The LG K51S represented a solid budget option in its time, but the smartphone landscape has shifted. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) enters the arena with a modern 5G chipset and significantly improved display technology. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device best suits your needs, focusing on performance gains and modern features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset delivers a substantial performance boost over the K51S’s Helio P35, coupled with a dramatically brighter display and significantly faster charging. While the K51S remains a functional device, the Moto G Stylus 5G offers a modern smartphone experience.
| 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, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 18. Released 2020, April 27 | 2025, April 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, April 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), silicone polymer (eco leather) back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 162.2 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm (6.39 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 194.5 g (6.88 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~444 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 93.6 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR, 3000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 15, up to 2 major Android upgrades |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| 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 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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/6e, tri-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 68W wired
15W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, Pink, Blue, Red | Pantone: Gibraltar sea, Surf the Web |
| Models | LMK510EMW, LM-K510EMW, LM-K510 | XT2517-1 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | $ 299.99 / C$ 368.17 |
LG K51S
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially longer software support due to simpler OS
- Outdated processor and architecture
- Poor performance for demanding apps
- Low display brightness and color accuracy
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025)
- Significantly faster processor and 5G connectivity
- Bright and vibrant display
- Fast 68W wired and 15W wireless charging
- Higher price compared to the LG K51S
- May receive fewer software updates than flagship models
- Stylus may not be useful for all users
Display Comparison
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) boasts a significantly superior display experience. Its measured peak brightness of 1870 nits dwarfs whatever the K51S offers (spec not provided, but likely under 400 nits based on its market segment). This translates to excellent outdoor visibility. While panel technology isn't specified, the brightness level suggests a modern IPS LCD or potentially even an AMOLED panel, a leap beyond the K51S’s likely standard LCD. The K51S’s display, while functional, will struggle in direct sunlight and offer less vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is limited. However, given the K51S’s positioning, it likely features a basic camera setup focused on everyday snapshots. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2025), benefiting from a more modern chipset, likely has improved image signal processing capabilities. While sensor size and aperture data are missing, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3’s ISP will likely deliver better dynamic range and low-light performance. We can assume the Moto G Stylus 5G will offer a more versatile and capable camera experience.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) utilizes the Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, built on a power-efficient 4nm process, featuring Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz. This is a significant upgrade over the LG K51S’s Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12nm) and its Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3’s architecture provides a noticeable improvement in both single-core and multi-core performance, resulting in smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The 4nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) delivers a compelling battery and charging package. Its active use score of 10:05h indicates excellent endurance. Crucially, it supports 68W wired charging, allowing for a rapid 0-100% charge – a feature absent in the K51S. The Moto G Stylus 5G also offers 15W wireless charging, adding convenience. While the K51S’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its older chipset and less efficient manufacturing process likely result in shorter battery life and significantly slower charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K51S if you need a very basic, extremely affordable smartphone for essential tasks like calls and light messaging, and are unwilling to spend more than the absolute minimum. Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) if you prioritize performance for multitasking, streaming, and gaming, demand a vibrant and easily viewable display, and value the convenience of 5G connectivity and fast charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 in the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While not a flagship-level gaming chip, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is capable of running Genshin Impact at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some compromises in graphical fidelity to maintain smooth gameplay. The LG K51S’s Helio P35 would struggle significantly with this title.
❓ How much faster is the 68W charging on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) compared to a typical budget phone charger?
A typical budget phone charger often delivers 10-15W of power. 68W charging is over four times faster, allowing you to replenish a significant portion of the battery in a matter of minutes. A full charge from 0-100% will take approximately 45-60 minutes with the 68W charger, compared to several hours with a standard charger.
❓ Is the stylus on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) actually useful for everyday tasks?
The stylus offers added functionality for note-taking, sketching, and precise navigation. It's particularly useful for users who prefer handwriting or need to annotate documents on the go. However, its utility depends on individual usage patterns; some users may find it unnecessary.
