Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). As a tech journalist, I'm always keen to see how specifications translate into real-world experiences, and that's what I'll focus on here.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table comparing the key specifications of these two Motorola phones, along with the real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 162.8 × 73.8 × 9.2 mm | Stylus is slightly taller & thicker, might feel bulkier |
| Weight | 179g | 202g | G71 is noticeably lighter, easier for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | Stylus has a slightly larger screen for more content |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical clarity on both displays |
| PPI | 411 | 399 | Very similar sharpness levels |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | G71 has superior contrast, blacks, and vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Stylus has smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both are similarly bright |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Stylus is significantly faster, better for demanding apps |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 565,000 | Stylus offers much better overall performance |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 710 | Stylus has superior graphics performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar all-day battery life |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 20W fast charging | G71 charges faster, less waiting time |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55" | Stylus has a larger sensor for better low-light performance |
| Front Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.5 | G71 selfie camera may perform better in low-light |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | G71 offers dedicated wide-angle shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | G71 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Wide Angle+Macro | None | 8MP | Stylus offers a combined wide and macro lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | Stylus records higher-quality video and better stabilization |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Laser AF, RAW | Dual Camera, OIS, Ultra Stable | Different feature sets, both offer something unique. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Stylus has a more up-to-date OS and will have better long-term support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Stylus has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Stylus supports more modern codecs, more robust connection |
| GPS | Multiple Systems | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | G71 supports more satellite systems; Stylus has L1+L5 for higher accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | G71 supports two SIM cards simultaneously |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 128 GB/256 GB | Stylus provides the option of more storage |
| RAM | 6 GB/8 GB | 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB | Both offer good RAM options for seamless multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Stylus has Stereo Speakers for a more immersive audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Stylus’s side sensor is arguably more convenient. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Geomagnetic | Stylus includes Geomagnetic sensor, more comprehensive feature set |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Unknown | Both use similar screen protection technology. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Strengths: The G71’s standout feature is its AMOLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks, which is rare in this price range. It also offers faster 33W charging and a more versatile camera setup with dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, coupled with RAW support for photography enthusiasts. Its lighter build at 179g makes it more comfortable for extended use. It offers Dual SIM support, and utilizes a wider variety of GPS systems.
- Advantages: The phone excels for users who prioritize display quality, fast charging, and versatile camera capabilities.
- Limitations: The older chipset and standard 60Hz refresh rate mean it's not the best choice for heavy gaming or resource-intensive tasks.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Strengths: The Stylus 5G (2023) boasts a much more powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset and a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, offering superior performance and a more responsive user experience. The larger sensor in its main camera (1/1.55”) captures more light, enhancing low-light photography. It also includes modern features like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, an integrated wide-angle + macro lens, and stereo speakers, delivering an enriched user experience with its stylus support. The newer OS (Android 13) ensures better software support.
- Advantages: The Stylus is designed for users who demand a faster device with a smoother display, enhanced audio, and better low-light photography, and of course, stylus functionality.
- Limitations: It's slightly heavier and thicker, which may not be comfortable for everyone. It also has slower 20W charging, and it's missing a few GPS satellite systems.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Best for: Users who prioritize display quality (AMOLED), faster charging, and flexible camera options (dedicated wide-angle and macro) and also those who value dual-sim support.
- Use Cases: Casual social media browsing, watching videos, taking everyday photos, and general use cases. Good for those who require dual sim capabilities.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a good value for users seeking a vibrant screen and quick charging at a lower cost.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Best for: Users who need better performance, a smoother screen (120Hz), stylus functionality, enhanced audio, and improved low-light camera capabilities, and better long-term software support.
- Use Cases: Multitasking, gaming, note-taking, light photo editing, those who want to record in 4K and more.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its price with a superior processor, better display, enhanced sound, and more advanced features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when deciding between these two phones:
- What do you value most in a smartphone?
- If you prioritize display quality and a lightweight device, the Moto G71 may be more appealing.
- If performance, smoother scrolling, stylus functionality, and better camera are higher priorities, the Stylus is better suited.
- What is your budget?
- The Moto G71 is likely the more budget-friendly option.
- If you can invest a bit more, the Stylus offers higher value in terms of features.
- How do you plan to use your phone?
- For basic use, the G71 is adequate.
- For more intensive tasks like gaming, multitasking, or note-taking with a stylus, the Stylus is the superior choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: The Moto G71 would be perfect for social media, web browsing, and general use.
- For the Gamer/Power User: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the obvious choice for smoother performance, with its high refresh rate, improved chipset, and more robust connectivity.
- For the Photographer: The Moto G71 has a triple camera and RAW support for editing, but the Stylus has a more advanced main camera and better overall picture quality with Optical Image Stabilization.
- For the Student/Creative: The Stylus excels with its stylus functionality, and note-taking options, while also providing enhanced multimedia options.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go for the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). While I appreciate the AMOLED display of the G71 and its lighter weight, the improvements in performance, display smoothness (120Hz), the enhanced camera, stylus functionality, and stereo speakers of the Stylus, along with the better software support and future proofing features (like Wifi 6), are too compelling to pass up. The additional performance and features of the Stylus would lead to an overall more enjoyable user experience, and I also tend to take a lot of notes. The faster processor and overall enhancements more than justify the slight increase in weight and dimensions.
I hope this in-depth comparison has provided you with a clear understanding of both phones, and has made your buying decision much easier. If you have any more questions, I would be happy to answer them!
