Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) vs Moto G Stylus 5G: A Detailed Showdown

The Motorola Moto G Stylus series is known for its excellent stylus integration and budget-friendly price point. But with two distinct models – the 2023 version and the 5G variant – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Moto G Stylus (2023) offers slightly better performance and faster charging, while the Moto G Stylus 5G brings the advantage of 5G connectivity. If 5G isn't a priority, the 2023 model is the stronger choice; otherwise, the 5G variant is compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-2, 5, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, May 022021, June 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, May 05Available. Released 2021, June 14
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions162.9 x 74.1 x 9.2 mm (6.41 x 2.92 x 0.36 in)169.5 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.67 x 3.05 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)217.5 g (7.69 oz)
 Stylus Water-repellent designStylus Water-repellent design
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 13, planned upgrade to Android 14Android 11, upgradable to Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro)-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED 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 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)-
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity
Battery
Charging15W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, Rose GoldCosmic Emerald
Models-XT2131, XT2131DL, XT2131-1, XT2131-3, XT2131-4
PriceAbout 200 EUR€ 189.97 / $ 74.98 / £ 179.95

Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)

  • Better Performance (Helio G85)
  • Faster 15W Charging
  • Potentially Slightly Better Camera
  • Good Value

  • No 5G Connectivity
  • Design may be slightly less modern

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G

  • 5G Connectivity
  • More Efficient Chipset (Snapdragon 480 5G)
  • Slightly more modern design (potentially)

  • Slower 10W Charging
  • Lower Performance
  • Potentially slightly lower camera quality

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a large 6.8-inch display, likely with a similar resolution (likely FHD+). The 2023 model *may* have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness, but both offer a decent viewing experience for media consumption and note-taking with the stylus. Expect similar refresh rates, likely 120Hz.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature a similar main camera setup (around 50MP), but image processing and software optimizations could differ. The 2023 model *might* have slightly better image quality in certain lighting conditions. Both offer decent cameras for everyday photography.

Performance

The Moto G Stylus (2023) with its Helio G85 chipset generally outperforms the Snapdragon 480 5G in the Moto G Stylus 5G. The G85 offers a more powerful CPU and GPU, resulting in smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. The 8nm process of the Snapdragon 480 5G does offer some efficiency gains, but the overall performance difference is noticeable.

Battery Life

Both phones boast large batteries (likely around 5000mAh), but the charging speeds differ significantly. The 2023 model's 15W charging is faster than the 5G variant's 10W charging, meaning quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a slightly better overall experience within a budget. The Moto G Stylus 5G is best for those who need 5G connectivity and are willing to trade a bit of performance for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Moto G Stylus 5G worth it if I don't need 5G?
No, if 5G isn't a priority, the Moto G Stylus (2023) offers better performance and faster charging, making it the more compelling choice.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have large batteries and offer similar battery life in typical usage. However, the Snapdragon 480 5G's efficiency might give the 5G variant a slight edge in some scenarios.