Motorola Moto G Stylus 2023 vs 2021: A Head-to-Head Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G Stylus (2023) offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to its chipset and slightly improved camera. While the 2021 model remains a solid budget option, the 2023 version is the better choice for most users seeking a smoother experience and faster charging.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) | Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021) |
| 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, 20, 25, 26, 29, 38, 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 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 05 | Available. Released 2021, January 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 74.1 x 9.2 mm (6.41 x 2.92 x 0.36 in) | 169.8 x 77.9 x 9 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 213 g (7.51 oz) |
| Stylus Water-repellent design | Stylus Water-repellent coating | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~386 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 112.2 cm2 (~84.8% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 612 |
| OS | Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14 | Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 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 |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; 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, gyro-EIS |
| 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, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Blue, Rose Gold | Aurora Black, Aurora White |
| Models | - | XT2115, XT2115-1 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)
- Improved Performance (Helio G85)
- Faster Charging (15W)
- Potentially Better Camera
- Slightly Improved Display (likely 120Hz)
- Slightly Higher Price
- Design largely unchanged
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021)
- More Affordable
- Solid Battery Life
- Functional Stylus Integration
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Less Powerful Processor
- Older Camera Technology
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large 6.8-inch display, but the 2023 model typically boasts a slightly improved refresh rate (likely 120Hz vs 60Hz on the 2021), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Color accuracy and brightness are generally comparable, though the 2023 might have a minor edge.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer a triple-camera system, the 2023 model generally features a higher resolution main sensor (likely 50MP vs 48MP) and improved image processing. Low-light performance and video recording are also expected to be better on the 2023. The stylus integration for camera controls is consistent across both generations.
Performance
The 2023's Mediatek Helio G85 chipset provides a tangible performance improvement over the 2021's Snapdragon 678. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the newer model. The G85's architecture is more efficient, potentially contributing to slightly better battery life despite the increased power.
Battery Life
Both phones have a large 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the 2023's faster 15W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the 2021's 10W charging. This is a major convenience upgrade.
Buying Guide
The Moto G Stylus (2023) is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a slightly better camera, and faster charging. The 2021 model is a good buy for those on a tighter budget who don't need the latest and greatest features and are okay with slower charging.