HMD Fusion vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): A Detailed Performance and Value Comparison

The sub-$300 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the HMD Fusion and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) aim to deliver connectivity and functionality without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches, primarily in their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications and which phone best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the HMD Fusion emerges as the slightly better choice. While the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) offers a marginally faster CPU clock speed, the HMD Fusion’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, built on a more efficient 4nm process, provides a better balance of performance and power efficiency, alongside faster 33W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names HMD Fusion Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 - International1, 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 bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International1, 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
Announced2024, September 052023, May 30
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, September 11Available. Released 2023, June 02
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.2 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in)162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm (6.41 x 2.91 x 0.36 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight202.5 g (7.16 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 613Adreno 710
OSAndroid 14, up to 2 major Android upgradesAndroid 13, planned upgrade to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual108 MP, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single50 MP16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic accessory connector pinsUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD, QC20W wired
Type5000 mAh, user replaceableLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsNoir, Barca Fusion editionCosmic Black, Rose Champagne
Models-XT2315-1, XT2315-4
Price€ 189.85 / $ 233.90 / £ 219.99$ 93.43

HMD Fusion

  • Faster 33W charging with PD/QC
  • More efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
  • Potentially better sustained performance due to 4nm process

  • Lacks integrated stylus functionality
  • Camera specs are currently unknown

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)

  • Integrated stylus for note-taking and productivity
  • Slightly higher CPU clock speed (more A78 cores)
  • Motorola’s software optimizations

  • Slower 20W charging
  • Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are unavailable, the HMD Fusion’s more efficient chipset could allow for slightly better power management, potentially translating to a marginally longer screen-on time. Bezels are expected to be similar, and color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment – adequate, but not color-critical.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera sensor paired with supporting lenses (ultrawide, macro, depth). The HMD Fusion’s more efficient chipset could allow for more sophisticated image processing without significant power drain. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) may benefit from Motorola’s software optimizations, but the underlying hardware advantage leans towards the HMD Fusion. We can expect both to perform adequately in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low-light scenarios.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, featuring 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The HMD Fusion, however, employs the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. Crucially, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is fabricated on a 4nm process, while the 6 Gen 1 is also 4nm. This smaller node generally translates to improved thermal efficiency and power consumption. While the Moto G Stylus has more A78 cores, the HMD Fusion’s architecture is optimized for sustained performance, reducing the likelihood of throttling during prolonged gaming or demanding tasks. Both phones likely feature Adreno GPUs, but the specific model within each chipset will dictate graphical performance.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely fall in the 4500-5000 mAh range. The HMD Fusion’s 33W wired charging with PD and QC support is a significant advantage over the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)’s 20W charging. This translates to substantially faster charging times – potentially reducing a full charge from over 2 hours on the Motorola to around 90 minutes on the HMD Fusion. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the HMD Fusion also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any minor capacity differences.

Buying Guide

Buy the HMD Fusion if you prioritize sustained performance during extended use, appreciate faster charging speeds, and value a more modern chipset architecture. Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) if you specifically need the stylus functionality and are willing to trade some potential thermal efficiency and charging speed for it. The Moto G Stylus is geared towards productivity and note-taking, while the HMD Fusion is a more general-purpose performer.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the HMD Fusion handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low for a smooth experience. The 4nm process helps mitigate throttling, but it’s not a gaming powerhouse. Expect playable framerates, but not at maximum settings.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the HMD Fusion compared to the 20W charging on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)?
The 33W charging on the HMD Fusion will significantly reduce charging times. While exact figures depend on battery capacity, expect a full charge to take approximately 90 minutes on the HMD Fusion, compared to over 2 hours on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). This is a substantial difference for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) stylus offer pressure sensitivity for drawing or artistic applications?
While the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) includes a stylus, it offers limited pressure sensitivity. It's primarily designed for note-taking, navigation, and quick selections, rather than detailed artistic work. Professional artists will likely find it lacking in precision.