Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) vs Google Pixel 6a: The Ultimate Showdown

Choosing a new Android phone can be overwhelming. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) offers a stylus and large display, while the Google Pixel 6a boasts Google's Tensor chip and renowned camera. Let's break down which phone reigns supreme.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Pixel 6a wins overall thanks to its superior performance, camera quality, and software experience. However, the Moto G Stylus 5G offers a unique stylus feature and larger battery, making it a compelling choice for specific users prioritizing those features and value.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) Google Pixel 6a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - USA1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada)
5G bands1, 2, 5, 12, 14, 24, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA - USA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International)
Launch
Announced2022, April 222022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 27Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm (6.65 x 2.98 x 0.37 in)152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight215 g (7.58 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 Stylus Water-repellent designIP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzOLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 12, planned upgrade to Android 13Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0, 1.12µm Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximityFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging10W wired, QC318W wired, PD3.0
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsSteel Blue, Seafoam GreenChalk, Charcoal, Sage
ModelsXT2215, XT2215-1, XT2215-2, XT2215-3, XT2215-4GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price$ 66.60$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)

  • Integrated stylus for note-taking and drawing
  • Large display for media consumption
  • Long battery life
  • Generally more affordable

  • Less powerful processor
  • Mediocre camera performance
  • Slower software updates
  • Slow charging (10W)

Google Pixel 6a

  • Powerful Google Tensor chip
  • Excellent camera with Google's computational photography
  • Smooth and responsive software experience
  • Timely software updates
  • Fast charging (18W)

  • Smaller battery compared to Moto G Stylus 5G
  • Less appealing design to some
  • No expandable storage

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a's display shines with a measured 876 nits max brightness, offering excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. Its infinite contrast ratio (nominal) suggests deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Moto G Stylus 5G likely has a decent display, but it won't match the Pixel 6a's brightness and contrast. The Moto G Stylus 5G's larger size is a plus for media consumption.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a's camera is a major selling point. Google's computational photography is exceptional, delivering consistently great photos in various conditions. The Moto G Stylus 5G's camera is serviceable but lacks the Pixel 6a's image processing prowess and overall quality. Expect better dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance from the Pixel 6a.

Performance

Here, the Pixel 6a takes a commanding lead. The Google Tensor chip is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 695 5G. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the Pixel 6a. The Moto G Stylus 5G is adequate for everyday tasks but will struggle with demanding applications.

Battery Life

The Moto G Stylus 5G boasts a larger battery capacity, potentially translating to longer screen-on time. However, the Pixel 6a's endurance rating of 94h suggests excellent battery optimization. Both phones should easily last a full day, but the Moto G Stylus 5G might edge out the Pixel 6a in pure battery capacity.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)? Users who need a stylus for note-taking or drawing, appreciate a large display, and prioritize battery life over raw performance. Who should buy the Google Pixel 6a? Those seeking a smooth, fast experience, excellent camera capabilities, and timely software updates, even on a budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Moto G Stylus 5G have a good camera?
The Moto G Stylus 5G's camera is decent for the price, but it doesn't compete with the Pixel 6a's camera quality. Expect less detail and dynamic range.
❓ Is the Pixel 6a worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and software updates, the Pixel 6a is definitely worth the extra investment. However, if you need a stylus and a larger battery, the Moto G Stylus 5G offers good value.