BLU Bold N3 vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): Which 5G Phone Delivers More Performance?

The BLU Bold N3 and Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$300 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver an accessible 5G experience, they take distinctly different approaches to processing power and charging speed, making the choice less straightforward than it appears. This comparison dives deep into the silicon and features to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and rapid charging, the BLU Bold N3 emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7050, built on a 6nm process, offers a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Moto G Stylus 5G, coupled with significantly faster 66W charging. However, the Moto G Stylus retains value with its included stylus.

PHONES
Phone Names BLU Bold N3 Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, July2023, May 30
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, AugustAvailable. Released 2023, June 02
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, glass backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.2 x 74.7 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 2.94 x 0.35 in)162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm (6.41 x 2.91 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight180 g (6.35 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~90.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120HzIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Adreno 710
OSAndroid 13Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Dual16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm-
Features-HDR
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging66W wired, 100% in 39 min20W wired
TypeLi-Po 4700 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSage GreenCosmic Black, Rose Champagne
Models-XT2315-1, XT2315-4
PriceAbout 250 EUR$ 93.43

BLU Bold N3

  • Faster 66W charging significantly reduces downtime.
  • Mediatek Dimensity 7050 offers superior CPU performance.
  • Potentially better gaming performance due to higher CPU clock speeds.

  • BLU’s software update track record is less consistent than Motorola’s.
  • Camera specs are unknown, potentially lagging behind competitors.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)

  • Integrated stylus adds functionality for note-taking and creativity.
  • Motorola’s near-stock Android experience is generally clean and user-friendly.
  • Established brand with a generally reliable software update policy.

  • Slower 20W charging is a significant inconvenience.
  • Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offers less raw processing power than the Dimensity 7050.
  • 2MP macro camera is likely of limited practical use.

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the focus here is on processing power. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points. The absence of high refresh rates on both devices suggests a focus on efficiency rather than visual fluidity.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price segment, both phones likely employ similar sensor sizes and image processing techniques. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Moto G Stylus is a common, but often underwhelming, feature. The larger sensor, if present on the BLU Bold N3, would be the key differentiator, but this information is unavailable. Image processing algorithms will play a significant role in the final image quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The BLU Bold N3’s Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6nm) features a 2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. This contrasts with the Motorola’s Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) with its 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. The Dimensity 7050’s higher clock speeds on the prime cores suggest superior single-core performance, beneficial for responsive app launches and smoother UI navigation. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 7050, while not as advanced as the Snapdragon’s 4nm, still provides a good balance of performance and efficiency. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s 4nm node *should* offer better power efficiency, but the Dimensity 7050’s core configuration appears to offset this advantage with raw processing power. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, limiting memory bandwidth.

Battery Life

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G’s 20W charging is a significant drawback compared to the BLU Bold N3’s 66W charging. The BLU Bold N3 claims a full charge in 39 minutes, a substantial time saving. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the BLU Bold N3 mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. Users who frequently top up their phones will greatly benefit from the BLU’s charging capabilities.

Buying Guide

Buy the BLU Bold N3 if you need a phone that can handle demanding apps and games with greater ease, and if minimizing charging downtime is a priority. The 66W charging is a game-changer in this price bracket. Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) if you frequently use a stylus for note-taking, sketching, or precise navigation, and if you prioritize a well-established brand with a history of software support, even at the cost of some performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 7050 in the BLU Bold N3 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 7050 is a capable chip, sustained high loads can generate heat. The 6nm process helps mitigate this, but thermal throttling is possible. The Moto G Stylus 5G’s 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 *should* be more thermally efficient, but the Dimensity 7050’s performance advantage may be worth the potential for slightly warmer operation.
❓ Is the 20W charging on the Moto G Stylus 5G slow compared to other phones in this price range?
Yes, 20W charging is notably slower than the 66W charging offered by the BLU Bold N3. Many competitors are now offering 33W or even 67W charging, making the Moto G Stylus 5G’s charging speed a significant drawback for users who value quick top-ups.
❓ Does the BLU Bold N3 support software updates as frequently as Motorola?
Historically, BLU has not been as consistent with software updates as Motorola. Motorola generally provides more timely security patches and Android version updates. Users prioritizing long-term software support may prefer the Moto G Stylus 5G, despite its performance limitations.