Xiaomi Poco M4 5G vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): A Deep Dive
Let's dissect these two mid-range contenders, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), to see which one comes out on top. We'll go beyond the spec sheet to understand what these numbers mean for your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 | Moto G Stylus is slightly more compact and thinner. |
| Weight (g) | 200 | 190 | Moto G Stylus feels lighter in hand. |
| Build Materials | Plastic | Plastic (assumed) | Durability might be similar, but case usage is recommended for both. |
| Display | |||
| Type | IPS LCD | pOLED | Moto G Stylus offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency. |
| Size | 6.58" | 6.7" | Moto G Stylus provides a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 1080 x 2400 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G Stylus delivers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Moto G Stylus has a newer, more powerful, and efficient processor. Expect noticeable performance gains in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz A76 & 6x2.0 GHz A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz A78 & 4x1.8 GHz A55) | Moto G Stylus offers a performance advantage due to its more powerful core architecture. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 | Moto G Stylus boasts significantly better graphics performance for gaming. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 8GB | Moto G Stylus offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Moto G Stylus ships with a newer OS version, offering potential feature and security advantages. Guaranteed upgrade to Android 15. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP | 50MP with OIS | Both have the same resolution, but the Moto G Stylus benefits from Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for sharper photos and videos, especially in low light. |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 32MP | Moto G Stylus offers a much higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | Moto G Stylus provides higher resolution video recording and slow-motion capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Battery life could be comparable, but the Moto G Stylus's more efficient processor and display might give it an edge. |
2. Key Insights
- Performance: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the clear winner in performance due to its newer and more powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Display: The Moto G Stylus's pOLED display delivers a superior visual experience with richer colors, deeper blacks, and smoother animations thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate.
- Camera: While both phones boast a 50MP main camera, the Moto G Stylus benefits significantly from OIS, resulting in steadier shots and improved low-light performance. The substantial upgrade in the front-facing camera resolution on the Moto G Stylus will be appreciated by selfie enthusiasts.
- Software: The Moto G Stylus ships with Android 14, offering a more up-to-date software experience and guaranteed upgrade to Android 15.
- Stylus: A key differentiator for the Moto G Stylus is the integrated stylus, which opens up opportunities for note-taking, sketching, and precise on-screen interaction.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Poco M4 5G: Best for budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality and 5G connectivity. It's a decent option for light users who primarily use their phones for calling, texting, social media, and web browsing.
- Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): Ideal for users who value a smooth and responsive user experience, a vibrant display, a capable camera with OIS, and the versatility of a stylus. Excellent for students, creative professionals, or anyone who enjoys note-taking or sketching.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- What's your budget? The Poco M4 5G is generally more affordable.
- Do you need a stylus? This is a unique feature of the Moto G Stylus.
- How important is performance and camera quality? The Moto G Stylus significantly outperforms the Poco M4 5G in these areas.
My Choice: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go for the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). While the Poco M4 5G offers decent value for its price, the Moto G Stylus delivers a significantly better overall user experience. The superior performance, stunning pOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the camera with OIS, the latest Android version, and the added functionality of the stylus make it a more compelling device. The slightly higher price is justified by the notable upgrades across the board. As a tech journalist, I appreciate having the latest features and a device that can keep up with my demanding workflow. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) ticks those boxes.
