Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). Both phones sit in that mid-range sweet spot, but they cater to slightly different needs. As always, we’ll go beyond the spec sheets to see how these differences play out in real life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs, focusing on what each feature means for your daily usage:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-19 | 2022-04-27 | The G Stylus is a bit newer, potentially with some software tweaks and updates. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm | The G71 is more compact and pocketable; the G Stylus is noticeably larger and may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 179g | 215g | The G71 is considerably lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.8" | The G Stylus offers a larger screen, great for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both have sharp displays, but the G Stylus’ slightly taller screen is noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 395 PPI | Both offer very sharp screens; a negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The G71 has a better quality display with more vibrant colours, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The G Stylus display is significantly smoother, especially for scrolling and gaming. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Both offer the same mid-range performance, good for daily tasks and moderate gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 385,000 | Both phones offer nearly identical performance levels. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Both devices have the same graphics processing power. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | The G71 recharges faster, getting you back to full quicker. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9 | The G71 has a slightly brighter lens that might perform a bit better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle camera performance. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro performance, but G Stylus has a slightly larger pixel size for macro shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 | Comparable selfie camera performance. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@60fps with EIS | The G Stylus has electronic image stabilization for slightly smoother videos. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW, Optical Zoom | OIS, Night Mode 2.0 | The G71 offers more traditional photography features while the G Stylus focuses on image stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | The G Stylus ships with a newer version of Android right out of the box, but the G71 can be updated to Android 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones have similar Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | The G Stylus has a newer Bluetooth standard and better audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo | The G Stylus uses more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | The G71 supports two SIM cards, convenient for travel or dual numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 256GB | The G Stylus has double the storage capacity for your apps, photos and media. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB | Both options are good for smooth multitasking and gaming experience, with the G Stylus having an advantage of coming in 8 GB only. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | 2 microphones | The G71 offers enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side mounted finger print sensor is more practical to use while holding the device. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight: The more pocketable design and lighter build make it comfortable for everyday use.
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display offers better color quality and deeper blacks for better viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging ensures you spend less time tethered to the wall.
- Dual SIM Support: Great for those needing multiple numbers or for international travel.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos delivers a better audio experience for media.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.8-inch screen is ideal for media consumption, productivity, and multitasking.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Provides a significantly smoother visual experience.
- More Storage: 256GB of internal storage is great for those who store lots of content.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 12, offering the latest software features and security.
- Improved Bluetooth & GPS: Features newer Bluetooth with aptX and LDAC for better audio quality and a better GPS for location accuracy.
- Built-in Stylus: Offers the versatility of a stylus for drawing, note-taking, and precise navigation.
Trade-offs:
- The G71 has a better quality display while the G Stylus has a smoother one.
- The G71 charges faster but G Stylus has a newer Bluetooth and GPS technology.
- The G71 has a more compact design while the G Stylus is larger and has more storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G is ideal for:
- Casual users who prioritize a balance of good features in a more compact design.
- Frequent travellers or those needing two phone numbers thanks to the dual SIM support.
- Media consumers who value display quality, but are not too concerned with refresh rate.
- Users who need fast charging.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is ideal for:
- Power users who need a larger screen for multitasking.
- Creatives who want a built-in stylus for drawing and note-taking.
- Gamers or those who appreciate smooth visuals thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
- Users who need lots of storage.
- Those who need better video stabilization.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Screen Size and Refresh Rate: Do you prioritize a larger screen and smoother visuals (G Stylus), or a more compact and vibrant display (G71)?
- Storage Needs: Do you need maximum storage space, or is 128GB sufficient? (G Stylus has 256GB, G71 has 128GB).
- Stylus and Productivity: Do you need a stylus, or is that not important for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the On-the-Go Multitasker: If you juggle many tasks and need a large screen for comfortable viewing, the G Stylus is your pick.
- For the Media Enthusiast: If you love consuming content and want a great screen without compromising battery life, the G71 would be better for you.
- For the Creative Mind: The G Stylus, with its integrated stylus, offers you a unique edge for creativity and precision.
- For the Budget-Conscious Traveler: The G71 provides a practical balance of performance and price and the Dual-SIM option is ideal for international travelers.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two, I would go with the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). While the G71 is a solid phone, the larger screen, the 120Hz refresh rate, and the included stylus make the G Stylus more appealing to me. I tend to multitask a lot, so that larger display is a real advantage, and the stylus is great for quick note-taking and occasional sketching. While the AMOLED display on the G71 is great, I value the fluidity of the 120Hz refresh rate on the G Stylus for daily use. The extra storage and improved Bluetooth are also welcome upgrades for my use case.
