Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) vs. Moto G Stylus: A Detailed Showdown

The Motorola Moto G Stylus series is known for offering a stylus experience at an affordable price. But with a refresh in 2023, the question arises: is the newer model a significant upgrade over its predecessor? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which phone is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Moto G Stylus (2023) offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to its newer chipset and faster charging. While both are budget-friendly, the 2023 model's improved internals and slightly better camera make it the overall winner, especially if performance is a priority.

PHONES
Phone Names	Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)	Motorola Moto G Stylus

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
EDGE	-	Class 10
GPRS	-	Class 10
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 600/100 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
	-	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2023, May 02	2020, February 07. Released 2020, April 16
Status	Available. Released 2023, May 05	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame (6000 series)
Dimensions	162.9 x 74.1 x 9.2 mm (6.41 x 2.92 x 0.36 in)	158.6 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm (6.24 x 2.98 x 0.36 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM
Weight	195 g (6.88 oz)	192 g (6.77 oz)
	Stylus Water-repellent design	Stylus Water-repellent coating

Display
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)	1080 x 2300 pixels (~399 ppi density)
Size	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)	6.4 inches, 100.7 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm)	Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm)
GPU	Mali-G52 MC2	Adreno 610
OS	Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14	Android 10, upgradable to Android 11

Memory
Call records	-	Yes
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM	128GB 4GB RAM
Phonebook	-	1000 contacts, Photocall

Main Camera
Dual	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro)	-
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	Laser AF, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	-	1.3 MP
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)	48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 16 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), dedicated video camera (1080p) 2 MP (macro)
Video	1080p@30/60fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO	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 Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Browser	-	WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
Games	-	Yes
Java	-	Yes, MIDP 2.0
Messaging	-	SMS, MMS, Email
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity

Battery
Charging	15W wired	10W wired
Stand-by	-	Up to 470 h
Talk time	-	Up to 14 h 20 min
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 4000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Blue, Rose Gold	Mystic indigo
Models	-	XT2043, XT2043-4
Price	About 200 EUR	About 70 EUR
SAR EU	-	0.84 W/kg (head)

Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)

Improved Performance (Helio G85)
Faster Charging (15W)
Potentially Better Camera
Larger Storage Options (likely)
Modern Design

Slightly Higher Price
May have similar display quality

Motorola Moto G Stylus

More Affordable
Large Battery
Stylus Included
Decent Performance for Basic Tasks

Slower Charging (10W)
Older Chipset (Snapdragon 665)
Less Powerful Camera
Potentially Limited Storage

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a large 6.8-inch display, likely with an FHD+ resolution. The 2023 model *may* have a slightly improved panel with better color accuracy or brightness, but this is not definitively confirmed. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, suitable for media consumption and note-taking with the stylus.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer a multi-lens camera system (likely a 48MP main sensor, ultrawide, and macro), the 2023 model likely benefits from improved image processing and potentially a slightly better sensor. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the newer device.

Performance

The Helio G85 in the 2023 model is a clear upgrade over the Snapdragon 665. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. The G85's octa-core architecture provides a more modern and efficient processing experience.

Battery Life

Both phones feature large batteries (likely around 5000mAh). However, the 2023 model's 15W charging is a significant improvement over the original's 10W charging, allowing for faster top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) is ideal for students, note-takers, and anyone who wants a stylus without breaking the bank and appreciates a smoother experience. The original Moto G Stylus remains a solid choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and don't need the latest performance enhancements.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Moto G Stylus (2023) worth the upgrade?

If you prioritize performance and faster charging, then yes. The Helio G85 offers a noticeable improvement. If you're on a tight budget and only need basic functionality, the original Moto G Stylus remains a viable option.

❓ What are the key differences between the two phones?

The main differences are the chipset (Helio G85 vs. Snapdragon 665), charging speed (15W vs. 10W), and potentially camera improvements in the 2023 model. The 2023 model also likely has more RAM and storage options.