech journalist, I prioritize performance and appreciate the improved processing power for multitasking, research, and content creation on the go. The improved camera sensor and 4K video capabilities are also important for capturing high-quality content. The newer operating system and enhanced connectivity options future-proof this device, and while I do appreciate the option for a dedicated wide-angle lens, I am okay with the combined wide-angle and macro solution. Stereo speakers also improve the overall multimedia experience. Although the G51 has a larger screen and dual-SIM support, I find the improvements in the Stylus are more relevant for my day-to-day tasks. So while the Stylus is more expensive, I believe it offers a more overall complete and better experience.
