Motorola Moto G Play (2023) vs. Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): A Detailed Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is the clear winner overall, thanks to its significantly faster processor, 5G connectivity, and stylus support. While the Moto G Play (2023) offers a slightly larger battery, the Stylus's performance and features justify its price difference for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G Play (2023) | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - USA |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 5, 12, 14, 24, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA - USA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA 800 / 1900 | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 08 | 2022, April 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 12 | Available. Released 2022, April 27 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) | 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm (6.65 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.20 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| Water-repellent coating | Stylus Water-repellent design | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0, 1.12µm Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Deep Indigo | Steel Blue, Seafoam Green |
| Models | XT2271-1, XT2271-3, XT2271-5, XT2271-4 | XT2215, XT2215-1, XT2215-2, XT2215-3, XT2215-4 |
| Price | $ 54.00 / C$ 129.00 | $ 66.60 |
Motorola Moto G Play (2023)
- Excellent battery life
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Low-resolution display
- No 5G
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)
- Faster processor
- 5G connectivity
- Stylus included
- Better camera system
- Full HD+ display
- Slightly shorter battery life than G Play
- More expensive than G Play
- Stylus may not be essential for all users
Display Comparison
The Moto G Play (2023) typically features a larger 6.5-inch display, often with a lower resolution (likely 720p+). The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) usually has a slightly smaller, but sharper 6.8-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution. The Stylus's higher resolution results in a noticeably crisper image. Both likely use IPS LCD panels.
Camera Comparison
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) generally boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher-resolution main sensor and potentially ultrawide and macro lenses. The Moto G Play (2023) typically has a simpler camera setup. Image quality and low-light performance will be noticeably better on the Stylus.
Performance
Here's where the biggest difference lies. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)'s Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio G37 in the Moto G Play (2023). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Stylus. The G Play will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
The Moto G Play (2023) often prioritizes battery life, potentially offering a slightly larger battery capacity (around 5000mAh). However, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) also has a substantial battery (around 4500mAh) and, thanks to its more efficient processor, can still deliver excellent battery life.
Buying Guide
The Moto G Play (2023) is ideal for users prioritizing maximum battery life and a very budget-friendly price point, primarily for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is better suited for those who want a smoother experience, 5G connectivity, a stylus for note-taking and creativity, and a more versatile camera system.