Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) vs. Moto G Play (2023): A Head-to-Head Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G Stylus (2023) is the clear winner for most users, offering significantly better performance and a unique stylus feature. However, the Moto G Play (2023) remains a strong contender for those on a tight budget who prioritize long battery life and simplicity.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) | Motorola Moto G Play (2023) |
| 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, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| - | CDMA 800 / 1900 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 02 | 2022, December 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 05 | Available. Released 2022, December 12 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 74.1 x 9.2 mm (6.41 x 2.92 x 0.36 in) | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 203 g (7.20 oz) |
| Stylus Water-repellent design | Water-repellent coating | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14 | Android 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Blue, Rose Gold | Deep Indigo |
| Models | - | XT2271-1, XT2271-3, XT2271-5, XT2271-4 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | $ 54.00 / C$ 129.00 |
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)
- More powerful processor
- Integrated stylus
- Larger, higher-resolution display
- Better camera performance
- More RAM (typically)
- Slightly shorter battery life than G Play
- Slower charging (15W)
- Potentially higher price
Motorola Moto G Play (2023)
- Exceptional battery life
- Affordable price
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent display for the price
- Weaker processor
- Lower resolution display
- Less impressive camera
- Slower performance
Display Comparison
The Moto G Stylus (2023) typically features a larger display (around 6.6 inches) with a higher resolution (FHD+) compared to the Moto G Play (2023) (around 6.5 inches, HD+). This results in a sharper, more immersive viewing experience. The Stylus also often has a higher refresh rate, leading to smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer multiple rear cameras, the Moto G Stylus (2023) generally boasts a higher resolution main sensor and more advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS). This translates to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The Stylus often includes a dedicated macro lens.
Performance
The Helio G85 chipset in the Moto G Stylus (2023) is considerably more powerful than the Helio G37 in the Moto G Play (2023). Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Stylus. The Stylus handles more demanding tasks with ease.
Battery Life
The Moto G Play (2023) is known for its exceptional battery life, often lasting well over a day on a single charge due to its efficient processor and larger battery capacity (typically 5000mAh). The Moto G Stylus (2023) also has a large battery (typically 5000mAh), but the more powerful processor can drain it faster.
Buying Guide
The Moto G Stylus (2023) is ideal for students, note-takers, or anyone who values a stylus for creativity or productivity. The Moto G Play (2023) is perfect for first-time smartphone users, seniors, or those who primarily need a reliable phone for calls, texts, and basic apps with exceptional battery life.