Both the LG K51S and the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021) target the budget-conscious smartphone user, but they approach this segment with different silicon. The K51S relies on MediaTek’s Helio P35, while the Moto G Stylus (2021) opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 678. This comparison dissects the implications of this core difference, alongside other key features, to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021) is the better choice. The Snapdragon 678, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the LG K51S’s 12nm Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking and a more enjoyable user experience, despite the slower 10W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 29, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 169.8 x 77.9 x 9 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194.5 g (6.88 oz) | 213 g (7.51 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | Stylus
Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~386 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 93.6 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 112.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 612 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 32 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0, 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAorWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, Pink, Blue, Red | Aurora Black, Aurora White |
| Models | LMK510EMW, LM-K510EMW, LM-K510 | XT2115, XT2115-1 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 90 EUR |
LG K51S
- Potentially lower price point.
- May offer slightly faster peak CPU clock speeds.
- Likely includes a headphone jack (common for LG).
- Inferior chipset performance (Helio P35).
- Less efficient processor (12nm vs 11nm).
- Likely slower software updates.
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021)
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 678 chipset.
- Integrated stylus for note-taking and creativity.
- Better image processing capabilities.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Potentially higher price.
- Motorola's software update track record can be inconsistent.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. A faster processor, like the Snapdragon 678, will contribute to smoother scrolling and animations, indirectly enhancing the perceived display quality. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical of budget devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 678’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally more capable than the Helio P35’s. This means the Moto G Stylus (2021) is likely to produce images with better dynamic range and noise reduction, even with similar sensor sizes. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests limited utility; focusing on the main sensor’s quality is more important, and the Snapdragon’s ISP gives it an edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021) utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 678, fabricated on an 11nm process. Its octa-core CPU configuration, with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver cores, offers a more balanced and efficient architecture than the LG K51S’s MediaTek Helio P35. The Helio P35, built on a 12nm process, features 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the K51S’s cores reach a higher clock speed, the Snapdragon 678’s architecture and process node provide superior sustained performance and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Motorola.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both devices likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021) is limited to 10W wired charging, which is slow by modern standards. The LG K51S’s charging speed is unknown, but even if it’s faster, the Snapdragon 678’s superior power efficiency will likely result in comparable or even better real-world battery life on the Motorola, despite the slower charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K51S if you need a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and are on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021) if you prefer a more responsive device capable of handling moderate multitasking, occasional gaming, and benefit from the integrated stylus for note-taking and creative tasks. The Snapdragon 678 offers a significant performance uplift for a relatively small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021) struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a gaming powerhouse, the Snapdragon 678 in the Moto G Stylus (2021) can handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, but it's a playable experience, significantly better than the Helio P35-powered LG K51S, which would likely require the lowest settings and still struggle.
❓ Is the stylus on the Moto G Stylus (2021) just a gimmick, or is it genuinely useful?
The stylus is a genuine asset for users who take notes, sketch, or simply prefer more precise input. Motorola’s software includes features specifically designed for the stylus, such as quick note-taking directly from the lock screen, making it more than just a novelty.
❓ Does the LG K51S receive regular software updates and security patches?
LG has largely exited the smartphone market, meaning the LG K51S is unlikely to receive further software updates or security patches. This is a significant security risk and limits the device's longevity. The Moto G Stylus (2021) may have a more uncertain update path, but is more likely to receive at least some security updates from Motorola.
❓ How much does the slower charging speed of the Moto G Stylus (2021) impact daily use?
The 10W charging is definitely a drawback. A full charge will take considerably longer than with faster charging phones. However, the Snapdragon 678’s efficiency means you may not need to charge as frequently, mitigating the impact of the slow charging speed.
